Cannabis Sativa

Molecule of the active ingredient in Marijuana - Tetrahydrocannabinol

Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is not harmless and is in fact addictive. According to a study conducted by Dr. Kadden (1997) from the University of Conneticut Health Centre, marijuana addiction is both psychological and physiological.

Many participants in the three year study expressed feelings that they could not cope or even function adequately without marijuana, and that their addiction interfered with leading a normal life. Further, they felt that they needed treatment for their addiction.

The following is a brief summary of findings from similar research by neuropsychologist, John Anderson (Sydney 1997).

1. Although THC is the active ingredient that causes the high, there are 61 other agents in marijuana. Since it is not a pure substance, individual reactions vary.

2. CBD & CNN are two of the cannaboids found in marijuana which research has demonstrated affects chromosomal structure. In males, it results in spermatogenesis and in women, actively affects the shape of the ovum. The gene that is affected is the same gene implicated in ADHD - on the short arm of chromosome 6.

3. Marijuana alters testosterone levels and males who have ADD tend to have mood swings exacerbated by continued use.

4. Marijuana is fat soluble, and the brain and gonads are the major fatty tissues in the body.

5. Smoking one joint a day, three times a week, for six months, results in changes in brain physiology that can be detected three to five years later.

6. Since marijuana decreases the amount of T-cells in the blood, the immune system is weakened.

7. Marijuana contains 50-70% more carcinogens than tobacco and there is a higher incidence of jaw, throat and tongue cancer among marijuana users.

8. The cardio-vascular system is also adversely affected ' since marijuana deprives the brain of -oxygen. When the blood flow to the brain is decreased by 4% significant problems in terms of brain function result: in dementia patients blood flow is decreased by 4%, ADHD 8-12%, schizophrenia 12-15%, marijuana users 1015%.

9. Long term users may develop drug induced psychosis *(similar to schizophrenia with paranoia and delusions). One in ten of those with drug psychosis will commit suicide unless treated in the first two years (usually poly users). Other than those who develop drug induced psychosis and cancer, research demonstrates that all other effects are fully reversible with total abstinence.

10. The adult ADHD brain is primarily characterised by a dopamine and sometimes a serotonin dysfunction. If an ADD adult smokes marijuana, the doparnine receptors are filled with THC instead of dopamine. This exacerbates the problem as it causes an imbalance in other neurotransmitters. There is little point in using medication for ADHD if marijuana smoking continues as the medication becomes ineffective unless massive doses are taken. Increasingly, stronger drugs are required and the progression from marijuana to speed to heroin is likely.

11. 30-40% of substance abusers (marijuana, heroin, methadone) have ADD. There are' 18,000 people on methadone. If those with ADD are treated more appropriately, then maybe they can eventually get off methadone, thus actively treating the illness, not the symptoms.

(Source: Anderson 1997)

1. 40% of children with ADHD are predisposed to developing substance abuse during adolescence/adulthood.
2. Of the ADHD population that are poly-substance users, 61% smoke marijuana.
3. Many of the behavioural changes in marijuana users are the same as those of ADHD, hence it is often difficult for clinicians to differentiate between ADHD and marijuana use.
4. Specific behavioural changes in cannabis users include:

(Source: Anderson 1997)

For further information or appointments, please contact:- Gregory de Montfort or Rosemary Boon at:-

	The Whole-Life Connection Wholistic Health and Well-Being Centre
Telephone: +61 2 9727 5794 Facsimile: +61 2 9754 2999		Email: wholelifeconnexion@iprimus.com.au	Address: P.O. Box 7120 Bass Hill NSW 2197 Australia