Marijuana Rehab

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the hemp plant which are mind-altering. The main active chemical is THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

How is Marijuana Produced?

It is actually raised out of doors and mostly during the summer. It is also grown as indoor plant providing artificial light and planted in pots or large earthen vessels filled with gravel instead of mud.

Why is Marijuana Addictive?

Marijuana activates the same receptor system in the brain as heroin or morphine. It in turn activates the dopamine reward pathway which is the mechanisms behind the rewarding, and many of the addictive, properties of all drugs of abuse. Drug reward depends heavily on the cannabinoid receptor system which is the main target for THC making marijuana is addictive.

History of Marijuana Abuse in the US

The English introduced it in Jamestown in 1611 and within a century became a major commercial crop. In the 1920’s marijuana became the rage of the jazz world and it was tolerated by the authorities as it was not considered illegal. It was prescribed for conditions like labor pains, nausea, and rheumatism and also listed in the U.S Pharmacopeia from 1850 to 1942. In the 1960s college students used it and hippy culture popularized it. Marijuana was classified as a Schedule I drug by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.

Street Names for Marijuana

It is said that there are more than two hundred street names for marijuana some of which are herb, pot, grass, weed, grass, boom, gangster, Mary Jane and many more.

Prevalence of addiction to Marijuana -who is addicted to the drug and is this type of addiction rising?

In the US more than thirty nine percent of people have tried this drug at least once and many of these people, especially the young have actually become addicted to it. National Survey on Drug Use and Health has found that the abuse of marijuana use is most common among younger individuals between the ages of 18 and 25.

Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Some physical signs are:

• Bloodshot eyes and constant cough
• Dry mouth
• Poor coordination
• Slow reaction
• Loss of control

Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Following are the withdrawal symptoms:

• insomnia
• disordered eating
• craving for drug
• irritability

Types of Marijuana Rehab

Marijuana is the most widely abused substance and it generally has two treatment options for rehabilitation that are inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab.