marihuana (redirected from Cannabis (drug))

marihuana /mar·i·hua·na/ (mar″ĭ-hwah´nah) marijuana.

---

marijuana [mar″ĭ-wahn´ah]

a preparation of the leaves and flowering tops of Cannabis sativa, the hemp plant, which contains a number of pharmacologically active principles (cannabinoids). hashish, also derived from the hemp plant, is obtained from the clear resin secreted by the flowering tops of the plant and is four to eight times as potent as marijuana. Both drugs are used for their euphoric properties and are considerably more potent when smoked and inhaled than when simply eaten.

tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most active ingredient of marijuana, can, with heavy smoking, narrow the bronchi and bronchioles and produce inflammation of the mucous membranes. In addition, marijuana smoke contains many of the same chemicals and “tars” as tobacco smoke and, therefore, increases the risk of lung cancer. There is some evidence that marijuana increases the risk for miscarriage and birth defects. Even though these dangers have not been completely documented, it is recommended that both men and women who plan to have children should avoid marijuana as they would any other unnecessary drug.

One beneficial effect of THC is the lowering of intraocular pressure, which can be helpful in the control of glaucoma. However, because it causes tachycardia and increased work for the heart, it cannot be used in most elderly persons, the age group in which glaucoma is most prevalent. Another use of THC is for relief of extreme nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy, although not every patient responds favorably to THC.

---

marijuana, marihuana

a preparation of the leaves and flowering tops of Cannabis sativa, the hemp plant, which contains a number of pharmacologically active principles (cannabinoids).

---

Patient discussion about marihuana.

Q. what are the requirements of getting medicinal marijuana? i'd like to know the requirements of getting prescribed medicinal marijuana. i have heard alot about health benefits of moderate use of marijuana or should i refer to it as cannabis.

A. cannabinoid drugs have therapeutic value particularly for symptoms such as pain relief, control of nausea and vomiting, and appetite stimulation. as an example- some cancer patients have loss of appetite and nausea because of chemo, this is a cause for medicinal marijuana. Since 1996, twelve states have legalized medical marijuana use: AK, CA, CO, HI, ME, MT, NV, NM, OR, RI, VT, and WA.

Q. Is it safe to mix alcohol and Marijuana? A friend of mine suggested smoking some in a party after drinking heavily…I refused because I don’t know what the effect will be…is it dangerous?

A. Good call…not that it can kill you or something but using one drug that effect the central nervous system is bad enough but still “controllable”’ while mixing both cannot produce any expected reaction. Every time doing so you can find yourself in a very different state. About the toxisity- not enough is known about marijuana and mixing it with alcohol to say for sure that it’s toxic. But also the other way around…no one can asure you it’s safe. I would avoid doing so.

Q. One of my friends is an addict to Alcohol. Which one is worse? Marijuana or alcohol One of my friends is an addict to Alcohol. He later stopped and started using Marijuana. Which one is worse? Marijuana or alcohol

A. I agree with corey,alcohol is more dangerous-because people think that because it is legal,its alright,also the media makes it seem that you will have a lot of fun when you drink,which is not always the case.people die from all kinds of drugs ever the ones DRs order,because every ones system is different. ALL DRUGS ARE BAD (BUT)in the united states the government makes a lot of mmony in taxes on each bottle/or can,so we will never get alcohol on the same list as other drugs--I have said this before but people have to be more responsible with what they put in there body,how much they put in there bodys.If you are going to use a drug,I suggest marijuana/cocaine because people who use marijuana get hungry and go to sleep---people that use cocaine take it less than alcohol,meth is a killer no matter how much you take,so i say met is in the no#2 spot. but it is always smarter to not use drugs at all.mrfoot56---peace