Cannabis (marijuana) is one of the most predominantly used prohibited drug in the United States, and like many other drugs that are habitually used, marijuana can lead to dependence. Currently, in the United States, it is estimated that there are 2 to 3 million new annual users of marijuana, and of these new users 10% will become dependent, and unfortunately, two thirds of this population are between 12 and 17 years old (Sofuoglu, Sugarman & Carroll, 2010). Marijuana contains an active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which alters the human central reward pathway by stimulating cannaboid receptors in the place of anandamide, a hormone of the endocannabinoid system, ultimately causing a sense of euphoria, a common attribute of other abused
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Cannabis users hallmark attributes of addiction: They complain that although they possess the desire to quit, they are unable to; they disclose that their cannabis use causes aversive repercussions in respect to social, occupational, or recreational aspects of their lives, and recurrently pursue medical attention to discontinue drug use. Habitual, heavy cannabis use produces tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms accompany sudden discontinuance (American Psychiatric Association, …show more content…
The route of administration, inhalation, which involves smoke from burnt vegetation, whether it is tobacco leaves or cannabis, is harmful. The use of cannabis by inhalation may result in long term, comorbid health problems which involve: Cognitive effects such as psychosis, memory and learning problems, and amotivational syndrome; cardiovascular effects such as unstable blood pressure, and tachycardia; respiratory effects such as heavy cough, bronchitis, and damage to cilia, which can increase the occurrence of common upper respiratory infections; endocrine effects such as reduced hormones of testosterone; depending on the route of administration, it may increase the risk of cancers of the lungs, oral cavity, and esophagus (Jafari, S., & Tom, T.,
Cannabis users hallmark attributes of addiction: They complain that although they possess the desire to quit, they are unable to; they disclose that their cannabis use causes aversive repercussions in respect to social, occupational, or recreational aspects of their lives, and recurrently pursue medical attention to discontinue drug use. Habitual, heavy cannabis use produces tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms accompany sudden discontinuance (American Psychiatric Association, …show more content…
The route of administration, inhalation, which involves smoke from burnt vegetation, whether it is tobacco leaves or cannabis, is harmful. The use of cannabis by inhalation may result in long term, comorbid health problems which involve: Cognitive effects such as psychosis, memory and learning problems, and amotivational syndrome; cardiovascular effects such as unstable blood pressure, and tachycardia; respiratory effects such as heavy cough, bronchitis, and damage to cilia, which can increase the occurrence of common upper respiratory infections; endocrine effects such as reduced hormones of testosterone; depending on the route of administration, it may increase the risk of cancers of the lungs, oral cavity, and esophagus (Jafari, S., & Tom, T.,