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Drug abuse
The primary effects of marijuana are behavioral, because the drug affects the central nervous system (CNS). Popular use of marijuana has arisen because of its effects of euphoria (feeling of joy), relaxation, and increased visual, auditory, and taste perceptions that may occur with low-to-moderate doses. Most users also report an increase in their appetite ("the munchies"). Unpleasant effects that may occur include depersonalization (inability to distinguish oneself from others), changed body image, disorientation and acute panic reactions or severe paranoia. Some cases of severe delirium, hallucinations, and violence have also been reported. Such cases should raise suspicion that the marijuana may have been laced with another agent such as PCP. Text Continues Below
Marijuana has specific effects that may decrease one's ability to perform tasks requiring a great deal of coordination (such as driving a car). Visual tracking is impaired and the sense of time is typically prolonged. Learning may be greatly affected because the drug diminishes one's ability to concentrate and pay attention. Studies have shown that learning may become "state-dependent" meaning that information acquired or learned while under the influence of marijuana is best recalled in the same state of drug influence. Other marijuana effects may include blood-shot eyes; increased heart rate and blood pressure; bronchodilatation, or in some users, bronchial irritation leading to bronchoconstriction and/or bronchospasm; pharyngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma in heavy users; possible detrimental effects upon the immune system.
Regular users, upon stopping marijuana use, may experience withdrawal effects. These may include agitation, insomnia, irritability, and anxiety. Because the metabolite (the substance formed when the body breaks down the drug) of marijuana may be stored in the body's fat tissue, evidence of marijuana may be demonstrated in heavy users through urine testing up to 1 month after discontinuing the drug.
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