The following is a term paper I wrote for my college psychology course in response to the supposed 'negative' and addictive affects of marijuana.  Note the studies and URLs listed at the end of the paper which debunk much of what the American public is being told about the so-called 'dangers' of this natural substance. ~ Kat

Physiological Effects, Symptoms of Addiction and Treatment and Coping Strategies Suggested in the Termination of the Use of Marijuana

Physiological Effects

As with other psychoactive drugs, the main ingredient in marijuana, THC (delta9-tetrahydrocannobinal) affects brain neurotransmitters, specifically the membranes of nerve cells which contain protein receptors which bind to THC.  Further, THC is believed to initiate cell changes that cause marijuana smokers to experience what is known as a 'high.'

No Long-term Psychological effects cited.

Addiction

As stated in the NIDA facts, and other government and affiliated/medical research sources, long term marijuana use can lead to addiction for some people.  [italics mine]

Even according to cited government and medical authorities, there doesn't seem to be any evidence that marijuana is physiologically addictive.  Further, the fact that it can and is psychologically addictive for some individuals has been just short of proven.

Treatment

 * cognitive-behavioral group treatment (14 sessions)

 * individual interviews and advice on how to quit (2 sessions)

 * vouchers redeemable for goods and/or services

Termination of Use

Since there don't seem to be any published studies defining specific methods which would facilitate termination of use, this seems subjective.  In other words, methods used in substance abuse facilities to terminate use seem dependent on bribery, a rewards system and/or coercion.  Based on cited cases, in rare instances does termination seem to be based on an individual's choice or desire to quit.

• possible future development of medication which will block THCs intoxicating effects

Conflicting Evidence

Because the various studies conducted indicate conflicting evidence in the efficacy of marijuana use, I felt that it was necessary to include both sides of the research issue.

There is no doubt that some of the negative effects listed in the preceding tables do occur  e.g.: dry mouth, bloodshot/red eyes, distorted perception, short-term respiratory distress due to smoke inhalation, and even, arguably, short-term memory loss and learning disability.   However,  many of the long-term negative effects have not yet been satisfactorily proven, and in fact, there is quite a bit of evidence to indicate the contrary. 

In one study on the heart, according to NIDA, the affects indicated that the risk of heart attack was quadrupled within the first hour after smoking marijuana.  This, however, is only one study. There is no indication of 1) whether this study was conducted on animals or whether it was conducted on humans; 2) if the test subjects were human, how many there were; and 3) if they were human, what, if any, were pre-existing medical conditions which might have been present before the study and which may have contributed to this effect.

Beneficial studies, even here in the United States, however, have shown the efficacy of marijuana, though these published studies have not been widely distributed or publicized.  In fact, in many instances they have been downplayed by governmental authorities when they are brought to light.

Conclusion

Of the various psychoactive drugs for which numerous studies have been conducted: cocaine, alcohol, heroin, amphetamines, tobacco and even caffeine, the majority of the studies have shown alarmingly dangerous physiological and psychological effects on the human body.  This, however, is not the case with marijuana, as has been shown by the cited and numerous additional studies.

It seems eerily significant that the studies, such as they are, which have been cited on government websites and in print media here in the United States are sadly lacking in any actual and accurate definitive evidence which proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that marijuana is harmful.

It also seems significant that those studies from within the United States and from other countries showing beneficial effects seem to be routinely excluded from the data released to the American public.

Bibliography

¹ Short-term negative effects

  http://www.well.com/user/woa/fspot.htm

  http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/marijuana.html  

  http://www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/Marijuana.html

  http://www.drug‑rehabs.com/marijuana.htm

  Conflicting reports

  http://www.projectinform.org/fs/marijuana.html

² respiratory distress

   http://www.mentalhealth.com/book/p45‑mar2.html#Head_15

³ tachycardia, delayed reaction

http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=712c416e‑2228‑4a57‑ae0e‑b2be76d615d5&chunkiid=31231

⁴ Relief from depression and insomnia

   http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3472

⁵ http://www.marijuana‑as‑medicine.org/Alliance/facts.html

   Cannabinoids for Nausea," Lancet, January 31, 1981.

     Frytek, S. & Moertel, C.G. "Management of Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients," Journal  of the American Medical Association, 245:4, 393‑396 (1981).

   Neidhart, J., Gagen, M., Wilson, H. & Young, D. "Comparative Trial of the Antiemetic Effects of THC and Haloperidol," Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 21, 385‑425 (1981).

      Sensky, T., Baldwin, A., & Pettingale, K. "Cannabinoids as Antiemetics," British Medical Journal, 286, 802 (1983).

   Vinciguerra, V., "Inhalation Marijuana as an Antiemetic of Cancer Chemotherapy," New York State Journal of Medicine, 525‑527, (October 1988).

⁶ Muscle Spasm, Pain & Marijuana Therapy, Robert C. Randall, Galen Press (1990).

  Harris, L., "Analgesic and Antitumor Potential of the Cannabinoids," The Therapeutic Potential of Marijuana, Cohen & Stillman (eds.), 299‑305 (1976).

^{7, 8}  http://www.benefitsofmarijuana.com/benefits.html

⁹ Marijuana‑Like Drug Increases Brain Cells, Relieves Depression

    http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,172194,00.html

¹⁰  Medical Use of Marijuana by Patients with Glaucoma

    http://www.marijuana‑as‑medicine.org/Alliance/facts.html

    http://www.csdp.org/kz/mmj.htm

Additional

Check out You Tube:

Medical Marijuana for ADD and It's Good for Kids!