While many of us know of those who may use Marijuana for recreational or medical porposes, the side effects both good and bad seem to be lost in a haze of facts and myths.

Marijuana is a crude drug that is made from the Cannabis plant. And is most normally smoked in order to  create a mind altering effect.  The cause of this outcome comes from the ingrendent called THC or in scientific term, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It is this ingredient that causes the effect to be stronger or weaker depending on the amount of it found in the marijuana that is being used.

While there are no deathly side effects to the use of marijuana, the use of the substance can cause a faster pulse rate and heartbeat, dry mouth and throat, and bloodshot eyes. In a study put out in 2011 by the Drug and alcohol abuse center they found theat the use of marijuana can lead to some short term impairments such as reduced short term memory and can reduce the ability to do things which require concentration. So things like studying for a test or driving a car can become difficult.

Marijuana is used for many medical purposes including the relieve and/or treatment for AIDS, cancer, ADHD, multiple sclerosis, nausea resulting from chemotherapy, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, epilepsy, insomnia, migraines, arthritis and lack of appetite.

Doctors have also used medical marijuana on terminally ill patients, as a way to alleviate some of their pain and improve their overall quality of life. the effects produced include a reduction in anxiety and pain, as well as a feeling of being high. Furthermore, research has shown cannabinoids to be successful at slowing the growth of certain types of cancer.

Although several states have authorized the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, pharmacies aren’t allowed to supply it. For the same reason, doctors write recommendations for marijuana use instead of actual prescriptions.

As with the use of any drug,, know  the truth about it along with any side effects that it may cause. Also note that while the use of marijuana has been legalized for recreational use for adults 21 and over in Washington and Colorado, it is still recognized as an illegal drug by the federal government as well as here in New York State.

For more information on Marijuana facts and legal uses, please visit: www.drugpolicy.org