Marijuana 7 Essay, Research Paper
Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug. It is considered to be a drug that is very addictive, and bad for you. Even though scientists have proven that it is not addictive, and that it is really no worse for you than other socially acceptable drugs like caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol. There are many common myths about it, and about the people who use it. Some of which include, that marijuana is a gateway drug that leads to the use of harder drugs like heroin, LSD, and cocaine. Others say that marijuana leads to a life of crime, and an unsuccessful future, and that it has no medical value. When in actuality, most users don t do any other type of drug, and if they do, studies have shown that it is not because the user is no longer satisfied with the effects if marijuana, but because they want to experiment with other mind altering substances. These people would have done the same whether or not they tried marijuana at all. Some very influential and successful people throughout the years have experienced the effects of marijuana. From our country s first president, George Washington, whom he himself grew it at his home on Mt. Vernon, all the way to present day athletes, movie stars, and musicians, who regularly get caught for possession of the drug. Studies have shown that marijuana can be effective in reducing nausea induced by chemotherapy, stimulating appetite in AIDS patients, and reducing intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma. In fact the only real health risks involved with marijuana, is the fact that it slows the users reaction time (driving a car would not be wise), and that it is a little worse for your lungs than cigarettes. The question now is, how does it effect your body, more specifically, your brain, and what makes it so bad that the federal government has declared it a Schedule one drug (drugs that are considered to have a high potential for abuse ).
Marijuana enters the body in one of two ways, through ingestion, to the stomach, or through inhalation, to the lungs. Either way, it quickly finds its way to the brain via the blood stream. Once there, the active ingredient or neurotransmitter in marijuana, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), activates the newly discovered THC receptor site in the brain. THC reduces the strength and speed of communication carried along the nervous system cells, both in the brain and between the brain and muscles. There is a dense concentration of these receptor sites in the basal ganglia and the cerebellum, at the base of the brain. The lack of these receptors in the medulla region of the brain reduces the possibility of accidental or even deliberate death from THC. The basel ganglia aid in actions that include walking, and laughing. The cerebellum has partial control over such things as learning, coordination, balance and the perception of time, and distance. This explains why people under the influence of marijuana, have trouble walking, experience uncontrollable laughing, have less coordination and balance, and a problem with the perception of time and distance. Marijuana also lessens the amount of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACH) in the area of the brain that is associated with long term memory. This is probably why marijuana users have problems remembering things. Another neurotransmitter affected by marijuana is called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). This increased amount of GABA is why other symptoms like a reduction of anxiety, sleepiness, and muscle relaxation is felt by the user.
For years it was thought that marijuana increased the amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates the user with extremely pleasurable sensations. This is known as the brain reward system , and this is what causes the user to become addicted. Drugs like LSD, cocaine, alcohol, amphetamines, opiates, and nicotine, all either stop the brain from receiving the signal to stop producing it, or they cause the brain to keep producing it by continually sending it the signal. But because there is a THC receptor site in the brain, the brain can actually in some respects process the THC. According to the congressional Office of Technology Assessment, research over the last ten years has proved that marijuana has no effect on dopamine related brain systems, thus it significantly reduces the risks of addiction and serious physical dependence.
The effects of marijuana usually last for approximately twenty- four hours, but the user only feels the effects for about four to six hours (depending upon how big the dose of THC is). Excess THC is stored in fat, metabolized by the liver, and slowly excreted through urine and feces. The user may test positive for the drug up to four weeks after the last time they came in contact with it.
Другие работы по теме:
The Effects Of Marijuana On The Brain
Essay, Research Paper Marijuana has been illegal for years because of the thought that it was a drug similar to cocaine, or heroin. Drugs such as cocaine and heroin affect the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter associated with extremely pleasurable sensations. If a drug interferes with its production and causes too much to be produced the result is extremely pleasurable and can lead to severe abuse and addiction.
Marijuana Essay Research Paper Most users roll
Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Most users roll loose marijuana into a cigarette commonly known as a “joint.” A typical joint contains between 0.5 and 1.0 gram of Marijuana plant matter, which varies in THC content between 5 and 150 milligrams. The drug also can be smoked in a pipe. One well-known type of water pipe is the bong.
Marijuana Essay Research Paper Marijuana mixture of
Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Marijuana, mixture of leaves, stems, and flowering tops of the Indian hemp plant Cannabis sativa, smoked or eaten for its hallucinogenic and pleasure-giving effects. The psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is concentrated in the flowering tops; hashish, a drug prepared from the plant resin, has about eight times more THC than marijuana.
Should Marijuana Be Used To Relieve Aids
Patients Essay, Research Paper AIDS is a disease that causes great pain to its sufferers and has no cure. People with AIDS must live much of the rest of their lives in agony because there are few effective treatments available for their pain. There is one treatment, however, that can give relief to AIDS patients and has been proven in studies to do so, but is illegal and cannot be used.
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay Research Paper The
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay, Research Paper The purpose of this paper is to discuss marijuana and compare the issue of legalizing it from both sides. We have two factions fighting each other, those who are pro-marijuana and those who are anti-marijuana. These two factions have been fighting on this issue in the halls of justice for years.
Marijuana 2 Essay Research Paper MarijuanaMarijuana is
Marijuana 2 Essay, Research Paper MarijuanaMarijuana is the name given to any drug made from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Different forms of this drug are known by different names all around the world. Some of these names are kif in Morocco, dagga in South Africa, and ganja in India. In the last decade marijuana has gotten many street names like grass, pot, tea, reefer, weed, and Mary Jane.
Teen Smoking Essay Research Paper Negative effects
Teen Smoking Essay, Research Paper Negative effects of Marijuana Marijuana is the least harmful drug, but it does have negative health effects. Though moderate users of marijuana are taking less risks than a moderate
Marijuana 6 Essay Research Paper Medical MarijuanaMarijuana
Marijuana 6 Essay, Research Paper Medical Marijuana? Marijuana, a drug that has been studied for many decades, provides for a very heated argument. No longer is it seen solely as a hallucinogen, but some claim that it is miracle drug for chemotherapy and glaucoma patients. However, no legitiment medical organizations, see marijuana as a safe and effective medicine.
The Drug War Essay Research Paper Everyday
The Drug War Essay, Research Paper Everyday someone is thrown in state prison for anywhere from 3 years to life for the “illegal” use of the drug known as marijuana. It has come down to it that thousands of pounds of marijuana are smuggled over the border of Mexico and into the United States. Regardless of the fight or struggle of people to insure the so said safety of our younger generations from the use of these drugs more and more comes into the Unites States.
Marijuana Essay Research Paper IssuesThe issue I
Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Issues The issue I would like to bring up is the legalization of medical and/or recreational marijuana. I feel this would be beneficial to most everyone, both users and non-users. Marijuana has been proven to help a great deal for glaucoma sufferers as stated in the Hallucinogenic Encyclopedia.
Marijuana Legalization Essay Research Paper I personally
Marijuana Legalization Essay, Research Paper I personally don?t smoke marijuana I?ll admit I tried it once but quickly rethought my decision after having the feelings that my lungs were going to collapse and my throat was on fire. However I have more friends that partake is smoking marijuana than not, in truth at least 75% of my friends are smokers.
Weed Essay Research Paper The Marijuana Reform
Weed Essay, Research Paper The Marijuana Reform Party believes: That adults who choose to use marijuana in the privacy of their own homes should not be subject to civil or criminal sanctions.
Legalizing Marijuana Essay Research Paper Marijuana has
Legalizing Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Marijuana has been used throughout history in many different cultures to change mood, perception, and consciousness – in other words, to get high. Its effects range from increasing
Legalizing Marijuana Essay Research Paper Legalizing MarijuanaMarijuana
Legalizing Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Legalizing Marijuana Marijuana becoming legal is a topic every American should agree on. The reason being is it would benefit Americans in three ways; there would be less crowding in jails, it would create more tax income, and it would cut down the amount of crime in the country.
Legalizing Marijuanna Essay Research Paper Legalizing MarijuanaThe
Legalizing Marijuanna Essay, Research Paper Legalizing Marijuana The purpose of this paper is to discuss marijuana and compare both sides of the issue of legalizing marijuana. We have two opposite opinions fighting each other, those who are pro marijuana and those who are anti-marijuana. These two sides have been fighting on this issue for years.
Marijuana Essay Research Paper Marijuana PlantMarijuana also
Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Marijuana Plant Marijuana, also called hemp, bhang, and ganja, is used as an intoxicant in many parts of the world, the leaves or dried flowers being either smoked or eaten. It has also been used as a sedative and analgesic. Hashish, a resin obtained from the top of the flowering plant, is five to eight times more potent than the leaves when smoked.
Marijuana Essay Research Paper MarijuanaBetter Kept IllegalMarijuanaColliers
Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Marijuana Better Kept Illegal Marijuana Collier?s Encyclopedia defines marijuana as a crude drug composed of the leaves, stems, and flowering buds of the Indian hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The flowering tops of the plant secrete a sticky resin that contains the psychoactive material for which marijuana is used.
Medical Marijuana Essay Research Paper On November
Medical Marijuana Essay, Research Paper On November 5, 1996, Californians voiced their honest opinion. Californians voted yes on a very controversial proposition – proposition 215. This law allows doctors to prescribe marijuana to patients with diseases that have severe symptoms. For example, cancer patients that undergo chemo-therapy and suffer from severe nausea and aching can benefit from smoking marijuana.
Legalizing Marijuana Essay Research Paper Legalizing marijuana
Legalizing Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Legalizing marijuana What this can’t be true, marijuana can’t be good for you it causes asthma and bronchitis. Oh wait I almost forgot thats just another misconception of marijuana in truth it is actually good for people suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Yeah right, this wonder of a drug isn’t only not bad for you, but it can actually promote good health.
Marijuana History Usage Essay Research Paper
Ben Holicky Marijuana is a drug that has been used for thousands of years. Marijuana was used in ancient China, as far back as 5000 B.C. The Incan?s and Mayan?s used marijuana in religious ceremonies. Marijuana also has roots in this country. The Indians of the plains used marijuana in their peace pipes as a sign of friendship and peace.
Marijuana Essay Research Paper Marijuana also called
Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Marijuana (also called mary-jane, pot, grass, weed, doobey and reefer) is the most commonly used illegal street drug in North America. Marijuana is a depressant. It is one of the cheapest illegal drugs in the world. It is also one of the easiest drugs to get. Because of this it is one of the most dangerous drugs.
Legalize It Essay Research Paper In the
Legalize It Essay, Research Paper In the words of Peter Tosh “legalize it do not criticize it!” Marijuana Should ve legalized for medicinal, recreational, and religioys purposes. Legalization has been a big issus for the last couple of years. Arizona and Califouria have both instated medical Marijuana laws.These laws are a huge step for universal legalization.
Why It Should Be Legal Essay Research
Paper Why Marijuana Should be Legal For my final paper I am going to do it on why marijuana should be legal. I will provide factual information that will prove that there are more reasons that it should be legal than illegal. Using studies done by doctors and scientist that prove that it is used to cure many illnesses and medical conditions.
Legal Marijuana Essay Research Paper Legalization of
Legal Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Legalization of Marijuana By: Michelle Jarka E-mail: shellgal8@aol Legalization of Marijuana Should marijuana be legalized? This has been an enormous controversial issue for the last couple of decades. It?s a drug that can be good for you, yet cause many great dangers.
Med Marijuana Essay Research Paper Medical Marijuana
Med. Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Medical Marijuana The U.S. Supreme Court may turn Nevada s plan to have sick patients use marijuana into a ruling Monday. They provided no legal leeway for medicinal use of the drug. Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, a Democrat from Las Vegas, who sponsored Nevada s medical marijuana bill, said that the ruling doesn t affect the current plan before the Legislature that would allow patients to join a state medical registry and grow up to seven plants for personal use.
Legalize Marijuana Essay Research Paper I for
Legalize Marijuana Essay, Research Paper I, for one, believe that Marijuana should be legalized. I have several reasons for this, the main one is that it would almost completely eliminate the crime and other
Legalize Marijuana Essay Research Paper Should Marijuana 2
Legalize Marijuana? Essay, Research Paper Should Marijuana be Legalized? The purpose of this paper is to discuss marijuana and compare both sides of the issue of legalizing marijuana. We have two factions fighting each other; one those who are pro marijuana and those who are anti marijuana. These two factions have been fighting on this issue for many, many years.
Should Marijuana Be Legalized Essay Research Paper 2
Should Marijuana Be Legalized? Essay, Research Paper Should Marijuana be Legalized? Aaron Roberts Mr. Marshall 4/5/00 Marijuana should be legalized. Marijuana s composition is complex, and has a number of physiological effects. Also, a reason for marijuana legalization is the potential wealth of health benefits that have largely been ignored (www.howardcc.edu).
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay Research Paper Legalization
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Legalization of medical marijuana This act may be cited as the ? legalization of marijuana? Sec. 1 This bill will be for the well being of the pain stricken patients in our nation’s hospitals, a doctor that will decide if a patient is illegible to receive marijuana.