Abstract This paper describes the effects that smoking marijuana may have on the brain, including its possible impact on learning and memory. The paper also examines studies indicating that marijuana may also play a vital role in improving brain function and in helping with learning disabilities. The paper points out that much about the effects of marijuana, both negative and positive, is still largely unknown.
From the Paper "When the brain encounters a high dosage of THC, the first process to be challenged is the memory function. The hippocampus receptors in the brain are primarily responsible for memory formation. Additionally, this part of the brain has large impacts on learning, sensory experiences, emotions and motivation. Hence the term "stoner", for a lazy unmotivated person. This are of the brain also converts information perceived and learned into short-term memory. When THC is smoked, it then attaches to the receptors in the hippocampus. This attachment causes a weakness in the structural hippocampus region of the brain, and subsequently those that ingest marijuana may have trouble recalling and developing short-term memory, especially of things that occur while under the effects of the drug. THC has also shown the tendency to lessen the activity of nerves cells in this region of the brain."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the issue of drug abuse in the United States and the impact it has on American society. According to the paper, more than a third of the population have tried at least one form of banned drug. The paper discusses how the three drugs that are commonly abused are ecstasy, methamphetamine and marijuana.
From the Paper "First-time users often claim that methamphetamine made them feel like Superman, as if they could accomplish anything, however that first-time high is difficult to repeat, which causes the individual to use more and more (Ladika). While meth initially heightens concentration and increases alertness, the "honeymoon period" is fairly short and many people move into addiction, which can take a toll on physical and mental health (Ladika). In addition to a decline in personal hygiene, because meth decreases blood flow, it can cause an itching sensation that causes the users to scratch themselves repeatedly, leading to skin lesions (Ladika). The decreased blood supply may also damage the soft tissue of the gums, and the chemicals within meth attack the tooth enamel, causing what is referred to as "meth mouth," with teeth decaying down to the gum line (Ladika). According to a study at the University of California, Los Angeles, which used high-resolution MRIs, meth destroys the areas of the brain that control memory, emotion and reward systems, and regular users lose approximately 1 percent of their brain cells each year, "which is comparable to the effect of Alzheimer's disease" (Ladika). Meth can also increase the chance for a stroke and high blood pressure, and can cause mood swings, paranoia and anxiety (Ladika)."
Abstract The paper discusses how opponents fear that legalizing marijuana for medical purposes will open the door for legalization across the board. They claim that synthetic versions of the drug work as well or better. The paper explains that proponents hail marijuana as a wonder drug for a number of medical complaints and claim that synthetic marijuana does not offer the same relief as the pure form. The paper asserts that with many glowing recommendations and support from a myriad of medical organizations, it is puzzling why marijuana is illegal at all, particularly for medical purposes. The paper contends that arguments against the legalization of medical marijuana are simply not logical or founded in scientific research.
From the Paper "Archeologists in Taiwan uncovered clay pots from 8000 B.C. that were decorated with strands of hemp (Earleywine 4). Societies have been smoking, eating, making clothes, and trading marijuana for thousands of years. In fact, in 2737 B.C., the Chinese Emperor Sheng Nun declared cannabis as a "superior herb"(Merrett). Roughly a thousand years later, the Scythians, a cannabis-smoking tribe, came through Europe and Asia, introducing a useful tool for harvesting the crop (Merrett). The plant is even mentioned in the Bible: in Exodus, Chapter 30, God instructs Moses to take sweet "kineboison" as one of several ingredients to make holy oil (Merrett)."
Abstract This paper explains that marijuana should be legalized in the United States because it has multiple uses medicinally and that the benefits of legalization outweigh the problems associated with it. Shortly before its prohibition, the author relates, marijuana was used as a medicine. Today, there are a wealth of new opportunities for the development of medically useful cannabinoid-based drugs. The paper concludes that legally providing marijuana has a number of societal and economic benefits including tax revenues.
From the Paper "Obviously, though, the real issue here isn't with the pros and cons of medicinal marijuana: the government is apparently too jaded to look at actual facts, so that idea is out. The real battle should be over the legalization and regulation of the drug to the general public, because that has something in it for the federal government: taxes. Delicious taxes. I digress, though . . . I'd rather not be cruel about the government. Look at the facts, though! It's a simple equation of costs."
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