Harmful Effects of Marijuana

• The harmful effects of marijuana on the Brain and Central Nervous System are:
  • Impaired thinking, mood, memory, and coordination
    • Marijuana (THC) is an extremely powerful and pleasurable intoxicant. Its affects alter and damage brain cells that control thinking, emotion, pleasure, coordination, mood, and memory. The pituitary gland is also damaged which regulates hunger, thirst, blood pressure, sexual behavior, and the release of sex hormones.
    • Clogged synapses, brain damage, and addiction
  • Marijuana accumulates in the microscopic spaces between nerve cells in the brain called "synapses." This clogging interferes by slowing and impairing the transfer of critical information.
  • Long term use causes the brain to stop production of brain chemicals necessary to "feel good" - a negative feedback condition. This causes the user to become chemically addicted to marijuana.
  • The harmful effects of marijuana on the Heart
    • Speeds up heartbeat as much as 50%, increases blood pressure, and poses great risk to those with hypertension and heart disease.
  • The harmful effects of marijuana on the Endocrine System
    • Marijuana damages the network of glands, organs, and hormones involved in growth and development, energy levels, and reproduction.
    • Organs and glands affected:
      • pituitary gland
      • thyroid gland
      • stomach
      • duodenum
      • pancreas
      • adrenal glands
      • testis
  • The harmful effects of marijuana on the Reproductive System for males and females
    • Marijuana use can decrease and degenerate sperm, sperm count, movement, and cause lowered sex drive. Females can have egg damage, suppression of ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and cause alteration of hormone levels.
    • Regular use during pregnancy can lower birth weight and cause abnormalities similar to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (small head, irritability, poor growth and development).
    • Can destroy the number of chromosomes, resulting in cell abnormalities and impaired function.
  • Other affects on the central nervous system
    • distortions of perceptions, thinking, and reality
    • Difficulty in forming concepts and thoughts
    • Poor concentration
    • Mental confusion
    • Loss of motivation
    • Wide mood swings
    • Aggression and hostility
    • Depression, anxiety, and paranoia
  • The harmful effects of marijuana on the Eyes
    • Sleepy looking, bloodshot eyes with dilated pupils.
  • The harmful effects of marijuana on the Throat
    • Irritates membranes of the esophagus and increases chance of developing cancer of larynx and esophagus.
  • The harmful effects of marijuana on the Lungs
    • Significant damage and destruction of the air sacs of the lungs, reducing the lungs ability to bring oxygen and remove carbon dioxide - Emphysema.
    • Causes bronchial tubes to be inflamed, thickened, and to produce more mucus which results in narrowing of the air passages - Chronic Bronchitis.
    • Marijuana smoke has twice as much "tar" as cigarette smoke and significantly increases chance of lung cancer, inflammation, and infection.