Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States and is the most widely used illegal substance in the world today. Marijuana is usually smoked as a cigarette (joint) or in a pipe. Marijuana can also be mixed in food or brewed as a tea. Marijuana has the potential to promote cancer of the lungs and other parts of the respiratory tract because marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke. Marijuana users usually inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers do, which further increases the lungs’ exposure to carcinogenic smoke.

Physical Effects

THC (D9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary active ingredient in Marijuana and is responsible for producing the desired effects. Of the roughly 400 chemicals found in the cannabis plant, THC affects the brain the most. Once securely in place, THC kicks off a series of cellular reactions that ultimately lead to the high that users experience when they smoke marijuana. When subjects smoke on several occasions per day, accumulation of THC in blood-serum may occur. The existence of THC in hemp is significant because THC, like marijuana, is a schedule I controlled substance.

Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana addiction is characterized by compulsive, often uncontrollable marijuana cravings, seeking, and use. Marijuana addiction is mostly a mental and psychological addiction. Marijuana addiction has the same characteristics as any other addiction to drugs. Marijuana addiction is a widespread dilemma, and in the United States over 83 million Americans have had exposure to the drug; many people, however, do not even realize that this marijuana addiction exists.