Medicinal Marijuana and Montreal Compassion Club Raids

Previously published in Examiner

Part 1

Marijuana is the most used illegal drug in the USA. At least 14 million kids 12 years old and over, have used the substance in the last month alone. There are some states in the USA that has legalized marijuana for medicinal use and it is legal in Montreal and the rest of Canada for medicinal reasons as well.

What is marijuana?

Marijuana is a greenish brownish weed, stems, and flower mix derived from the hemp plant known as Cannabis Sativa. Marijuana contains a chemical known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

How is marijuana used?

Marijuana is smoked from a cigarette known as a joint or a pipe. Some people mix tobacco with weed, in order for the cannabis to last longer. Marijuana can also be put in tea and various foods. Another form of marijuana is called hashish known as hash. There are several grades of marijuana all given their own particular names such as "chemo."

Marijuana can be purchased in different sizes but the most common size is the dime bag, which costs $10.00.

Can Marijuana Affect the Brain?

New research shows that the chemical THC gets into the lungs and into the bloodstream where it travels to the various organs of the body. THC reacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain to produce the "high." "The highest density of cannabinoid receptors are found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thoughts, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement."

Marijuana affects memory and a constant diet of Marijuana on a daily basis will interfere with concentration, logic, and intellectual functions.

Long-term use of marijuana has been found to affect the natural chemical called dopamine, which is responsible for the motivation and reward centers of the brain.

It also affects social functioning, impairs school performance, job performance, appetite, restful sleep, and will cause irritability and other symptoms when trying to withdraw from an addiction.

Mental Health

Studies are showing that the “feel good drug” has very negative side effects. Chronic users show evidence of "increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia."

There is some evidence leading to early use and the potential for problems in later life, but at the moment it is not clear whether, marijuana causes these mental issues, worsens them, or is a form of self-medication for preexisting conditions.

To be continued

Sources

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2010/06/04/mtl-compassion-club-raids-debate.html#ixzz0tRh9lmIR

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2010/06/04/mtl-compassion-club-raids-debate.html