Marijuana

By exportuser2

Weed. Herb. Rope. Skunk. The names are ever-changing and often change on a daily basis but no matter what it’s called, marijuana remains the most common illicit drug used in the United States. After a period of decline in the last decade, the use of marijuana has generally increased among young people since 2007, corresponding to a diminishing perception of the drug’s risks.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the main active ingredient in marijuana. When marijuana is smoked, THC passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical throughout the body, including the brain. THC acts upon specific molecular targets on brain cells, called cannabinoid receptors.

Research has shown that marijuana has the potential to cause problems in daily life or make a person’s existing problems worse. In fact, heavy marijuana users generally report lower life satisfaction, poorer mental and physical health, relationship problems and less academic and career success compared to their peers who came from similar backgrounds.

Broadcasts

Goes by many names

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The active ingredient

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The effects on daily life

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Not enough scientific evidence

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Treating addiction

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These programs were first broadcast the week of April 8, 2013.

T. Glenn Pait, M.D., of UAMS is the host of the program.

About Our Host

Trusted by thousands of listeners every week, T. Glenn Pait, M.D., began offering expert advice as host of UAMS’ “Here’s to Your Health” program in 1996. Dr. Pait began working at UAMS in 1994 and has been practicing medicine for over 20 years.