Marijuana
The science of marijuana use.
Many people in our world today are involved in marijuana use.
Even though it is illegal in NYS, many people continue to use it
and think legalizing it should happen. This is a big controversial topic, whether or not marijuana
use should remain illegal or legalize it.
Behavioral Effects of Marijuana use
"After a few delayed moments of forcibly holding the smoke in the lungs, most users suddenly experience the high (395)." Many users experience dry mouths, and their heart beat is elevated. Sometimes people can have coordination and balancing as an issue. A lot of people experience slower reaction times. Experts on the effects of marijuana use state that driving under the influence can be very dangerous. Also marijuana users tend to have red eyes. This is because the blood vessels expand, which causes the eyes to become red. A typical high can last from 2-3 hours. "Subjectively, the user experiences altered perception of space and time, impaired memory of recent events, and impaired physical coordination (395)."
Signs and symptoms of marijuana use
* Oder similar to burnt rope in a room and on clothes
* Plastic Baggies that are found in pockets. Often have marijuana in the bag.
*Rolling papers or pipes, usually hidden somewhere.
*Eye drops. This is to distinguish the redness of eyes.
* Eating Binges
*Fatigue, Drowsiness.
*Excessive laughter
Cannabis sativa- biological species name for the variety of hemp plant
Medical Use
Marijuana can also be used for medical use. The use of THC can calm or relieve symptoms of an illness. "Marijuana has been shown to be effective in the treatment of certain types of medical conditions. However, because medicines exist that are at least as effective with out the abuse potential, none of these applications is currently approved by the FDA.
Medical conditions that marijuana can help relieve symptoms....
Reduction in Interocular pressure
Muscle Relaxant Effect
Antiseizure Effect
Antidepresent Effect
Analgesic Effect
Antinauseant
Appetite stimulant
Long Term effects of Smoking Marijuana Short Term Effects of Smoking Marijuana
Memory and Learning Anxiety attracts and feeling paranoid
Fertility Issues Impaired short-term memory
Respiratory problems Impairment of driving skills
Gate way Drug
"Gate way drugs are drugs that serve as a gate or path that usually precedes the use of illicit drugs, such as marijuana ,heroin, and LSD. Gateway drugs, or drugs of entry serve to initiate a novice user into the drug using world."
Many people think that people begin using drugs with the experience of marijuana use. Eventually people begin to get bored of the effect marijuana does to their body. Therefore they try other drugs that are more serious and have worse effects.
Athletes and Drug Abuse
Many athletes use drugs that enhance their athletic performance."Doping among the governing bodies of world-class competitors is rampant... and the governing bodies of individual sports as well as the international Olympic committee, turn a blind eye"
Why do athletes do this to themselves?
1." Inadvertent consumption of any pharmaceutical medicine that is protected from commercial competition either because the ingredients of manufacturing method is kept a secret or is protected by trade mark or copy right."
2. "Deliberate consumption of misuse as a recreational drug and to enhance their performance."
Athletes want to excel in their sport because it is extremely competitive. Many of them feel if they take a certain type of drug that it will make them become a better player. Some body builders use steroids to help them to become stronger and to look better. Some of these builder attend "pageants" which they can win based on how Well their bodies look and well built.
In this article it states that 60% of athletes use drugs to increase their performance!
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that are used to help increase the users energy and experience a "high"
These drugs increase a person to feel restless, talkative and may experience having trouble sleeping. Having a high dose of these drugs overtime can result in personality changes. Theses changes can make a person to become more violent and psychotic behavior.
Some major stimulants are amphetamine, cocaine, and methylphenidant.
"Amphetamines are chemicals that are similar to natural neurotransmitters such as norepinephine, dopamine, and the stress hormone epinephrine. This increases the release and blocking of the metabolism of these catecholamine subsistence's as well as serotioin, both in the brain and in the nerves associated with sympathetic nervous system (287).
Signs and symptoms of Amphetamines on the Body and Mind (p.294)
Body Mind
Increased heart beat Decreased fatigue
Increased blood pressure Increased confidence
Decreased appetite Increased Irritability
Sweating Psychosis
Inability to sleep Distrust people
Fever Hallucinations
Chest pain Fearfulness, apprehension
Death due to overdose Behavioral sterotypy
Reflection
One thing I learned in this module is the long term effects of marijuana use! I may be able to use this in the future because I know many people that are involved in marijuana use. I can tell them information about this drug and maybe it will change their decision on how often they use marijuana. I am still unsure about the amphetamine stimulants. It is a little complicated on how they work in the brain. I do understand the effects of them, but confused about the science of it and other drugs too.
I have been really successful in this course. To achieve my success, I put a lot of effort in this class. I read the text book and reflected on it through my journal entries. This has helped me really learn and understand the information well. Also communicating with other students through the discussion has helped really think about certain topics and see other view points from other students.
For my discussion questions, I feel like I do very well. I teach something and provide information to back it up. Also I ask a question and provide a link to help others answer the question. I also put a lot of detail in my discussions. This helps other students really understand what I am asking and students may be learning something new.
