Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. Marijuana is an addictive drug, but not everyone who uses the drug can become addicted to it. It is those who actively seek out the drug, and use it on a daily basis, that are said to be addicted to it. Marijuana addiction can be seen in children as young as 10 years old to adults in their 70's and even 80's.
Marijuana is a dry mix of flowers, stems, and seeds from the plant cannabis sativa. It is usually smoked in rolled up papers, much like a cigarette, or through a water pipe. People can also eat it, mix it with other food or brew it in tea. The drug itself is very easy to ingest which is why it is so widely used by such a wide variety of people.
In some cases the drug can be used to help ease the pain of some illnesses and is often debated as to whether it should be legalized or not. Prescriptions are given in extreme circumstances for the easing of pain.
Marijuana Addiction Is Started At Early Age
In a recent survey of people age 12 and older it was found that over 14 million people use marijuana on at least a weekly basis with over 4 million abusing the drug on a daily basis. Marijuana is so easily distributed that users begin at a very young age, as compared to other illicit drugs. It can even be grown in homes if the right equipment is available. Other drugs like cocaine or heroin need to be smuggled in from other countries, but marijuana is very abundant in the US making it readily available.
Marijuana Addiction Symptoms And Effects
The use of marijuana, while does have some medical benefits, can severely handicap how a person interacts and can cause serious health problems. Short terms problems with marijuana addiction involves problems with memory loss, learning new things, being unable to solve problems and perform any critical thinking, loss of coordination, and an increased heart rate. A recent study produced evidence that the chance of a heart related trauma is quadrupled within the first hour of smoking marijuana.
The person under the influence of marijuana will also experience a variety of symptoms that can also vary from person to person.
Depression
Anxiety
A sense of deep personal disturbance
Quick Anger Fits
Uncontrollable laughing
And either increased hunger or a decreases appetite
Young people who smoke marijuana for prolonged period of time will also suffer lower grades and are less likely to graduate from high school. This person will also begin to fall behind intelligence, learning new skills both socially and work related.
Long term marijuana use causes the person smoking it to show signs of lock of motivation, a lack of concern for their own well being or hygiene, have no desire to work on a regular basis and be rather apathetic to their life entirely.
Marijuana Addiction Should Be Closely Monitored
Today there is a sense that it's ok to smoke marijuana because it isn't as dangerous as the other illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or meth. However, the studies show that marijuana is usually the entry point for abuse of other drugs. Young kids should be closely monitored as to whether or not they might be using marijuana so they don't become addicted or progress to other drugs.
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