SOC 204 Goldberg Ch 12 F15 F2F
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Drugs Across the Spectrum Raymond Goldberg Chapter 12 Marijuana
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SOC 204 Goldberg Ch 12 F15 F2F
- 2. The word canvas is derived from the word cannabis and many famous paintings are on marijuana fibers. A. True B. False True False 0%0%
- 4. Cannabis sativa Cannabis indica Cannabis ruderalis Cannabis
- 5. The early colonial settlers planted marijuana because they recognized its medicinal value. A. True B. False True False 0%0%
- 6. 1. Charas, also known as hashish 2. Ganja, also known as sinsemilla From Spanish sin semilla, “without seeds” 3. Bhang Preparations
- 8. The use of marijuana by high school students has increased in the last five years while alcohol consumption has decreased. A. True B. False True False 0%0%
- 9. 1900s little use or interest 1926 newspaper articles linked marijuana to crime 1936 all state had laws regulating use Early perceptions Marijuana Tax Act Declared unconstitutional in 1969 Reefer Madness http://digital.films.com/PortalViewVideo.aspx?xtid=5863&loid=1217 8&psid=0&sid=0&State=&title=Altered%20States:%20A%20History% 20of%20Drug%20Use%20in%20America&IsSearch=Y&parentSeriesI D= History
- 10. The federal government owns a farm in Mississippi where it grows marijuana to be used for research purposes. A. True B. False True False 0%0%
- 11. Mouse Party http://digital.films.com/PortalViewVideo.aspx?xtid=39495&lo id=70444&psid=0&sid=0&State=&title=Marijuana&IsSearch= Y&parentSeriesID=# Pharmacology
- 12. Review: The neurotransmitter affected by THC: A. Dopamine B. Serotonin C. Cannabinoids D. GABA Dopam ine Serotonin Cannabinoids GABA 0% 0%0%0% Response
- 13. Most young people who try marijuana for the first time do so during the winter months. A. True B. False True False 0%0%
- 16. Anandamide THC binds to two receptors CB1 Primarily in brain CB2 Primarily outside brain in immune cells Mechanism of Action
- 18. Cardiovascular Pulmonary Reddening of eyes Dryness of mouth/throat http://digital.films.co m/PortalViewVideo.as px?xtid=39495 Physiological Effects
- 19. Marijuana arrests account for over half of all drug abuse arrests. A. True B. False True False 0%0%
- 20. Abuse potential Effects: Euphoria, mellow- ness, hunger Cognitive Effects Food Intake Verbal Behavior Psychological Effects
- 21. The federal government allows the medical use of marijuana only to treat the side effects of chemotherapy on cancer patients. A. True B. False True False 0%0%
- 22. Declined even before Marijuana Tax Act Dropped from National Formulary & US Pharmacopia 1941 Uses: Anticonvulsant Headaches Glaucoma Reduces nausea Increases appetite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQzyfYfq1WY Medical Uses
- 23. EC Review: The neurotransmitter directly affected by THC is: A. Anandamide B. GABA C. Serotonin D. Dopamine Anandam ide GABA Serotonin Dopam ine 0% 0%0%0% Response
- 24. EC Review: Medical uses for marijuana do not include: A. To increase appetite B. To control convulsions C. To fight infection D. To reduce nausea To increase appetite To controlconvulsionsTo fightinfectionTo reducenausea 0% 0%0%0% Response http://www.drugabuse.gov/publication s/drugfacts/marijuana-medicine
- 25. DSM-5 – no listing for cannabis withdrawal Abstinence syndrome Tolerance Abuse Potential Abuse & Dependence http://digital.film s.com/PortalView Video.aspx?xtid=3 6368&loid=3768 3&psid=0&sid=0 &State=&title=Ca nnabis:%20Satani c%20Herb%20or %20Healing%20P otion?&IsSearch= Y&parentSeriesID =
- 26. EC: Do marijuana users experience withdrawal? A. Yes B. No C. No, but they do experience mild symptoms when they abstain Yes No No,butthey do experi... 0% 0%0% Response
- 27. EC: Does tolerance develop with marijuana use? A. No B. Yes, rapidly and immediately C. Yes, with regular use D. Yes, but unevenly, (not to all effects) No Yes,rapidlyand im m edia... Yes,with regularuse Yes,butunevenly,(notto... 0% 0%0%0% Response
- 28. Public opinion polls reveal that the majority of Americans favor legalizing marijuana. A. True B. False True False 0%0% http://www.gallup.com/poll/165539/ first-time-americans-favor-legalizing- marijuana.aspx
- 29. Acute No recorded human overdoses Chronic Lungs Anxiety Reproductive Effects Immune System Effects Toxicity
- 30. Amotivational Syndrome Marijuana Madness http://digital.films.com/PortalViewVideo.aspx?xtid=36368&loid=37 683&psid=0&sid=0&State=&title=Cannabis:%20Satanic%20Herb%2 0or%20Healing%20Potion?&IsSearch=Y&parentSeriesID=# Driving Ability Toxicity
- 31. EC: The negative effects of marijuana include: A. Increased violence B. Problems with memory C. Problems with learning D. Respiratory problems Increasedviolence Problemswithmemory Problemswithlearning Respiratoryproblems 0% 0%0%0% Response
- 32. Opinion: Do you believe amotivational syndrome occurs in marijuana users? A. Yes B. No Yes No 0%0% Response
- 33. Decriminalization of marijuana Legalization for medical use Legalization for recreational use Federal scheduling reform Attitudes of Society
- 34. Opinion: I think legalization of marijuana was a good idea. A. Yes B. No Yes No 0%0% Response
Editor's Notes
- Cannabis sativa Most widespread; used primarily to make rope Has a tall, woody stem and can reach a height of 20 feet Cannabis indica Grown for its psychoactive properties Grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet Cannabis ruderalis Found mainly in northern Europe and Asia Has a short growing season and low potency The primary mood-altering, psychoactive agent in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC Several factors influence THC levels: The plant’s sex Soil and climate conditions The part of the plant that is used How the plant is harvested, prepared, and stored Female plants produce more resin and flowers, which contain higher THC concentrations Marijuana is a preparation of leafy material from the Cannabis plant that is smoked Marijuana is classified separately because its effects are varied and complex Sedation Pain relief Hallucinations (in large doses) Effects it produces in most users are sufficiently different from the effects of depressants, narcotics, and hallucinogens to merit its separate classification Cannabis sativa Originated in Asia but now grown worldwide Grown primarily for its fibers, from which hemp rope is made Grows as a weed in the U.S. and Canada A lanky plant up to 18 feet high Cannabis indica Grown for its psychoactive resins Cultivated in many areas of the world A compact plant 2 to 3 feet high Potency varies depending on plant genetics and environmental conditions Cannabis ruderalis Grown primarily in Russia The cannabis plant can be grown almost anywhere Production is especially high in Colombia and Mexico Other countries in Latin America, and in Asia and the Caribbean, also produce marijuana Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, and Thailand are particularly known for producing much marijuana Indoor cultivation of marijuana makes it easier to avoid federal, state, and local law enforcement Indoor cultivation has allowed for production of marijuana with a higher THC content The profits of indoor cultivation are higher because marijuana plants can be harvested four to six times per year
- Not used for medicinal purposes until early 1990s.
- Ganja, consisting of the top leaves and flowers of the female cannabis plant, is considered the best quality marijuana Bhang consists of the lower leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant and is regarded as poor quality marijuana Sinsemilla (“without seeds”) is derived from the unfertilized female cannabis plant, and has higher THC levels Two other forms are hashish (charas) and hash oil These forms of marijuana have a higher THC content than Cannabis sativa Hashish, taken from the resin of the cannabis plant, is usually smoked in a pipe Hash oil is made by boiling resin in alcohol, and has a THC content of 60% – it is mixed with tobacco and smoked Hashish Consists of pure resin that has been carefully removed from the surface of leaves and stems May be less than pure depending on how carefully the resin has been separated from the plant material Rare in the U.S. Average THC content of U.S. hashish ranges from 3 to 8 percent A few batches have tested as high as 20 percent THC Production methods Traditional production involves manual scraping of exuded resin from the plant More efficient recent production method involves boiling the plants in alcohol and evaporating the resulting liquid down to thick, dark hash oil Potency of hash oil varies but can contain more than 50 percent THC Sinsemilla Consists of dried flowering tops of plants with pistillate flowers (female plants) Male plants are removed from the fields before the female plants are pollinated Female plants don’t put their energy into seed production, thus increasing their potency Average THC content of U.S. sinsemilla samples is about 7 to 12 percent Bhang Consists of the remainder of the Cannabis plant after the top has been picked Plant material is dried, ground into a powder, and mixed into drinks or candies Rare in the U.S., but about equivalent to low-grade marijuana consisting of leaves Average THC content of less than 1 percent Potency varies widely Low-grade products (less than 1 percent THC) High-grade sinsemilla (9 percent or more THC) Typical range of potency is 2 to 8 percent THC Proportion of confiscated marijuana samples of higher-potency has increased since the 1980s but is still only about 15 percent
- Annual marijuana use increased from 22% to 25% in 2011, while annual alcohol use decreased 51% in 2006 to 45% in 2011. NEED TO FACT CHECK…TWO TEXTS SAY TWO DIFFERENT THINGS>>>>>>>>
- Marijuana (cannabis) is one of the world’s oldest known drugs Early settlers in Jamestown, Virginia, planted marijuana (hemp) for its fiber, which also was used during World War II People started smoking it for its euphoric effect during the 1920s, coinciding with alcohol prohibition Marijuana use was banned after the Marijuana Tax Act was enacted in 1937 Earliest mention: Chinese pharmacy book (2737 BC) Social use of the plant had spread to the Muslim world and North Africa by AD 1000 “Hashishiyya” religious cult carried out political murders Story of cult spread in works by Marco Polo (1299) and Boccaccio (1350s) Origin of the term assassin Hashish use mentioned frequently in The Arabian Nights Early 1900s: Little public interest or use 1926: Series of newspaper articles linked marijuana and crime Other reports by police and in popular literature followed 1936: All states had laws regulating the use, sale, and/or possession of marijuana Most early regulation efforts Based on concerns about use and resultant behavior Not based on direct evidence linking marijuana use with crime or violence Contributing factors to “pyramid of prejudice” against marijuana Marijuana use associated with lower-class groups and recent immigrants Regular references made in popular literature to the murdering cult of assassins as suggestive of the characteristics of the drug Shaky factual ground of the stories Individuals in the legends did NOT commit murder under the influence of hashish but rather received hashish as a reward for their actions MARIJUANA TAX ACT Act followed the regulation-by-taxation theme of the 1914 Harrison Act Grower, distributor, seller, and buyer were taxed Administratively almost impossible to deal in Cannabis Bureau of Narcotics uniform law specifically named Cannabis sativa Current federal and uniform laws refer more generally to the genus Cannabis State laws made possession and use of Cannabis illegal per se 1969: U.S. Supreme Court declared the Marijuana Tax Act unconstitutional AFTER MARIJUANA TAX ACT Cost of marijuana increased significantly Reports continued to be published that marijuana use had less serious effects than commonly believed BUT Substantial disagreement over the interpretation of research findings 1950s and ‘60s Little scientific research done on Cannabis Use of Cannabis continued to increase A common symbol of youthful rejection of authority Identification with a new era of personal freedom Usage rose around 1980, declined until the mid-1990s, and then peaked in the late 1990s, although never reaching the levels in the 1970s. Worldwide, marijuana is the fourth most commonly used drug, after nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol Marijuana is the most common illegal drug in the US, with an annual prevalence of 13.7% The most important reasons that students significantly increased use of marijuana relate to reduced perception of risk and less disapproval of its use
- Chemistry of Cannabis is complex and unique Active agent contains no nitrogen and thus is not an alkaloid like other psychoactive plant materials Cannabinoids are 66 chemicals unique to the Cannabis plant Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Isolated and synthesized in 1964 The most pharmacologically active cannabinoid There may be several other active agents in Cannabis Smoked marijuana THC is absorbed rapidly by the blood and travels to the brain and then the rest of the body Within 30 minutes, most THC is gone from the brain Peak psychological and cardiovascular effects occur together within 5 to 10 minutes Oral THC THC is absorbed more slowly and the liver transforms it into 11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC Less THC reaches the brain Peak effects occur about 90 minutes following ingestion Metabolites have different half-lives After one week, 25 to 30 percent of the THC and its metabolites might remain in the body Two or three weeks may be required to completely eliminate a large dose of THC and its metabolites High lipid solubility of THC and its metabolites Selectively taken up and stored in fatty tissue, to be released slowly No easy way to monitor THC and metabolite levels and relate them to effects Long-lasting low concentrations of THC and metabolites may have effects on the brain and other organs that have not yet been determined Marijuana contains more than 500 chemicals – 60 are unique to the cannabis plant (cannabinoids) Marijuana smoke contains 70% more carcinogenic benzopyrene and 50% more tar than tobacco smoke Marijuana releases five times as much tar into the lungs as cigarettes Marijuana can be smoked or ingested Smoked THC is three times more potent than ingested THC If ingested, marijuana’s actions last longer Most smokers roll marijuana into a cigarette – an alternative is to roll it into a blunt, a type of cigar in which some of the tobacco is removed and replaced with marijuana When marijuana is smoked, THC reaches the brain within a few seconds – peak effects are felt in about 30 minutes When smoked, about half of the THC is absorbed by way of the lungs into the bloodstream If ingested, the effects may not be felt for a couple of hours because less THC is absorbed Marijuana is fat soluble, and its metabolites can remain in the fatty tissue of heavy users for two to three weeks after use In studies, pharmacological tolerance was more likely to develop among daily users One indication of tolerance is that heavy users are still capable of doing cognitive tasks Many users claim they get high from decreasing doses, though no evidence of reverse tolerance exists Frequent users also experience less loss of memory, coordination, and concentration
- June & July – lack of supervision.
- Anandamide Endogenous substance isolated from brain tissue with marijuana-like effects From ananda, Sanskrit for “bliss” THC and other cannabinoids bind to two receptors CB1 receptor CB2 receptor CB1 receptor found primarily in the brain but also unusually widespread throughout the body Potential actions of cannabinoids are widespread High density of CB1 receptors in specific brain regions Basal ganglia (movement coordination) Cerebellum (fine body movement coordination) Hippocampus (memory storage) Cerebral cortex (higher cognitive functions) Nucleus accumbens (reward) CB2 receptor found mainly outside the brain in immune cells Potential role of cannabinoids in the modulation of the immune system Rimonabant, a selective CB1 receptor antagonist, is being tested Shows promise in reducing food intake and helping people quit smoking Concerns raised over use of the drug due to concerns about side effects such as depression and anxiety When marijuana is smoked, THC reaches the brain within a few seconds – peak effects are felt in about 30 minutes When smoked, about half of the THC is absorbed by way of the lungs into the bloodstream If ingested, the effects may not be felt for a couple of hours because less THC is absorbed Marijuana is fat soluble, and its metabolites can remain in the fatty tissue of heavy users for two to three weeks after use
- Cardiovascular effects Increased heart rate occurs after smoking marijuana and ingesting oral THC Time course differs substantially following the two different methods of administration Research findings on the effects of cannabinoids on blood pressure have been mixed Cardiovascular risks of marijuana use haven’t been shown in young, healthy users People with cardiovascular disease should probably avoid marijuana and oral THC due to effects on heart rate Pulmonary effects Bronchodilation is seen following acute exposure to marijuana Heavy marijuana smoking over a long period could lead to clinically significant impairment of pulmonary function Reddening of the eyes Dryness of the mouth and throat
- 52%
- Abuse potential has been shown Studies show both animals and humans will self-administer the drug Marijuana cigarettes with higher THC content are preferred Oral THC does not have high abuse potential, likely due to its different time course Less rapid onset of effects is usually associated with reduced risk of abuse Effects include euphoria, “high,” mellowness, hunger, and stimulation Peak effects occur within 5 to 10 minutes and last for about two hours Oral THC has similar effects but a different time course Magnitude of effects is greater with increasing THC concentrations Regular marijuana smokers can recognize the effects and distinguish between real and placebo marijuana cigarettes Infrequent smokers Experience similar but more intense effects compared with experienced smokers due to lower tolerance At high THC concentrations, may report negative effects such as mild paranoia and hallucinations Acute administration of marijuana to infrequent users disrupts cognitive performance Slowed cognitive processing Impaired short-term memory Impaired inhibitory control Loss of sustained concentration or vigilance Impaired visuospatial processing Acute administration of marijuana to frequent users Causes less dramatic effects, implying they are tolerant to some (but not all) cognitive effects Slowed cognitive processing consistently seen Impairment during certain workplace tasks and the operation of machinery and automobiles can have significant effects Effects on long-term cognitive functioning are more difficult to predict Studies have had divergent findings and interpretations Current evidence suggests that after abstaining for more than a month, regular marijuana use produces few effects on cognition Additional (and better) research may change current thinking Food intake: Marijuana and oral THC significantly increase total daily calorie intake Clinical use of cannabis-based drugs for appetite stimulation Unclear if average chronic marijuana users are overweight Verbal behavior: Verbal exchanges decrease, nonverbal social interactions increase Marijuana increases the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in the experience of euphoria Numerous studies support the connection between marijuana use and mental illness Detrimental psychological reactions to marijuana are unusual, although high doses can induce anxiety, delusions, disorientation, hallucinations, and paranoia Marijuana alters perceptions of time and space Mood changes are marked by anxiety, sadness, laughter, and paranoia Some people experience panic reactions, which tend to be temporary and triggered by a feeling of not being in control One reported cognitive effect of marijuana is impairment of short-term memory Learning and remembering new information become more arduous when using marijuana Heavy users were impaired in skills involving expression but not in vocabulary, mathematics, and reading comprehension Cognitive deficits persist up to 28 days after a person last smoked marijuana
- U.S. medical use declined even before the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act New and better drugs were developed to treat most illnesses Variability of product (also a problem for research) Active ingredient insoluble in water (can’t be injected) Oral dose has delayed onset of action 1941: Cannabis dropped from The National Formulary and The U.S. Pharmacopoeia Renewed interest in potential medical uses led to a review of older reports May be effective as an anticonvulsant in some cases when preferred medication is ineffective May relieve tension and migraine headaches Reduces fluid pressure in the eyes May be useful in glaucoma patients Limited program in which NIDA supplied medical-grade marijuana cigarettes to certain patients on a “compassionate use” protocol Reduces severe nausea caused by certain drugs used to treat cancer 1985: Oral TCH (dronabinol; brand name Marinol) licensed for sale to cancer patients experiencing nausea from chemotherapy 1993: Approved to stimulate appetite in AIDS patients State and federal action 1996: Arizona and California ballot initiatives pass Physicians can recommend marijuana Patients can use marijuana if recommended Currently, 14 states have some form of similar legislation State and federal action U.S. government announced plans to prevent medical marijuana use Closure of Cannabis buyers’ clubs Revocation of the DEA registration of any physician who advised a patient to use marijuana Prosecution of physicians and patients 2005: U.S. Supreme Court ruled that patients could be prosecuted for possessing marijuana even if their physicians recommended its use for a serious illness In 2009, US Attorney General Eric Holder said that the government would end its raids on state-approved marijuana dispensaries. Findings from Institute of Medicine report Marijuana is a relatively safe and effective medicine for patients suffering from certain chronic conditions More research is needed on marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids An effective inhaler should be developed to solve the problem of poor oral absorption of THC Compassionate use of smoked marijuana cigarettes should be allowed for no more than six months in certain patients with debilitating, intractable pain or vomiting under certain conditions In the late 1800s, marijuana was used medically to treat convulsions, chronic cough, sleeplessness, gastrointestinal disorders, gonorrhea, and pain Recently, marijuana has been used for treating glaucoma, asthma, nausea and vomiting during cancer chemotherapy, and pain associated with multiple sclerosis It also has been used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms related to barbiturates, narcotics, and alcohol Glaucoma Marijuana reduces pressure behind the eye Nausea and Vomiting Marijuana is an effective anti-emetic to counteract nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy for cancer Marinol (THC formulated in sesame oil) Cesamet (a synthetic cannabinoid) More than 40% of oncologists recommended marijuana to their cancer patients to control nausea and vomiting Asthma THC dilates the bronchial tubes Additional Medical Uses Appetite stimulant Pain relief Muscle relaxant Recommended for epilepsy, insomnia, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain conditions, premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramps
- DSM-IV: No listing of cannabis withdrawal, BUT Research suggests an abstinence syndrome does exist Not life threatening but unpleasant Symptoms Negative mood states–anxiety, irritability Disrupted sleep Decreased food intake Aggressive behavior (in some cases) Begins about 1 day after the last dose Lasts 4 to 12 days Tolerance to many marijuana effects develops after regular use of high levels Tolerance may not develop uniformly to all effects Marijuana has abuse potential A significant minority of current marijuana users may be abusing or dependent on the drug Although most experts agree that physical dependence on marijuana does not occur – it might depend on how dependency is defined One-fourth of adolescents who use marijuana frequently meet the criteria for marijuana abuse or dependency 60% of regular marijuana smokers experienced significant withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, anxiety, and insomnia Marijuana can result in psychological dependence If dependency develops, it is more likely to be motivated by psychosocial than by physiological factors The perceived need for the drug is believed to be responsible for compulsive use and dependency Factors influencing effects of marijuana: Whether it is smoked or ingested Dosage THC content Interval between puffs Depth of inhalation Length of time in one’s lungs Set and setting Previous experiences
- Acute physiological effects Increased heart rate, possibly risky for someone with preexisting cardiovascular disease No human overdose deaths have been reported Chronic lung exposure from marijuana smoking Daily smoking impairs air flow in and out of the lungs Long-term implications for health are unclear Marijuana smoke contains many—but not all—the chemicals found in tobacco smoke Tar Carbon monoxide Hydrogen cyanide Nitrosamines Benzopyrene Carcinogen found in higher levels in marijuana cigarettes than in tobacco cigarettes Marijuana cigarettes are not filtered Chronic lung exposure from marijuana smoking Smoking behavior among regular marijuana users Smoke fewer marijuana cigarettes than tobacco users smoke standard cigarettes Hold smoke deep in their lungs longer than do cigarette smokers No direct evidence that marijuana smoking causes lung cancer More time may be required to show the link Anxiety Characterized by fear of loss of control and fear that things won’t return to normal Some people require a medical sedative or tranquilizer but the best method to remind a person everything will go back to normal is a “talking down.” Reproductive effects Reduced testosterone levels in men Diminished sperm counts and abnormal sperm in men A growing number of studies show that marijuana use by pregnant mothers does not appear to be associated with low birth weight or premature birth. The amounts of marijuana used by the women in these studies were relatively low. Immune system effects Findings have been mixed Some evidence that marijuana use reduces immunity to infection Mortality data do NOT show a relationship between marijuana use and overall death rate In a study of first-year college students, over 9% had a cannabis use disorder that resulted in concentration problems or missing a number of classes Adolescents who smoked at least once a week had increased thoughts of suicide, felt more lonely and unloved, and were more likely to run away from home, cut classes, or steal Marijuana impairs perceptual and motor skills and the ability to stay awake – skills necessary for driving Appetite Marijuana users consistently report increase in appetite The Respiratory System THC acts as a bronchodilator Smoke contains many respiratory irritants and carcinogens One marijuana cigarette equals 20 regular cigarettes in terms of bronchial damage Marijuana contains 20 times as much ammonia and 5 times as much hydrogen cyanide as tobacco smoke The Immune System Studies with animals demonstrate that marijuana affects the immune system adversely The Reproductive System In males, marijuana decreases testosterone levels, sperm count, and libido In women, it may inhibit ovulation The Brain Chronic marijuana users experience cognitive deficits Marijuana reduces acetylcholine in the hippocampus, the portion of the brain that affects memory Marijuana affects the activity of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine Anticholinergic drugs such as marijuana are related to schizophrenia
- Amotivational syndrome Concern has been expressed about the effect of regular marijuana use on behavior and motivation. Laboratory data do not support the hypothesis that frequent marijuana smokers exhibit diminished motivation. Heavy marijuana users reportedly are unable to concentrate and are unmotivated, apathetic, lacking ambition, and not achievement-oriented (amotivational syndrome) Amotivational syndrome is more likely to develop in adolescents than in older people However, people who smoke a great deal might also be predisposed to these problems initially Marijuana Madness Some researchers are collecting data that they claim shows that marijuana causes psychosis Some studies have found a correlation between marijuana use and psychotic symptoms. Participants admitted to having at least one psychotic symptoms. It is possible the people had psychotic symptoms prior to using marijuana. Since marijuana users typically use other psychoactive drugs, it is difficult to disentangle the influence of other drug use on the psychotic symptoms There is evidence that marijuana can increase the liklihood of psychotic episodes in individuals with a history of psychiatric problems. Driving ability: Research findings mixed Laboratory studies of computer-controlled driving simulations Marijuana produces significant impairment Epidemiological studies Little evidence that drivers who use marijuana alone are more likely to be involved in an accident Effects may be more severe in infrequent users
- In 1972, the Presidential Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse recommended the decriminalization of marijuana 11 states decriminalized marijuana, making possession a minor offense punishable by a $100 fine In 2008, Michigan became the 13th state to approve the medical use of marijuana An argument against marijuana is that it is a gateway drug, leading to the use of more dangerous drugs However, most marijuana smokers do not proceed to use other drugs Steppingstone theory Hypothesis that use of soft drugs such as marijuana and alcohol leads to use of harder drugs such as heroin and cocaine Which is the greater problem—marijuana or laws against marijuana? The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) contends that the quality of marijuana would be controlled more effectively if it were legal Legalization of marijuana is compared to tobacco and alcohol, which have known medical and social consequences In 2011, the Dutch government reversed its tolerance policies and reclassified marijuana so that it is now comparable to cocaine and Ecstasy The Dutch government believe that better control over marijuana use reduces the risks It is estimated that 13% of Dutch high school students have used marijuana, compared to 28% of American students Marijuana has a long history of medical use and is reasonably safe Opponents believe that if marijuana were available for medical use, its nonmedical use would increase dramatically In states that legalized medical marijuana, rates of marijuana use, abuse, and dependence are higher One concern is that medical marijuana may be illegally diverted for substance abuse In November 1996, California voters eliminated state penalties for medical uses of marijuana Fifteen states, including the District of Columbia, have now passed medical marijuana laws The Institute of Medicine (IOM) found that marijuana has “potential for therapeutic use” In 2006, the FDA reaffirmed that marijuana should remain a Schedule I drug, and has no currently accepted medical use Drug reform advocates: Treating drug offenders is much cheaper than incarcerating them Legalizing marijuana and other drugs would stem the rise in violence and criminal activity Opponents of drug reform: Marijuana is unhealthy and the only viable option is elimination of its use Advertising and marketing would increase drug problems dramatically Hassan, an Arabian politico who lived during the Middle Ages, and his cult, purportedly used hashish in preparation for aggressive acts against others Legalization might reduce criminal and violent behavior, but interpersonal and intrapersonal problems might escalate When alcohol was prohibited, organized crime increased – legalization would remove much of the profit motive Marijuana has become the single most important drug issue in the United States. Today 14 states have legalized medical marijuana and a dozen others will consider this in late 2010 In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a shift in attitude about marijuana Marijuana was found to be pretty innocuous Young people found out the government had been lying about drugs and it led to broad rejections of government information. Seniors who smoked marijuana peaked at 60% in the 1970s. Changing attitudes toward decriminalization 1972 report recommended decriminalizing possession of small amounts for personal use and casual distribution of small amounts without monetary profit Beginning in 1973, several states altered laws Possession of small amounts of marijuana became a civil offense rather than a criminal offense Changing marijuana possession from a felony to a misdemeanor saved money on court costs, juries, and jails Usage rates went up, but not substantially In 2009, the AMA called upon the Federal government to rethink its classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug. Changing attitudes toward decriminalization There are four factors toward the recent push Increasing amount of scientific evidence that marijuana is not as toxic as once thought While the economy in 2007 was crashing, billions of dollars were spent to stop illicit drug use. A growing number of Americans believe the government could tax the growth, transportation and sale of marijuana if it were legal. Reports of violence in Mexico due to the illicit drug trade.