According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States.” A derivative of a hemp plant, marijuana is usually smoked in either cigarette or pipe format. It has a distinct sweet-and-sour smell. Marijuana contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannobinol (THC), which gives the user a “high”, but also impairs coordination, thinking and problem solving, and memory. The effects of marijuana can last for weeks after the “high” from the drug wears off.

Marijuana is generally not classified as an addictive drug, however it does create symptoms of, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, and paranoia. Long-term use of marijuana can cause a multitude of mental problems. Many claim that marijuana should be legalized in the United States for “medicinal use”; however it is unclear to scientists whether marijuana causes mental problems or exacerbates them. Heart problems are clearly caused by marijuana, as it increases a user’s heart rate anywhere from twenty to one hundred percent after smoking it. This racing heartbeat can last for several hours, putting the user at a higher risk for heart attack.

Marijuana smoke is also an irritant to the lungs. Researchers have found that mari cannabis kaufen onlinejuana contains up to seventy percent more toxins than tobacco smoke does. This combined with the fact that many users inhale and then hold their breath means that the lungs are exposed to irritants for a longer period of time. This can cause many illnesses similar to tobacco smokers, such as chronic coughs, repeated chest illness, and lung infections. A study by the NIDA found that “people who smoke marijuana frequently but do not smoke tobacco have more health problems and miss more days of work than nonsmokers.”

Since marijuana is such a commonly abused drug, its effects have been widely studied. Results show that marijuana impairs careers because of tardiness, accidents, inability to concentrate, and regular job losses. Social activities can also be affected because of damaged cognitive abilities. “In 2007, 14.4 million Americans aged 12 or older used marijuana at least once in the month prior to being surveyed, which is similar to the 2006 rate. About 6,000 people a day in 2007 used marijuana for the first time-2.1 million Americans. Of these, 62.2 percent were under age 18.” According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The health benefits of marijuana are doubtful, and the problems caused by marijuana are clearly documented. Marijuana is a dangerous drug that should not be used recreationally, but rather only under a doctor’s care. Educating others about the hazards associated with marijuana is a good place to start in reducing its appeal.