marijuana – the facts

Containing over 400 chemicals, the primary affecting of which is THC, the immediate effects of marijuana use are surprisingly small – impairment of co-ordination, reaction time, and the diminishing of short-term memory are the primary factors. But with the THC and other harmful toxins being saturated into fatty tissues surrounding the lungs, liver, testes, and other vital organs for up to a week afterwards, the long-term effects being increasingly discovered are cause for far more concern.

A little known fact is that there are as many Cancer-inducing chemicals & toxins within a single joint as there are from smoking 5 cigarettes. These chemicals also work against our bodies protective system, damaging the users lungs and airways whilst making them far more susceptible to Bronchitis, Emphysema, and Bronchial Asthma amongst others.

Also, recent studies have proven that taking the drug heavily increases the users chances of developing schizophrenia and other long-term psychological conditions. In some cases being the only necessary trigger. This study has been paired with the current research into marijuana’s long-term, and in some cases, irreversible effects upon the brains ability to absorb and retain information. The myth of the drugs long-term diminishing effects upon the brain being finally proven in a study that showed physical evidence of its chemicals ‘attacking’ the brain, causing actual structural damage largely in the areas that retain memory, math, and verbal skills.

Other long-term physical effects can include the reduction of sperm production and effectiveness in males, and can inhibit ovulation in females, both occasionally leading to impotence.

Also, regardless of widespread conceptions, smoking marijuana is dangerous for pregnant women. Just like smoking tobacco whilst pregnant, the toxins from marijuana intake cross the placenta to the baby, and increase levels of Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide in the blood. This reduces the oxygen supply to the baby, and can result in miscarriage, low birth-weight, cot death, and development problems including defects with the babies internal organs.