Adverse effects from marijuana use include decreased coordination, epithelial damage to the lungs, increased risk of infection, cardiovascular effects and cognitive deficits. Unexplained behavior changes, altered social relationships and poor performance at school or work can signify a drug problem. Treatment requires a combination of education, social support, drug monitoring and attention to comorbid medical and psychiatric conditions. (Am Fam Physician 1999;60: 2583-93.)

Marijuana was widely used in the US prior to Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 which officially brought the drug under federal regulation. Even after this legislatio

In the absence of sound studies identifying medical benefits of marijuana, it would be unwise to make any claims about its medical efficacy. Apart from that we must also understand that our children and youth are at an increased risk of consuming marijuana amidst such mixed messages. This drug when not used in moderation is known for causing serious addiction. This is a documented fact that around 100,000 people annually seek treatment for marijuana addiction. It has also been found that high school students who use marijuana often skip classes and are more vulnerable to delinquent behavior. (5) Similarly young college students have also reported more vehicle accidents under influence.

In its unfiltered form, it can have major disruptive effects on coordination and even worsen some conditions like bronchitis. The greatest risk of marijuana lies in its ability to diminish immunity levels against infections. Users are more prone to catching infections especially if they have some pre-existing condition. It is likely to have a negative impact on pulmonary defenses against infection. The risk of infection rises considerably in patients suffering from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. (3) Even more serious are the effects on senior patients and those with particular heart conditions. It tends to increase heart-rate, hypertension and risk of angina.

It is also being claimed that federal government is vehemently opposed to the idea of legalization of this drug. Federal agencies are thus trying to hinder free and unbiased research on the subject. "...scientists who study the medical use of marijuana said in interviews that the federal government had actively discouraged research. Lyle E. Craker, a professor in the

Some common words found in the essay are:
Drug Abuse, Institutes Health, Compassionate IND, Fam Physician, Marijuana Cannabis, Drug IND, University Massachusetts, Tax Act, San Francisco, Lyle Craker, medical benefits, adverse effects, federal government, medical marijuana, marijuana adverse effects, school students, increased risk, drug federal, effects marijuana, found marijuana, treat conditions,
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