The industrial change in the mid of the eighteenth century introduced gradual changes in the mode of life of the people thinking and attitudes. It was not a change for good. The era of material progress brought prosperity for many but it fell with a heavy hand on spiritual values in which all the noble emotions and values of humanity are enshrined. This material progress had brought in many incurable evils; drug addiction is also one of them. In this report, I have tried to delve into the matter of long-term effects of Marijuana.
What is Marijuana?
Marijuana is a drug made from the plant of Cannabis sativa. Although the main content of this drug is THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), and the amount of THC in marijuana decides its strength, but it also has more than 400 other chemicals in its contents (BASIC FACTS ABOUT DRUGS: MARIJUANA). Today’s marijuana is much more stronger than the marijuana of past and that is why it is much more injurious for health and creates more troubles for the user than the marijuana used in previous times.
Long-term Effects of Marijuana:
Marijuana is an addictive drug, which has several hazardous long-term effects on the body. According to a review of several studies, “Regular marijuana use can lead to extensive airway injury and alterations in the structure and function of alveolar macrophages, potentially predisposing to pulmonary infection and respiratory cancer” (Tashkin, 2001). Some of the most important long-term effects of marijuana are:
Immune Function:
the main ingredient of marijuana, i.e. THC is famous for suppressing many immune functions. For example, use of marijuana affects the functions of such cells of the body, which are responsible for controlling different infections to the body. Use of marijuana also increases the risks of certain infections like bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Thus the addicts of marijuana may suffer more frequently with illnesses like flu, colds and other infections.
