| Crystal
meth, cocaine and heroin have a reputation for their high addictive
qualities. But a recent study conducted by Cambridge University
Press contends that another drug is overlooked. According to certain
medical researchers, marijuana, cannabis or ganja is another habit-forming
substance. For
more than two decades, American researchers have been studying
the effects of habitual marijuana use. While many users counter
the addictive powers of the naturally grown herb, a new book,
titled, "Cannabis Dependence" documents the effects
of habitual marijuana usage.
The federally funded
study and book provide scientific evidence on marijuana’s euphoric
powers from its primary ingredient, THC. The findings published
in the book show between two and three percent of marijuana
users are addicted within the first two years of use. Also,
the book notes that 10 percent of America’s regular ganja users
become addicted at some point in their life.
Today, the statistics
for treating marijuana use are growing dramatically. As the
number of cases of alcohol addiction plummeted from 57 percent
to 41 percent, the number of reported marijuana addictions soared
from seven to 16 percent.
Researchers placed
advertisements in newspapers across the country to conduct the
study. The ads offered complimentary treatment for individuals
in need of help to kick their addiction. Average participants
were Caucasian males in their thirties. Compared with the regular
drinkers, the average addiction rate of perpetual marijuana
users was higher. Unlike the side events of other addictive
substances, marijuana addiction is not related to deaths, a
ruined career, or other life altering ramifications.
Although the researchers
were unable to draw conclusive health effects of habitual use
of marijuana, symptom of marijuana withdrawal showed the following
adverse events: irritability, anger, sleep disturbances and
nervousness. |
