MARIJUANA

Marijuana comes form the plant Cannabis sativa and is the most commonly used drug in the United States. The potency and "high" felt when using marijuana comes from the chemical THC. Habitual use of marijuana can lead to short-term memory loss, loss of problem solving and comprehensive thinking skills as well as loss of coordination and perception problems. Recent research has shown that marijuana is involved in 1/3 of all impaired driving accidents and can also lead to anxiety and panic attacks.

Marijuana is most commonly smoked, however it may be eaten as well. While many smokers do not realize the risk associated with marijuana, marijuana does contain more cancer causing chemicals than cigarette tobacco and can lead to respiratory problems. Marijuana is considered addictive because it causes uncontrollable using, seeking and craving. Each year over 100,000 people seek substance abuse treatment for marijuana addiction. Seeking treatment for marijuana addiction is often an effective way to get rid of the problem and may require a treatment or rehabilitation program if the user is unable to stop on their own.

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