Drug abuse

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Drug abuse is the use of illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for at least a year with negative consequences.

See also:

• Drug abuse and dependence
• Drug abuse first aid

Substance abuse; Illicit drug abuse; Narcotic abuse; Hallucinogen abuse

MARIJUANA (also called "grass," "pot," "reefer," "joint," "hashish," "cannabis," "weed," and "Mary Jane")

About 2 in 5 Americans have used marijuana at least once. About 10% of the population uses it on a regular basis.

The source of marijuana is the hemp plant (cannabis sativa). The active ingredients are THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and other cannabinoids, which are found in the leaves and flowering shoots of the plant.

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Hashish is a substance taken from the tops of female plants. It contains the highest amount of THC.

The drug dose in marijuana varies greatly depending on how it is prepared.

You may feel the effects of marijuana within seconds to several minutes after breathing in the smoke (from a joint or pipe), or within 30 - 60 minutes after eating foods containing marijuana, such as "hash brownies."

• The main effects of marijuana are on behavior, because the drug acts on the central nervous system (CNS). Marijuana became popular because it gives people a feeling of joy (euphoria), relaxation, and increased sensations of sight, hearing, and taste with low to moderate doses.
• Most users also report an increase in their appetite ("the munchies").

Unpleasant effects that may occur include:

• Acute panic reactions or severe paranoia
• Changed body image
• Lack of orientation
• Trouble telling oneself from others

Other troubling side effects may include:

• Some cases of severe delirium, seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations), and violence have also been reported. In such cases, marijuana may have been laced with another drug, such as PCP.
• Marijuana has specific effects that may decrease your ability to perform tasks that require a lot of coordination (such as driving a car). It affects visual tracking and prolongs the sense of time. It also decreases the desire to complete tasks.
• The drug can affect learning because it can reduce your ability to concentrate and pay attention.