Marijuana is one of the most frequently used illegal drugs. According to statistics, at least 4% of the American population smoke marijuana at least once every year. In fact, one out of every 300 adults in the United States is addicted to marijuana. This is backed up by the fact that: by the year 1998 slightly more than 71 million Americans [12 years and older] had already tried marijuana [some even getting addicted]. This is why CBD oils are getting more popular because of their non-psychoactive properties and there are thousands of online sellers as you look buy cbd oil near me.
Although the rate of marijuana smoking is considered to have remained stable, the rates of addiction to this drug have significantly grown. This is according to the latest government studies which found out that at least 30% of today’s teenage population is smoking marijuana.
Marijuana consumption
Marijuana usage is characteristic of unique psychoactive effects e.g. a combination of hallucinogenic qualities. An interesting thing about the consumption of this drug is the fact that each method has its own subtly psychoactive effect owed to the order and administration routes of the constituent chemicals.
The following are some of the common ways through which marijuana is consumed. They include:
- Smoking
People smoke the plant’s dried leaves, seeds. Stems and even flowers. Smoking marijuana [which combustion of marijuana’s toxins] is known to create a relaxing effect/feel. Smoking is estimated to introduce approximately 10 percent to 20 percent of THC into the body.
- Vaporization
This consumption option is known to be characteristic of more intense cerebral effects
iii. Oral consumption
This option has the drug or its extracts mixed with foodstuffs and in drinks e.g. tea etc
Effects of marijuana usage
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] is the active constituent ingredient in marijuana. It is also the ingredient that is rapidly absorbed immediately after smoking pot and is usually followed by physiological and psychological effects.
- Physiological effects of marijuana usage
They include: increase in blood pressure, dry mouth, the rapid increase in heart rate, increase rate of breathing, red eyes, slowed reaction times, and increased appetite. Although these physical effects reduce after a couple of hours, traces of marijuana remain in the body for as long as 30 days.
- Psychological Effects of Marijuana
They include calmness, anxiety, euphoria. Other psychological effects include paranoia, distorted sense of time, depression, anxiety, and random thinking though these are short-term.
The risks of marijuana usage
The risks of smoking marijuana only result from heavy use. Most medical experts believe that heavy smokers are more vulnerable to lung cancer even though the link between these two situations has never been proven.
Other risks of heavy marijuana usage include:
- Significant reduction in men’s testosterone levels/sperm count and overall quality. In fact, marijuana usage also decreases libido as well as fertility, especially in heavy smokers.
- Addiction psychologically and physically failure to which withdrawal symptoms are experienced.
Note: Withdrawal symptoms from marijuana use include: aggression, depression, decreased appetite, and anxiety.
Although there are millions of users, it is important to understand that the use of marijuana is not restricted to any particular demographic group. This is because marijuana usage cuts across all economic and racial boundaries. In fact, as already mentioned, according to statistics, marijuana usage is highest amongst the young population.
Marijuana Usage Bottom line
Marijuana is illegal hence there are penalties for people caught Growing, selling, buying, or using it. These penalties range from jail time to cash fines or even both depending on the quality, nature of sales activities, growth as well as location. Marijuana Usage still remains the illegal drug of choice for a large section of the American population as its been for decades despite its legal and health risks.
