Marijuana

1
Marijuana

• ...a long-standing argument continues into the
  21st Century

2
-- Pro and Con --

• There is less interference with work performance
  due to hangover than in persons who use alcohol
  as a social relaxant
• different mechanisms for distribution and
  metabolism

• Abnormal brain wave readings (EEG) and brain
  synapse alterations are common with marijuana
  smokers who use the drug at least 2x per week
• dont appear to be permanent unless use is chronic

3
-- Pro and Con --

• Most research data seems to support a decrease in
  consumption of alcohol by marijuana smokers and
  that there is much less prevalence of addiction
• cross tolerance
• heavy users of each correlate highly

• THC (the active drug substance) accumulates in
  the brain and reproductive tissues and is not
  easily broken down
• abnormal menstrual cycles
• results in decreases in prolactin, testosterone
  and sperm production

4
-- Pro and Con --

• Few acute physiological changes are attributed to
  the use of marijuana
• hormonal influences
• cardiovascular effects
• dosage of THC differs with different forms of the
  drug

• THC increases heart rate and produces other
  stress-like effects contraindicated in those
  with heart disease
• tolerance does develop to these effects

5
-- Pro and Con --

• Marijuana is useful in reducing the ocular
  pressure caused by glaucoma and the nausea caused
  by chemotherapy
• other forms of marijuana are available (e.g.,
  marinol)
• other legal drugs can be used

• Psychological and behavioral effects are common
  apathy, lack of concern, amotivation, and
  disturbance of perception
• not dangerous forms of mental disturbance

6
-- Pro and Con --

• Much of the research into the harmful effects
  caused by marijuana has, at best, been ambivalent
• influenced by the decriminalization movement
• influenced by the renewal of interest in medical
  uses
• hard to keep up with newer, more potent varieties
  (e.g., sinsemilla)

• Positive correlation exists between marijuana
  smoking and cigarette smoking adds to the risk
  of heart / lung disease
• cardiovascular effects are typically not permanent

7
-- Pro and Con --

• Few, if any, deaths can be attributed directly to
  marijuana aspirin in comparison is linked to
  approximately 1000 deaths per year
• difficult to measure amounts in blood
• intoxication on marijuana is not identified in
  most states

• Short term memory loss is common
• state dependent learning is the norm with
  marijuana use

8
-- Pro and Con --

• Marijuana is an effective relaxant and intoxicant
  with few acute side effects
• low dosage
• psychedelic effects at high dosage levels
• polydrug use is common

• As with any drug used as a coping mechanism,
  marijuana use for coping may inhibit
  psychological maturation
• less effect on older, more mature individuals

9
-- Pro and Con --

• Marijuana use is thought to be much less harmful
  than tobacco and/or alcohol use when used
  moderately by adults
• potentiates harm of tobacco smoke
• presents an ambivalent drug message to young
  people

• Chronic marijuana use can result in a burnout
  syndrome

10
-- Pro and Con --

• Marijuana use is not addicting for most and
  doesnt lead to the use of narcotics
• more likely to come into contact with other
  illegal drugs (availability accessibility)
• sometimes combined with PCP or heroin, then smoked

• Complex psychomotor performance (e.g., driving a
  car) is impaired by the intoxicating qualities of
  marijuana (reaction time, motor coordination, cue
  detection, tracking behavior, etc.)
• less aggressive driving behavior than with
  alcohol intoxication

11
-- Pro and Con --

• Sexuality and sexual experiences are often
  heightened by the use of marijuana (relaxation
  reduced inhibitions)
• chronic use effects hormones related to cell /
  tissue development and reproduction
• animal research

• A majority of the people who smoke marijuana do
  so to get high, not simply to take advantage of
  its relaxant qualities
• becoming the reality for much of drug use
  (alcohol, cocaine, hallucinogens, etc.)
• potential for panic reaction

12
-- Pro and Con --

• Youthful drug experimenters, if unable to get
  marijuana, may end up with more dangerous
  substitutes LSD, PCP, heroin, cocaine, etc.
• gateway for some

• Marijuana use is thought to be major factor in
  upswing of bronchitis, pharyngitis and pulmonary
  system cancers due to ciliary paralysis

13
-- Pro and Con --

• The illegality of marijuana use and subsequent
  Black Market sales have attracted criminal
  types to the dispensation of this drug
• criminal by definition

• Chemicals in marijuana can cross the placental
  barrier and are stored in mothers milk
• contraindicated with pregnancy

14
-- Pro and Con --

• The relative harm from the use of marijuana when
  compared to the use of other legal drugs does not
  warrant its prohibition
• equivocal
• potential problems related to legalization

• Evidence exists that THC effects the function and
  reproduction of T lymphocytes and, therefore,
  basic immune functioning
• again, equivocal

15
Areas of Agreement

• Marijuana should not be used by
• children
• pregnant women
• persons with lung / heart diseases
• persons who are schizophrenic or pre-
  schizophrenic
• Infrequent use (i.e., less than once a week) will
  probably not result in ill effects
• Marijuana and the use of complex equipment (e.g.,
  a car) do not mix!