| Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa) is a well known plant - hemp. Cannabis grows almost all over the world. Cannabis plants are best known today as a powerful psychoactive substance, but for many years, they were collected because of their fiber. Strong hemp fiber is used in the manufacture of ropes, clothes and ship tackles. And also hempseed oil was used in food. Also, for few centuries in many countries around the world, marijuana was used in order to dim the mind, until the United States discovered their psychoactive properties in the first one third of the present century. After that, the cultivation of marijuana increased, owing to its psychoactive effect. Marijuana derives from the Portuguese word "mariguango", which can be translated as "intoxicating". Both, marijuana and hashish come from cannabis sativa. Marijuana - is the upper part of the plant with leaves. Hashish is made of resin dust, which is released from the hemp plant for protection from the sun, heat and to maintain the liquid levels. Plants that grow in warm climates produce a release of more resin, which is a strong psychoactive drug.
According to research by the British medical journal "Lancet" marijuana occupies the 11th spot in the list of harmful drugs. Chemical analysis was carried out and it was found that marijuana is a complex plant, which contains more than 400 chemical elements. About 60 of them, called "cannabinoids", are unique elements of cannabis. As a psychoactive substance, marijuana is used in many methods. For instance, several centuries ago, marijuana was consumed in a liquid form or in the form of food. Apart from this, the psychoactive effects of marijuana are tested by chewing the leaves. Nevertheless, marijuana is commonly used in the form of cigarettes or "joints".
Marijuana has many other names. Marijuana, in youth slang, can be called: grass, marijuana, a joint, Masha, Maria Ivanovna, straw, plan, smoke, herbs, warmer, punch, Khimki, Dill, foolish, hunk, hashish, dung, hydroponics and cannabis.
Marijuana and usage symptoms:
Marijuana disturbs the acidity of the stomach. Marijuana causes all kinds of digestive disorders, inflammation, red eyes, (person may have difficulty trying to keep them open), dry mouth, uncontrollable laughter, forgetfulness, temporary memory loss, extreme fatigue, slowness in actions, occasional bouts of paranoia (when there is strong intoxication or when the person does not know that marijuana is mixed with other drugs), hallucinations, lack of desire, stupor, a sweat smell on the body, hair and clothing, sudden swings in mood and behavior when a person is intoxicated. Marijuana users can also carry eye drops, bubblegum, perfume or cologne in order to hide certain effects or odors. Marijuana has a stimulatory and sedative effect on the body and hallucinogenic effects too at higher doses,.
The physiological effects that occur after the use of marijuana:
• Marijuana causes the swelling of mucus membranes of the eyes and inflammation of the eyes;
• Marijuana increases the pulse and heart rate;
• Marijuana increases arterial blood pressure;
• Marijuana disrupts the motor functions;
• Marijuana causes weakness;
• Marijuana makes the body temperature fluctuate;
• Marijuana causes headaches;
• Marijuana causes vertigo (giddiness);
• Marijuana provokes nausea;
• Marijuana causes a hunger sensation;
The effects of marijuana on human behavior:
• Marijuana induces relaxation;
• Marijuana decreases psychomotor activity;
• Marijuana worsens the attention concentration and destroys the ability to correctly assess situations;
• Marijuana decreases vehicle driving ability and other activities demanding attention;
• Marijuana attracts accelerated speech and impetuous talkativeness;
The emotional effects of marijuana abuse:
• Marijuana creates euphoria, a feeling of wellbeing;
• Marijuana causes a carefree condition, alternating with conditions of anxiety and agitation.
The neuro-psychological effects of marijuana abuse:
• Marijuana induces the deterioration of short-term memory, understanding, and any problem solving ability;
• Marijuana induces a change in perception of time and space;
• Marijuana creates an increased tactile sensitivity;
• Marijuana aggravates visual and listening perceptions and the sense of smell;
• Marijuana reduces painful barriers;
• Marijuana leads to changes in sexual emotions;
• Marijuana leads to hallucinations;
• Marijuana attracts a loss of self recognition as a person;
• Marijuana induces psychosis (at high doses)
The consequences due to the use of marijuana on the brain:
Marijuana influences the thinking capability, the ability to understand, abstract thinking, learning and short-term memory. Depending on the potency of the drug and the users susceptibility, marijuana can cause a state of panic, anxiety and toxic psychosis. Long-term consumption can lead to structural and functional changes.
Marijuana and its effects on the lungs:
Marijuana's smoking causes harmful effects similar to tobacco smoking: bronchitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis and lung cancer. Marijuana, to a greater degree, promotes the development of diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
Marijuana and its effect on the heart:
Marijuana causes increased palpitations and an increase in pulse rate and blood pressure. Marijuana smoking is especially dangerously for people suffering from cardiac illness. |
April 20 (4/20) is the day that cannabis lovers celebrate around the world by communally smoking marijuana. This tradition was started in San Rafael High School in San Rafael, California by some teenagers back in 1971. They used to meet at the Louis Pasteur statue after school at 4:20 PM to smoke pot.
"420 Louis!" was the groups salute!
After that, April 20th was chosen as the "holiday" for marijuana smokers, because of the calendar numbers for this date.
