Citazione:


non sini del tutto d'accordo che "non fa male" " non crea dipendenza"
dare una letta se interessati i pareri non mancano

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/reading-between-the-headlines/201205/is-marijuana-addictive

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-smoking-marijuana-bad-for-your-lungs/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_dependence

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-abuse/marijuana-addictive

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/11/marijuana-smoking-does-not-harm-lungs-study-finds/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/10/marijuana-and-lungs-study_n_1197854.html

http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/marijuana.html [ vabbe' questo potete risparmiarvelo ]

in sintesi :

Marijuana. Addictive or no? That question has been batted back and forth for decades. While many, especially regular users, say, "Absolutely not!" others are convinced that the answer is a resounding "Yes!" So which is it? Marijuana is a political hot button, thus much research has concentrated on the addictive properties of this plant.

The vast majority of those who use marijuana do so occasionally and exhibit no addictive symptoms — no increased tolerance, no cravings and no withdrawal. In other words, they can take it or leave it [..]

[..] 102 million people, have tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime; 10 percent or 26 million Americans have used marijuana in the past year, and 6 percent, or 15 million Americans, admit to using marijuana on a ‘regular’ basis. It is estimated that around 10 percent of those who smoke marijuana on a regular basis become long term, chronic users [..]

THC, is the main active chemical in marijuana. When smoked, THC quickly passes through the lungs and into the bloodstream, thus carrying it to various organs -- including the brain – where the bulk of cannabinoid receptors reside. These receptors were discovered in the 1980's, and there are two known types, CB1 and CB2, but it’s suspected there are more. These receptors mediate the high via a variety of complex mechanisms.

They are not just limited to man, animals have them, too — mammals, fish, reptiles and birds. They have an effect on coordinated movement, thinking, memory, pleasure and time perception. CB1 is found in very high levels in many regions of the brain; CB2 receptors are found in many of the immune cells, as well as neurons.

[..]While marijuana's effects are felt within minutes, it peaks in about half an hour. It's not just a relaxed dreamy state and the munchies that constitute the high, which is what users crave — but it also has many physiological effects like dry mouth, increased heart rate, impaired coordination, delayed reaction time and slowed memory and concentration. Some smokers even experience paranoia and hallucinations. Although the effects usually wear off within three hours, THC accumulates in the fatty tissue of the liver, lungs, testes and other organs [..]

there is a fine line between use and abuse with respect to a psychoactive drug [..] Abuse can be defined as use that leads to significant problems in life related to: problems with work/school, use in dangerous situations (driving a car), substance-related legal problems, or continued substance use that interferes with friendships and/or family relationships. Of course, all of these are part of the definition of addiction as well.

Also controversial is whether chronic use of the drug causes brain damage. There are studies that say emphatically yes, as in a new Australian study*, which claims changes occur in regions of the brain, overall structure or metabolism. This study compared long term heavy use to brain damage that is equal to a mildly traumatic brain injury. But then again there are other studies, like one from the Medicinal Cannabis Research Center**, which found only minor differences from the control group, not only in regards to structure and metabolism but also with respect to intelligence testing, memory and concentration.

qui i link agli studi citati

*http://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-06-04/study-strengthens-marijuana-brain-damage-case/2459244

**http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20030701/heavy-marijuana-use-doesnt-damage-brain

e ancora :

As for physical effects, according to The Washington Post*, a study reported at the American Thoracic Society International Conference found no connection between marijuana and lung cancer — even with regular and heavy marijuana smokers. This is stunning, when you consider that this is a drug that is typically smoked.

qui il link - the washington post

*http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/25/AR2006052501729.html

Marijuana use can have an effect on driving, although not as severe (and for a shorter time frame) as alcohol. According to ADAI*, while studies show that being under the influence of marijuana can cause some perception and reaction problems, many will consciously alter their driving to compensate for their decreased reaction time by driving slower and keeping a larger distance behind the car ahead. But, this compensation doesn't help if something unexpected happens and most experts at least agree on one thing with respect to marijuana: driving while high is grounds for a DUI.

link ADAI* http://adai.washington.edu/marijuana/factsheets/driving.htm

So what does it take for someone to be addicted? Is it the shakes, the sweats, and the vomiting like the junkie coming off opiates? Most folks have this image of severe symptoms— physical addiction -- as being uncontrollable. Yet the psychological addiction of marijuana is seen as less severe and hence manageable, needing only a good dose of willpower to get over it. But, the psychological craving can be stronger than the physical withdrawal. The brain wants what it wants, when it wants it and for some these cravings are overwhelming.

In other words the brain craves the drug of choice despite the negative consequences involved. Whether the addict loses his job, savings, home or family, the brain relentlessly continues to crave the drug and the user will continue to use, all the while justifying and rationalizing why he does not have a problem. After all, denial is a huge part of any addiction. It’s just a bit easier to deny with pot than with other “more dangerous” drugs.

If you acknowledge that psychological withdrawal symptoms consitiute withdrawal, then there is no doubt that marijuana meets all of the criteria to be considered addicting [..]
[..]In the end there is clearly developing proof that marijuana is addicting, and clinically there are numerous reports [..]

Just like alcohol, some folks can smoke marijuana with little downside. It's those who start to use marijuana as a crutch, who find they must have a hit to get through the day, who cannot go a length of time without getting high, no matter what the costs.... that's when it becomes clear there's a problem. If you are having an issue with family, friends or career, and others believe that marijuana is the cause and you want to prove them wrong, there is an easy way. I tell my patients to stop smoking, completely, for six months. If you can do that, then you are probably okay. If you can't, or won’t, then guess what? You are probably addicted.

da: Psychology Today