Download Marijuana - Jean Basile

T.O Phase I
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Marijuana is made from the leafy material of
the cannabis plant and usually is smoked.
The primary psychoactive agent in marijuana
is known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol –
aka THC.
THC is concentrated in the resin of the plant
and is found mostly in the flowery tops. Less
is found in the leaves, and little is in the stalk.
The psychoactive potency depends on the
amount of resin present; therefore, it varies
depending on what part of the plant is used.
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The most potent form of cannabis is from India and
is known as Charas. This consists of pure resin
that has been carefully removed from the surface
of leaves and stems.
Hashish – in its purest form is pure resin. It may be
less pure depending on how carefully the resin has
been separated from the plant material.
Ganja is the 2nd most potent form and consists of
the dried flowering tops of female plants. This
produces high quality marijuana known as
sinsemilla.
Bhang is also from India. It is a low grade
marijuana that is rare in the U.S. Bhang consists
mainly of the leaves of the plant.
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The potency of marijuana varies widely from
low to high grade and can contain anywhere
from less than 1% THC to high grade
marijuana containing more than 9% THC.
The usual range is between 2 and 5 percent.
According to the DEA, the proportion of
confiscated marijuana samples containing
more than 9% THC has increased from 3% of
samples in 1992 to 15% of samples in 2001.
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The earliest marijuana reference was made in 2737
BC by Chinese emperor Shen Nung.
The emperor recommended marijuana be used for
‘female weakness, gout, rheumatism, malaria,
beriberi, constipation, and absent mindedness.’
By 1000 AD, marijuana was being used socially in
North Africa and the Muslim world.
Uncertain when it was discovered in the Americas,
but early settlers initially used hemp as a fiber crop
for making rope.
Mentioned in 1844 in Alexander Dumas’ The Count
of Monte Cristo.
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By 1935 – 36 states had laws regulating the
use, sale, and/or possession of marijuana.
By the end of 1936, all 48 states had similar
laws.
In 1937- congressional hearings were held.
Police were reporting ‘most crimes of
violence are laid to users of marijuana.’
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A federal law which did not outlaw cannabis or
preparations of cannabis.
Taxed the grower, distributor, seller, and buyer.
Administratively, made it almost impossible for
anyone to have anything to do with it.
Around the same time, state laws made
possession and the use of marijuana illegal.
After the tax act, a sharp reduction in reports of
crimes committed under the influence of
marijuana occurred. The price of the drug
increased as well.
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There are 400 chemicals in marijuana; 66 are
known as cannabinoids.
THC is a cannabinoid.
When smoked, THC is rapidly absorbed into
the bloodstream. THC is first delivered to the
brain, then, is redistributed to the rest of the
body.
Within 30 minutes, most is gone from the
brain.
After one week, 25-30% of THC and its
metabolites remain in the brain.
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THC binds to 2 receptor sites in the brain;
known as CB1 and CB2.
CB2 sites are found mainly outside the brain
in the immune cells and may play a role in
modulating immune responses.
CB1 sites are primarily found in the brain in
the basal ganglia.
The basal ganglia are involved in coordinating
body movements.
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The most consistent acute effects are
increased heart rate and increased blood
pressure.
Some evidence shows possible permanent
adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.
Other acute effects include- reddening of the
eyes, dryness of the mouth and throat.
In heavy marijuana smokers- severe
impairment in pulmonary functioning is
possible.
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In 1992, marijuana went from a schedule I to
a schedule II drug.
Used for Glaucoma patients- helps to reduce
fluid pressure in the eye.
For chemotherapy and AIDS patients- helps
to increase appetite.
Marinol- THC capsule used for chemotherapy
patients to reduce nausea
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Cannabinoid withdrawal – not life
threatening, but unpleasant.
Symptoms may include- anxiety,
restlessness, depression, irritability,
disrupted sleep, decreased food intake, and
aggressive behavior.
Symptoms can begin after one day of
cannabinoid cessation, and may last from 4
to 12 days.
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As marijuana users age, there is concern that
individuals with hypertension, heart disease, or
hardening of the arteries may be harmed by
smoking marijuana.
Driving studies show that reaction time is lowered
by marijuana; therefore, accidents are more likely.
Panic reactions- similar to ‘bad trips’ with
hallucinogens. Usually, the individual will fear a
loss of control as well as a fear that things will not
return to normal.
Many people do go to ERs because of this and are
usually given sedatives. Usually, the best way to
help someone in this situation is to talk them
down.
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Chronic lung exposure- studies show daily
marijuana smoking impairs air flow in and out of
the lungs.
Though there are no direct links to cancer yet,
researchers expect to find some soon as it took
many years for cigarettes to be linked with lung
cancer.
Reproductive effects in men- decreased
testosterone, diminished sperm count, & abnormal
sperm structure.
In women- low birth weight and decreased length
at birth.
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Immune system- decreases immunity to
infections.
Amotivational syndrome- characterized by;
diminished motivation, impaired ability to
learn, school and family problems.
Brain damage-THC causes permanent
changes in the structure of neurons in the
hippocampus.
The hippocampus is associated with memory.
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In 2000, the DEA reported that 76% of current illicit
drug users use marijuana; about 59% of current
illicit drug users consumed only marijuana.
In 2002, NDIC referred to marijuana as the most
widely available illicit drug in the U.S.
The National Drug Threat Assessment 2002
reported:
76 million individuals aged 12 and older had tried marijuana in
their lifetime; more than 18 million had used in the past year;
and nearly 11 million in the past month; and on an average
day, 5,556 individuals try marijuana for the first time, of
which 3,814 are aged 12 to 17.
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Young adults have been shown to be at a great risk
for trying marijuana when they leave home.
Young adults age 18 to 25 have the highest rate of
marijuana related ER episodes, the next highest
was individuals between 12 and 17.
A study by SAMHSA in Florida found substance
abuse treatment admissions for marijuana totaled
19.6% (14,391).
The majority of these admissions were for
individuals ages 15 to 17 (36.5%) and 18 to 20
(15.4%).