Marijuana 20 years after Woodstock

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 300, 18 August 1989, Page 20

Marijuana 20 years after Woodstock

Marijuana is regarded as the symbol of flower power and the hippies of the '60s.

Today, in the '80s, many of the myths from the era about' marijuana still remain. One of those myths is that is has no harmful effects. But research has shown there are specific health risks. Improvements in growing techniques have resulted in a drug more potent than 10 years ago with elevated potential for problems of abuse.

It can be addictive. The formation of an addiction to marijuana may not be as obvious as, say, with alcohol. But the user who wishes to give up a regular dope smoking habit can experience withdrawal symptoms. Generally, such symptoms are tension, headaches and physical discomfort. The individual knows that another smoke will bring

relief and the feeling they come to perceive through their use of drug - feeling "normal". This is addiction. Differences Parallels are often drawn between the two major substances of abuse in New Zealand, alcohol and cannabis. Such comparisons assume the two are similar, but there are important differences in the way they affect the user. Alcohol is usually

removed from the body completely over 12 to 24 hours, even after binge drinking session. Because the principal active ingredient, THC, has an attraction to fatty tissue it accumulates in such tissue areas around the brain. This results in an effect on short-term . memory and the ability to learn or concentrate. It also interferes with task performance and a driver or machinery op-

erator under the influence risks an accident because of drug-induced changes in perception and understanding of what is happening around them. Paranoia The regular user can also suffer mental health problems such as paranoia or more severe disturbances if they are vulnerable personalities. Amotivational syndrome is the name give

to the feeling of apathy that often accompanies a heavy smoking habit, where the user becomes an observer rather than a participant in life. As with cigarettes, the marijuana smoker risks lung damage, but the effects can be felt i sooner because the particles in smoke from a joint are larger and the smoke is held in the lungs longer. Other health risks to

add to this list include a lower ing of the sperm count and hormone levels in males and interference with ovulation in women. The user who is pregnant is effecting the natural development of the baby. Also, the sidestream smoke from a joint effects others in the same room, especially children, who may become unknowing participates in drug use.