Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug produced from parts of the Cannabis sativa or subspecies Cannabis indica and ruderalis plant. The major active chemical compound tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC, has psychoactive and medicinal effects when consumed, usually by smoking or ingestion. Humans have been consuming marijuana since prehistory, though in the 20th century there was a rise in the use of marijuana for recreational and religious purposes. At the beginning of the 21st century, it is estimated that marijuana is used regularly by four percent of the world's adult population each year, with in the West estimates of up to 20% or greater in the United States as having tried the plant, and estimates of 10-30% or greater using the plant in many European countries.

Long-term marijuana use can lead to addiction for some people; that is, they use the drug compulsively even though it often interferes with family, school, work, and recreational activities. Of the estimated 6.9 million Americans classified with dependence on or abuse of illicit drugs, 4.2 million were dependent on or abused marijuana. In 2002, 15 percent of people entering drug abuse treatment programs reported that marijuana was their primary drug of abuse.

Along with craving, withdrawal symptoms can make it hard for long-term marijuana smokers to stop using the drug. People trying to quit report irritability, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety. They also display increased aggression on psychological tests, peaking approximately 1 week after they last used the drug.

...More at Wikipedia

Related Links:

• Marijuana Anonymous
• Drug-Free America

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