Marijuana Drug Abuse
Marijuana drug abuse has a long history in the United States, but widespread abuse only happened in the past few decades.
Historical Roots of
Marijuana Drug Abuse
Marijuana was originally prized for its use in making rope, clothing, and other items. The Chinese were the first to use marijuana. Eventually its use spread to the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.
 Americans have long used marijuana both recreationally and as medicine. In the United States, marijuana was used as a medicinal tonic in the 19th century, but its use as medicine disappeared as new drugs emerged. Now it is once again being used to help ease the symptoms associated with treatments of cancer, HIV and other illnesses.
Marijuana for Recreation
Marijuana wasn't widely known about in the United states before the 1960s. Up to that time, only artists and musicians used it. According to Paul Gahlinger, M.D., Ph.D., author of the book, Illegal Drugs: A Complete Guide to their History, Chemistry, Use, and Abuse , only 3 percent of people between the ages of 18 to 25 were using marijuana in 1960.Things changed dramatically in the following decade. By 1970, marijuana drug abuse had increased to 40 percent of people in this age range. By 1980, close to 70 people between the ages of 18 to 25 had used marijuana.
Where Does it Come From?
According to Gahlinger, about one third of marijuana in the United States is home grown. Another fifty five percent comes from Mexico, brought over the border in cars.
How it is Used
The psychoactive parts of marijuana are not water-soluble, meaning they can't be injected. Instead, marijuana must be either eaten or smoked for any effect. Ingesting marijuana before the 20th century involved either baking the drug or preparing it as an elixir. Now the common method is smoking it.Marijuana is typically either smoked in a pipe or rolled into a cigarette. It is also common practice to empty a cigar and replace the contents with marijuana. The effects of ingesting marijuana include a feeling of euphoria, increased appetite, relaxed inhibitions and disorientation. Other effects include a dry mouth and throat, dizziness and increased visual and auditory awareness. The user may also experience an impairment of concentration, learning, perception and fine muscle skills. These effects typically begin about 15 minutes after ingesting the drug, will peak 15 to 45 minutes later, and will diminish in the following two to six hours.
Long Term Health Problems
Smoke anything, and you will suffer from problems including bronchitis, emphysema and bronchial asthma. It will also increase your heart rate by 20 to 30 beats per minute. Marijuana drug abuse will also weaken your immune system.
Return from Marijuana Drug Abuse to the Home Page
|
