Marijuana Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marijuana - Coursework Example and the government must take marijuana treatment interventions seriously. What exactly is this drug and how has it become so prevalent, especially among the youth? What are the negative effects of this drug, and the positive effects if there are any? What method of treatment best addresses the condition of those who are addicted to this drug? This paper will attempt to answer these questions and shed light on the identified issues. According to a report quoted by Michael Lyman, 57 percent of adults aged 19-28 have reported using Marijuana in their lifetimes. (2011: 116). It comes from the leaves of the cannabis tops and is dried and smoked from a pipe, as one does a cigarette. If the experts are to be believed, marijuana has several negative effects. An important one is the loss of cell energy leading to cell death, especially when it saturates the cell membrane and blocks the passage of vital nutrients. Another research finding shows that marijuana usage affects the part of the brai n that deals with motivation in general, it has also been found that marijuana is bad for both the mind and the body. Although there is no such thing as a lethal overdose of marijuana, i.e., no one has ever died of ingesting too much (of course, if a marijuana user drives or operates heavy equipment, then the disorientation can cause him to injure himself), its long term effects can seriously impair a user’s health.. Lyman also points out that the toxins and cancer-causing ingredients in the substance leads users to feel the same health issues as those who smoke cigarettes, such as bronchitis, emphysema and bronchial asthma. But aside from that, there are also halluncinations, behavioural changes, apathy, loss of motivation because of the effects to the nervous systems, thus making it worse than cigarettes. He further says that: Some of the effects of marijuana use also include increased heart rate, dryness of the mouth, reddening of the eyes, impaired motor skills and concen tration, and hunger with an increased desire for sweets. Extended use increases risk to the lungs and reproductive system as well as suppression of the immune system. But are there health benefits to marijuana? There are those who argue that marijuana has beneficial effects and can even serve as medical treatment, particularly for glaucoma. According to Kuhn, et. al. (2008: 165), there are reports that those suffering from multiple sclerosis and other disorders having to do with impaired muscle control have responded positively to marijuana treatments. At present, however, the debates are still raging on whether or not marijuana can be made a mainstream drug. The negative effects of addiction still far outweigh the potential medical benefits. In any case, for those illnesses that are said to be curable with marijuana, there are other less-controversial treatment options available. But what are the treatment options available for those who are suffering from marijuana dependence? The most viable treatment option is abstinence and withdrawal, because marijuana is not as addictive as other drugs and those who have grown dependent on it can kick the habit more easily than if they were addicted to drugs such as cocaine or