Discuss the drug marijuana, how it differs from hashish, its drug classification, the effects of its active ingredient, and the dangers of short- and long-term use of marijuana on the mind and body

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Answer will include that marijuana and hashish are derived from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. Marijuana ("pot," "grass," "Ganja," "MJ") consists of the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. Hashish is a resinous material scraped from cannabis leaves. Marijuana's psychological effects include a sense of euphoria or well-being, relaxation, altered time sense, and perceptual distortions. At high dosages, paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions can occur. All considered, marijuana intoxication is relatively subtle by comparison to drugs such as LSD or alcohol. Despite this, driving a car while high on marijuana can be extremely hazardous. No overdose deaths from marijuana have been reported, but marijuana cannot be considered harmless. The active ingredient THC accumulates in the body's fatty tissues, especially in the brain and reproductive organs. Even if a person smokes marijuana just once a week, the body is never entirely free of THC. Scientists have located a specific receptor site on the surface of brain cells where THC binds to produce its effects. These receptor sites are found in several parts of the brain, including prefrontal cortex, which is the seat of human consciousness. In addition, THC receptors are found in areas involved in the control of skilled movement. Naturally occurring chemicals similar to THC may help the brain cope with pain and stress. However, when THC is used as a drug, high doses can cause paranoia, hallucinations, and dizziness. According to recent studies, marijuana does produce a physical dependence. Since frequent users of marijuana find it very difficult to quit, physical dependence is certainly a risk. However, marijuana's potential for abuse lies primarily in the realm of psychological dependence, not physical addiction. For about a day after a person smokes marijuana, his or her attention, coordination, and short-term memory are impaired. Frequent marijuana users show small declines in learning, memory, attention, and thinking abilities. When surveyed at age 29, nonusers are healthier, earn more, and are more satisfied with their lives than people who smoke marijuana regularly. In fact, marijuana use is associated with mental health problems. People who smoke five or more "joints" a week score four points lower on IQ tests. Fortunately, IQ scores and other cognitive measures rebound in about a month after a person quits using marijuana. Marijuana's long-term effects include the following health risks: (1) Marijuana smoke contains 50 percent more cancer-causing hydrocarbons and 16 times more tar than tobacco smoke does. Thus, smoking several "joints" a week may be the equivalent of smoking a dozen cigarettes a day. In regular users, marijuana increases the risk of a variety of cancers, including prostate and cervical cancer. (2) Marijuana temporarily lowers sperm production in males, and users produce more abnormal sperm. This could be a problem for a man who is marginally fertile and wants to have a family. (3) In experiments with female monkeys, THC causes abnormal menstrual cycles and disrupts ovulation. Other animal studies show that THC causes a higher rate of miscarriages and that it can reach the developing fetus. As is true for so many other drugs, it appears that marijuana should be avoided during pregnancy. (4) THC can suppress the body's immune system, increasing the risk of disease. (5) In animals, marijuana causes genetic damage within cells of the body. It is not known to what extent this happens in humans, but it does suggest that marijuana can be detrimental to health. (6) Activity levels in the cerebellum are lower than normal in marijuana abusers. This may explain why chronic marijuana users tend to show some loss of coordination. (7) There is some evidence that THC damages parts of the brain important for memory. (8) Children whose mothers smoked marijuana during pregnancy show lowered ability to succeed in challenging, goal-oriented activities.