The Harmful Effects of Marijuana – The Importance of Marijuana Detox

Some of the things that occur almost immediately after taking marijuana are rapid heart beat, disorientation and lack of physical coordination. Depression or sleepiness are effects that often follow. Anxiety or panic attacks affect some users.

However, that’s not the end of the problem. Scientific studies have found that THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, can remain in the body for weeks, sometimes even longer. A marijuana detox is therefore extremely important.

The smoke from a marijuana cigarette actually contains more cancer-causing substances than tobacco smoke – 50% to 70% more! According to one major research study, the damaging effect to a person’s lungs from just one cannabis joint is roughly equivalent to the damage caused by chain-smoking up to five regular cigarettes. People who have smoked pot for a long time quite often suffer from bronchitis, which is an inflammation of the respiratory tract.

It’s not just physical health that is affected, though. An Australian study conducted in 2008 found a definite connection between brain abnormalities and years of heavy marijuana use. This aligns with earlier research regarding the long-term effects of marijuana, which found that changes in the brain were similar to those caused by long-term abuse of other major drugs. Further, a significant amount of studies show that there is a connection between continued marijuana use and psychosis.

The structure of sperm cells is also affected by marijuana. The drug deforms them. Because of this, temporary sterility in men can be caused by even small amounts of marijuana. The female menstrual cycle can also be upset by marijuana use.

Studies also show that people who have smoked a lot of marijuana tend to suffer from diminished mental functions. The reason for this is the THC ingredient in cannabis. The nerve cells in the brain are disrupted which ends up affecting memory adversely.

Cannabis has the dubious distinction of being one of the few drugs that can cause hereditary defects – some of them quite severe. The drug brings about abnormal cell division which in turn leads to these hereditary problems. For instance, a pregnant woman who smokes marijuana or hashish on a regular basis, may give birth prematurely to a baby who is undersized and underweight. During the past ten years, many of the offspring of marijuana users have come into this world with drug-induced mental handicaps. They suffer from reduced initiative and their ability to concentrate and pursue life goals is lessened. Studies also indicate that prenatal (meaning before birth) use of the drug may result in birth defects and mental abnormalities. There is also an increased risk of leukemia in children.

Even after the person no longer takes the drugs, they continue to adversely affect the person mentally and spiritually. One needs to cleanse the body of the drug residues through an effective detox program – the Purification Program.

Read real successes from real people that have done the Purification Program in Orange County, CA.