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Question: What is Marijuana?

Answer: The term 'marijuana' refers to the leaves and flowering tops of the cannabis plant. Marijuana is a tobaccolike substance produced by drying the leaves and flowering tops of the cannabis plant. Marijuana contains a natural chemical called THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) which gives users of the drug a 'high' when smoked. Marijuana leaves are usually smoked in the form of loosely rolled cigarettes called joints or cigars called blunts.

A number of other drugs including phencyclidine (PCP) may be used in making joints and blunts, substantially altering their effects and deadliness. Some common names for marijuana include pot, grass, weed, mary jane, acupulco gold, and reefer.

Marijuana users experience the same health problems as tobacco smokers, such as bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma. Some of the effects of marijuana use also include increased heart rate, dryness of the mouth, reddening of the eyes, impaired motor skills and concentration, and frequent hunger. Extended use increases risk to the lungs and reproductive system, as well as suppression of the immune system. Occasionally, hallucinations, fantasies, and paranoia are reported.

(Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration information page about Marijuana http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/marijuana.htm)


Comments
11 thru 15 of 98 comments
On 12/11/08
Renee from MI said:
Weed has been a huge part of my life for 5 years now. And since i started smoking, I have noticed changes in my body. I get winded very fast. I notice a withdrawl symptom when I dont smoke. I feel that if I hadnt started, I wouldnt have the urge to use it all the time. I do believe it has some benefits however, there is many disadvantages.
On 11/24/08
Chris from AK said:
ok so i have tried pot and i hated it. you have almost no control over your own body and i am a major athlete and ever since i have been doing it it has gotten harder for me to work out. ive been getting sick like crazy and my grades have dropped because of that. pot is bad but i understand why you like it so much.
On 10/27/08
BCad from VT said:
you might wanna say that your dumb.. because its been proven that marijuana contains 50% more cancer causing chemicals then cigarettes.. and teenagers who smoke pot are 85% more likely to abuse other more dangerous drugs then those who choose not to smoke.. also the efforts on short term memory, lung, and brain are pretty clear to see.. not to mention loss of life long goals and athletic ability as a whole....
On 10/14/08
john from AL said:
our own government (DAWN) has proven that marajuana is not harmfull to consume wether it be ingesting(eating) or smoking. what els do i need to say.
On 10/14/08
james from AZ said:
ok ive been a serious pot head for 4 years smoking on a regular basis every day. pot is not bad for you . i used it yesterday when i woke up and didnt feel good , by the end of the day i felt better. I have never been sick a single day since ive used it. also im a straight A student and work out almost everyday. The herb has only influnced me in a positive way and is in no way bad for you.
11 thru 15 of 98 comments



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