Marijuana is almost certainly the most commonly abused illegal drug. Cannabis is made out of dried flowers leaves, seeds and stems of the plant Cannabis sativa. This is normally prepared like tobacco and smoked like a cigarette, or in a pipe. It’s not uncommon to be used by people with other drugs at the same time. It can be mixed into food or brewed up as a tea.

It is also available in a resin form known as hashish, and as hash oil which is a sticky black liquid. Marijuana smoke has a very distinctive smell, it smells sort of sweet and sour. There are lots of different street names for marijuana including:
- weed
- grass
- ganja
- hash
- widow

How does Marijuana affect the brain?

When someone smokes marijuana the chemicals quickly enter into the bloodstream, where it is able to travel to every organ in the body. The organ that it affects the most is the brain.

Marijuana changes how the brain works, however it can also create some problems associated with your memory and learning. When taking marijuana for short term uses you might notice problems thinking, a loss of coordination, or a higher heart rate.

How does Marijuana affect the heart?

In the first hour of taking marijuana the risk of a heart attack is much higher, some scientists have suggested that it is as high as 4 times the risk. This increased risk is thought to be a result of the increase in blood pressure and heart rate, and also because the body cannot carry as much oxygen.

How does Marijuana affect the Lungs?

A recent study looked at 450 people that smoked marijuana, the study concluded that people that smoked marijuana had much more time off work due to respiratory illnesses.

Even if you use marijuana infrequently then this can cause problems with your mouth and throat, which you may just think is a cough. If you smoke marijuana on a regular basis then you may experience symptoms similar to people that smoke tobacco. There is also a greater risk of someone developing further lung infections.

Taking marijuana also increases your risk of developing lung cancer, because the smoke is known to contain many carcinogenic chemicals. It contains 50% extra carcinogens than tobacco smoke.

Many people do not think that Marijuana represents a major problem, however it really does need looking at. It may not be as serious as taking crack, however it is still highly addictive. Most people will find themselves starting on a drug like this and then moving onto more and more powerful drugs when they stop working. That’s why it’s so important that you check out Marijuana Rehab options as soon as possible. The best way to find out about this is to talk to your doctor.

If you suspect that your children are abusing any kind of drug then it’s something that you will need to look at, just remember to be careful when discussing marijuana rehab.