Marijuana causes short term
memory loss
Substance abuse is a major
problem, all around the globe. It not only affects those who use the drug, but also affects other people adversely. There is increasing concern regarding how marijuana
affects the brain and a person's memory.
What is marijuana?
Marijuana is a drug derived
from cannabis sativa, more commonly known as the hemp plant. It may also be
referred to as pot, grass, reefer, weed, herb, Mary Jane or mj. At the moment,
marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in America
How can one recognize
marijuana?
Marijuana is a greenish-gray
colored mixture of dried and shredded leaves, stems, seeds and flowers. (2)
How is marijuana sold?
Marijuana is sold as hand
rolled cigarettes called joints, for usage with pipes or water pipes, called
bongs. Marijuana cigars called blunts, are cigars that are sliced open and have
the tobacco replaced with marijuana or crack cocaine. Marijuana is being
added to food and used as tea. (3)
What chemical is found in
marijuana?
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC) is the major active ingredient in marijuana. It has mind-altering
affects. Other drugs like crack cocaine, PCP, formaldehyde and codeine cough
syrup may be in marijuana. (4)
How is the brain affected by
marijuana?
The amount of THC in the
marijuana that is purchased, determines its effects. THC enters the lungs and
travels through the bloodstream to the brain. From there, it connects to
cannabinoid receptors that determine pleasure, memory, thought, concentration,
sensory and time perception and co-ordinated movement. (5)
What are the implications of
using marijuana, with respect to brain cell function?
Because brain cell function is
adversely or negatively affected, so are all of the areas of the brain and
other parts of the body that normally function under the influence of those
particular brain cells. (6)
Those smoking marijuana or
consuming it in food or tea, are seeking a temporary feeling of euphoria. Their happiness is short lived.
Users of marijuana may or may
not be aware of its long term, harmful effects on the brain, or nervous system.
These can include the
following:
Marijuana hinders the memory because it weakens one's short term memory and results in short term memory loss.
It inhibits memory retrieval, which leads to selective learning, as the result
of a memory deficit. Because of cognitive impairment, marijuana affects the
recognition of words. This may result in a person having trouble learning.
Marijuana affects thought,
concentration, time and depth perception, as well as co-ordination and
motivation.
Marijuana adversely affects the
central nervous system by damaging nerve cells. It interferes with
communication between the neurons, in the central nervous system and causes the nerves to alter their
initial behavior.
Marijuana may cause mental or
personality disturbances, depression and chronic anxiety.
In a person diagnosed
with schizophrenia, it can trigger severe mental disturbances or cause a
relapse of symptoms.
Marijuana impairs emotions,
which may range from uncontrollable laughter, to severe paranoia.
Marijuana is an addicting drug
that can cause increased heart rate, gross motor disturbances and panic
attacks. It puts people at high risk for other addictions.
There are those who argue in
favor of the use of marijuana for the treatment of AIDS, cancer, glaucoma,
multiple sclerosis and chronic pain. (7)
Note that the usage of
marijuana, in this way is questionable. Proper medical treatment should be
sought from a physician.
Also note that those who use
marijuana, may put both themselves and others at risk, in terms of health and
safety. They should seek addiction counseling and treatment, immediately.
(1)
http://www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/Marijuana/Marijuana2.html#affect
(2) Ibid.
(3) Ibid.
(4) Ibid.
(5) Ibid.
(6) http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1808
(7) Ibid.
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