Marijuana Facts

Here are just a few misconceptions about the most commonly used and abused drug in America. Marijuana is more harmful, more addictive and more dangerous than most people believe. Here's proof:

1. Marijuana Myth: Marijuana is harmless because it is not addictive; people who use marijuana can stop whenever they want.

Marijuana Fact: Recent research shows that marijuana is in fact addictive. Though the withdrawal symptoms associated with coming down off marijuana may not be as strong as symptoms associated with other drugs, withdrawal symptoms of marijuana include a decrease in appetite, weight loss, shakiness, hostility, stomachaches, paranoia and anxiety.

2. Marijuana Myth: Marijuana has no negative effect on the way people drive when they are high. In fact people on marijuana concentrate harder and are better drivers.

Marijuana Fact: Marijuana is a factor in many driving accidents and it decreases the driver's ability to make educated, rational decisions. It also affects a driver's ability to concentrate and slows his/her reaction time and alertness. A recent study of ER traffic accident patients showed that fifteen percent of the crash victims had been smoking marijuana.

3. Marijuana Myth: Marijuana is a harmless drug that shouldn't be illegal because it is derived from all natural substances; it's just a plant.

Marijuana Fact: Even though marijuana is "just a plant" it has some of the same damaging effects on the brain caused by harder drugs such as heroin and cocaine. Marijuana smoke contains the same harmful cancer causing chemicals that cigarette smoke has and can also cause lower functioning in the immune and respiratory systems. Marijuana contributes to car crashes and teen pregnancy at levels higher than most other drugs.

4. Marijuana Myth: Marijuana is less harmful to your health than cigarettes.

Marijuana Fact: Marijuana contains the cancer causing chemicals that cigarettes contain. Marijuana actually contains the carcinogen benzopyrene at higher levels than cigarettes. Four joints a week is equal to smoking a pack of cigarettes every day. Both these habits lead to respiratory problems, but marijuana at higher levels. Tissue damage and lung problems are both consequences of smoking marijuana. The levels at which marijuana smokers absorb carbon monoxide, another cancer causing chemical, are three to five times higher than that of tobacco smokers. No myth, marijuana is harmful.

5. Marijuana Myth: Marijuana does not really affect a person's daily life; it just makes them more relaxed and mellow. People who smoke marijuana generally stay out of trouble.

Marijuana Fact: Actually marijuana can have negative effects on a person's social, familial and work life. Marijuana impairs a person's judgment and smoking it can cause anxiety, depression and paranoia at higher levels than in non-smokers. Research has found that marijuana is also associated with violent acts and stealing.

6. Marijuana Myth: Marijuana only stays in your body for a short amount of time, about one week.

Marijuana Fact: Although the effects of marijuana only last for a few hours, the chemical THC can stay in the fatty tissue of the body for up to several weeks. A standard urine test can detect marijuana in the body for a longer period of time than a person actually feels its effects.

If you or someone you love has a problem with marijuana, there are places to go before the problem multiplies or gets worse. At Treatment Referral we provide referrals to centers that address marijuana addiction and substance abuse. Please contact us at 800.399.3612.