Marijuana

Effects on the Brain and Central Nervous System

Impaired thinking, mood, memory and coordination.

• Marijuana is an extremely powerful and pleasurable intoxicant. It affects, alters and damages brain cells controlling thinking, emotion, pleasure, coordination, mood and memory. The pituitary gland is also damaged which regulates hunger, thirst, blood pressure, sexual behavior and sexual hormones.

Clogged synapses, brain damage and addiction.

• Marijuana accumulates in the microscopic spaces between never cells in the brain- called “synapses”. This clogging interferes by slowing and impairing transfer of critical information.
• long term use causes the brain to stop production of brain chemicals necessary to “feel good”- a negative feedback condition. And, the user becomes chemically addicted to marijuana.

Heart

• Speeds up heartbeat as much as 50%, increases blood pressure and poses a great risk to those with hypertension and heart disease.

Endocrine System

• Marijuana damages the network of glands, organs and hormones involved with growth and development, energy levels and reproduction.

Organs and Glands Affected:

• Pituitary gland
• Stomach
• Duodenum
• Adrenal gland
• Testis

Reproductive System

Males and Females

• Marijuana use can decrease and degenerate sperm, sperm count, movement and cause lowered sex drive. Females can have egg damage, suppression of ovulation; disrupt menstrual cycles and alteration of hormone levels.

Pregnancy and unborn babies

• Regular use during pregnancy can lower birth weight and cause abnormalities similar to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome-small head, irritability, poor growth and development.

Chromosome Damage

• Can destroy the number of chromosomes, resulting in cell abnormalities and impaired function.

Other affects on central nervous system

• Distortions of perception, thinking and reality
• Difficulty in forming concepts and thoughts
• Poor concentration
• Mental confusion
• Loss of motivation
• Wide mood swings
• Aggression and hostility
• Depression, anxiety and paranoia

Eyes

• Sleepy looking, blood-shot eyes with dilated pupils.

Throat

• Irritates membrane of the esophagus; increases chance of developing cancer of larynx and esophagus.

Lungs

• Significant damage and destruction of the air sacs of the lungs, reducing the lugs ability to bring in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide-emphysema
• Causes bronchial tubes to be inflames, thickened and to produce more mucus; resulting in narrowing of the air passages- Chronic Bronchitis
• Marijuana smoke has twice as much “tar” as cigarette smoke and significantly increases chance of lung cancer, inflammation and infection.

Immune System

• Marijuana depresses immune systems ability to protest itself and body against invading bacteria, viruses, chemicals, foreign particles, parasites, fungal microorganisms, infections and decreases ability to protect and prevent growth of cancer cells throughout the body.

Organs and glands affected:

• Thymus
• Lymph system
• Spleen
• Stomach
• Duodenum
• Bone marrow