Marijuana History directed towards students. Below is a research paper on the effects of marijuana long term. The changes in the plant over the years and the impact it will have used medicinally or as a tool to promote relaxation. I wrote this paper prior to it’s legalization in many states.
Author: Tina Brigitini, CCIH, DAP, LMT, RPT
Hello and welcome! I understand that many of you are upset about the recent crack down to the use and distribution of marijuana on campus. I am also aware that you feel that the use of marijuana is similar to that of caffeine use. Quite honestly both caffeine and marijuana are detrimental to your overall health; however I am here today to educate you to the physical, psychological, and social consequences of engaging in the use of marijuana.
As students you will continue to be faced with the stresses of school, preparation for exams, financial challenges, and social challenges as you strive to achieve your educational goals which will prepare you for the rest of your life. You will also have many opportunities to make decisions that will directly impact your health, your success, your ability to excel or fail. Some of these opportunities will be presented in how you choose to handle your stress levels. I am here to speak with you specifically on the impact of marijuana, although considered by many to be a safe drug of choice, you are about to educated on the detrimental effects marijuana has on the physical body including the brain and the lungs. You will be educated to make decisions as to whether or not this drug will support your long term goals in relation to your education as well as your physical and emotional well being.
Let us begin with the history of the cannabis plant and the uses and then the changes that have been made to this natural plant which have changed the chemistry providing even more danger to the physical body. The plant was first observed in 1545 by European explorers. The hemp plant, cannabis was once considered to be a useful crop, farmers were actually fined for not growing hemp as early as 1617 when it was introduced to England and later cultivated in Virginia. This plant was used as a natural household drug to treat common ailments such as headaches and menstrual cramps. Things began to change as the drug companies began to cultivate stronger varieties of the plant for use in drug products. The plant was renamed to “cannabis Americana.” It was not until 1910 with the Mexican Revolution when drug trafficking opened up and growth and transport became a profitable business. (“Marijuana - History”) This created a change in this once considered household medicine as changes to the plant became more potent and harmful.
Musicians were the first to claim that smoking the marijuana plant provided them with more freedom and ease in the creation of their music. This lead to an increase in mind altering drugs primarily marijuana and alcohol which quickly spread into many popular cities such as Chicago, New York, London, and Paris.
Scientist have since discovered that use of this plant once considered medicinal has many detrimental effects on the brain, the primary reason for this is due to the chemical THC which has the ability to attach to the cannabis receptors of the brain which lead to the “high” associated with the drug. Specific parts of the brain affected are those that effect coordination, memory, pleasure, concentration, appetite, thinking, and time perception. “Research has shown that, in chronic users, marijuana’s adverse impact on learning and memory can last for days or weeks after the acute effects of the drug wear off.2” (“Info Facts: Marijuana”)
Considering the fact that most people abusing this drug are smoking it would lead us to the next conclusion; the impact to the healthy lung tissue. Marijuana smoking, like cigarette smoking causes inflammation to the lung tissue leading to respiratory issues, marijuana has 50-70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than cigarette smoke. People who smoke marijuana inhale the smoke more deeply than cigarette smokers creating similar issues to that of tobacco users. It has not yet been proven, however in time we may see an increase in lung cancer as a result of marijuana smoking. The fact is both marijuana and tobacco contain carcinogens, cancer causing agents; this will compromise the immune system diminishing the body’s ability to ward off infection. It is fact that the physiological changes to the body include increase in heart rate, this may not be detrimental to the person with no other health concerns however many health issues are undetected. The fact is that anyone who has undiagnosed health issues runs the risk of serious health challenges as a result of increasing heart rate.
From a psychological perspective research has proven that smoking marijuana in vulnerable individuals may contribute to the onset of schizophrenia, and paranoia, while also increasing levels of anxiety. “A number of studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.”(“Info Facts: Marijuana”) Anyone can experience feelings of panic, particularly those who have early childhood traumas; these feeling can be exasperated with the use of marijuana leading to visits to the emergency room. In the 1930’s the connection between marijuana and psychotic break down was one of the main arguments in outlawing marijuana. “There have been reports of psychotic “breakdowns” occurring with rare frequency after marijuana has been smoked, but the causal relationship is in question.” (Hart, Ksir, & Ray, 2009, p. 384)
Other physical concerns are the possible interference of the reproductive systems in both men and women. This determination may be more speculation as evidence has yet to be able to provide direct correlation due to the fact that most people have also been cigarette smokers and or alcohol abusers.
As college students you have created many goals in your life, marijuana use is not going to support your ability to attain these goals. The long term effects on memory impairment, motivation, and your ability to learn have been shown to be dramatically reduced over time. In stopping the abuse of marijuana and in time studies have shown students can reverse this symptom of marijuana abuse. “Several studies associate workers’ marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers’ compensation claims, and job turnover.”(“Info Facts: Marijuana”)
I would like to thank you for your time today and do hope that you can make your decisions based clear and accurate information around the use of marijuana as it relates to your long term goals in obtaining financial success and freedom while also enjoying your college years motivated and with clear thinking.
Looking for stress reduction? Try yoga, polarity therapy, hypnosis, enzyme replacement therapy, or floatation. www.crystallineawaken.com
References
Hart, C. L., Ksir, C., & Ray, O. (2009). DRUGS, SOCIETY & HUMAN BEHAVIOR (13th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Info Facts: Marijuana. (). Retrieved from www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts
Marijuana - History - Drug, Medical, Laws, Drugs, Limited, and Plant. (). Retrieved from www.science.jrank.org