I just gotta call from the wife of a family that we're close to asking us to watch their kids for a day or so.

the husband was walking their youngest in a stroller yesterday & started to feel tightness in his chest & numbing in his hands. He blew it off. Later yesterday.... he was doing some yardwork & it re-occured to the point where he stepped back due to dizzyness.
they called their doc & he went in for emergency angioplasty last night...... 85% blockage.

the reason this concerns me you ask(aside from the fact that he's a good friend)........ allow me to compare the similarites to yours truly.

He's 42... I'm 41
He drinks daily..... I do not anymore but did for a long time.
He smokes weed........ I smoke weed
He quit cigarettes........ I am in the process and it'a a f*cking biatch
He's about 25 lbs. heavier than he should be as am I.
He exercises regularly as do I at least 4 times a week.
He likes to eat fatty food...... me too.
He's got 2 kids ages 9 & 3..... I've got 2 kids 3 & 3.

I need to wake my ass up.

well get on it, Son!

Quit the weed and you will find it much easier to eat healthier

I dunno...doritos, pizza, and chinese food have a call all their own.

Hope they fix him up. I'm not listing all my stats, as I think I'll get a 'buffer overflow' error.

yeah, the main problem with herb is it slows your metabolism down so slow...... makes it much harder to burn fat. My recreational use of that isn't my main concern..... although I'm sure it's not do'in a whole lotta good.

it's the everyday cigarettes & diet that's the biggie. I work out hard 4 times a week...... weights & hoops...... but so does he.

I've got my annual physical in a few weeks..... along with probing my bunghole for pollips..... we may be adding a few new procedures.

I hope he's okay. And old coots like you should take better care of yourselves!

Youngins like me have a few more years of indulgence. Right?

I'm not a doctor but the first two things I would do is quit the cigarettes and get your weight down.

Everybodys body is different. Some people can indulgence and have no effect while others can't.

Not to downplay the significance of personal responsibility, but to have an 85% blockage at 42? He was f*cked from birth-- that's bad genes.

Don't get me wrong, smoking, drinking, eating like you're still 20, all that will speed up the process (as it did in his case) but if you get 85% blocked by age 42, you were going to have cardiac problems regardless of if you lived like Kain from Kung Fu. That's just the breaks. Hope they are able to fix him up with a CABG and get him rolling again-- it really is amazing how open-heart surgery is so commonplace now, and how effective it can be.

The above is not a license to go back to smoking, drinking and other bad habits, just an observation.

Unless you guys have the same parents, it's kind of hard to compare.

Correctamundo! A PE Prof/Coach at my old CC doesn't drink or smoke, looks really fit, and watches what he eats has had heart related problems since he was 35. Several angios & and one bypass to my knowledge.

no sh*t. I said I'm in the process of quiting or at least trying to. the birth of my kids precipitated that. As far as the weight........ losing 20-25 lbs. is something alotta people need to do..... and alot more for that matter.

I can drop 20 pretty easy & put it right back on just as easy..... been doing that all my life.

The nasty, nasty cigarettes are the #1 & main objective.

Problem is, they're nasty in a very enjoyable, delicious kind of way.

I wasnt trying to be rude, mind over matter just stop smoking and good luck.

Now I know alchohol can cause heart disease, but blockage? I thought alchohol thinned the blood. Am I missing something here?

doesn't matter how thin your blood is if your arteries are blocked.

I find that the regular excercise is the hard part.

Been able to stay away from the drinking and smoking most of my life.

DGF, If you were like me, the years of Old Style, brats, and deep fried cheese curds have taken their toll.

Actually I read somewhere that AL-K-Hol increases the HDL, seriously.
Simple, alcohol is a solvent, fat is a grease, solvent reduces grease, therefore the solvent (alcohol) reduces grease (fat). Anyone buyin' that? Please!

I quit drinking (after working in bars for almost 9 years) but have not been able to put down the cigarettes. Thats the key, Frazia, but you already know that. I dropped 15 in 2 months recently just by changing my lunch choices.

You are 41, have 2 kids, and still smoke weed? What a loser...

go f*ck yourself Spain. I use it recreationally from time to time ,yes. I'm being honest here & sharing some concerns I have..... I don't need answers like that.

God that pisses the f*ck outta me.

how many shortcomings have you posted here about your F*cked up beyond belief life.... and heard me once give a response like that ? None.

Chill, babe. He's just pullin' your peener. I truly understand. I mean it! No biggie!

I think genetics play a bigger role than some of the concerns mentioned above.

If there is any history of heart disease in your family, shape up fast!

If not, eat a few more salads, kick the butts and take it easy on the reefer.

Hey, spain, it all works out in the end. I smoke weed and you're raising my kids

Hey, dont have a heart attack! Oh, wait cancel that. Here is the deal. I used drugs a good part of my life. Weed, cocaine, ecstacy, qualudes, acid, speed, you name it. I first smoked pot in the 7th grade and never looked back. But at some point, we all sort of grow up and leave those childish things behind. You arent a 22 year old college kid anymore. You are a 41 year old father of 2 who is engaging in illegal behavior. You have alot to lose with 2 children my friend. The Dept of Children services could even take your kids away from you for drug use. That is a fact, and alot more scary to me as a father than having a heart attack.

I aint judging you pal. Unfortunately, I have done too many things in my life to judge anyone. But you are endangering alot more than your health as you hit that bong on the weekends. And taking the moral high ground with your kids on the drug issue in a few years wont be quite as easy with more dope in your system than Quincy and Ricky.

But in terms of your health, weed is like smoking cigs only worse since you inhale so deeply. Quit the pot. Put down the cigs. Control the things you can control to enhance your health. Your kids deserve to grow up with a Dad. They need you to be healthy and to be around for a long time. Do it for them..

All right, that's more of an answer that I was looking for. It's the loser comment that T'd me. I ain't proud of the fact that I still occasionally get stoned.... but the fact remains that I still do from time to time. We do not have it in the house & I'm pretty much to the point where if I smoke it... it's someone elses weed, if you know what I mean.

as for the legal aspect of it..... I'm very aware of the situation. I too abused the sh*t for years, and am very self conscious about it being a parent now.

As far as health goes..... none of these things help. They all add up to a shortened life in the end.

aging sux.

Look I'm no doctor either, but I got to call hogwash on that. Any actual scientific medical support for that statment?

I don't smoke weed, but from what I've read it's safer than any 'legal' drug (nicotine & alcohol) out there. Supposedly, no one has ever died from a THC overdose. It's addictive powers are truly psychological, unlike alcohol & cigs.. I don't have a problem with it, as long as DUI is not an issue. The worst part about illegal drugs is the $$$$$ this country spends on 'policing' it.
Maybe I'm wrong but....

completely agree. It's truly the best pain killer I've ever used. there's a reason why doctors prescribe it for cancer patients.... because it works.

the crime that comes with the distribution of weed is the biggest problem.

Quite honestly Fraz.....on the weight issue you talked about here.....the yoyo-ing? You'd be best off getting it off and keeping it off....the second best thing.....would be to just maintain, even if that means carrying an extra 20. It's the on again, off again....that's a killer.

And ditto to the genes thing....I've known people who were chain smokers....heavy drinkers.....and 40 pounds overweight that lived into their 80s with virtually no problems...we call them slugs...lol.

Most of us can't get away with those extremes...but to compare you both....you'd have to have some family history. So....don't whack out on it....let it be a wake up call.....and do something about it for yourself. I'm back on my morning laps in the pool.....and it feels great. You might rethink your weight room regimen....just like any physical work....when your body gets used to that routine......it ceases to be anything more than your routine.....and not the cardio you were looking for. Gotta mix it up

I hope your friend is doing alright. That is very young to be battling a serious ailment. I'm sure he appreciates the support!

Those comments also apply to Spain. So he was talking about himself.

I smoke pot before work, at lunch, after work, and in the evening. I feel great.

For what its worth. When you inhale pot deep into your lungs. it can burn the tiny
hair like fibers on your lungs and those fibers are used to keep your lungs clean. once they are burnt off they never grow back. thus you could say pot can cause lung damage. no link just what i have picked up from somewhere. made sense to me.

Used to do the weed, but my company drug tests randomly, and I need the paycheck. Years ago, I used to do acid, speed, etc, but the ambience isn't there when you've got the kids and all that, so that went by the wayside. Used to get so $hitfaced, you wouldn't believe it, but hardly drink at all now. Still doing the cigs, but not when the kids are around.

I dropped 53 pounds the last 6 months and have not felt better since I was in the military years ago. I did it easily too, mostly due to my doc telling me my cholesterol was too high. Now I can do yard stuff like shoveling three tons of aggregate off a pickup in a couple hours and feel just fine. I used to get occasional chest pains when I was 280 lbs, but have had none for the last four months - all scans are clear and BP is perfect.

Drop the weight, then drop the smokes - they're my last vice and they are the hardest to dump by far, especially if you're in a high pressure job.

Drug policy questions aside, what you're saying is true, but it doesn't contradict the assertion that pot smoke is just as bad for you as cigarette smoke puff for puff. I don't know if the "inhales deeper" argument is true or not, but I'd find it hard to believe that sniffing the smoke of one plant is significantly less harmful to a person than another plant.

its not the plant thats bad its what they put in cigarettes thats bad, I think it is called nicotine

its the man made products

Am I incorrect in assuming that commerical cigarettes have tons of "crap" put into them and are far different than just pure tobacco, while weed is weed?

Hey C. Everett Coop ....... it's the tar from burning the plant that f*cks up your lungs.

weed smokers call it resin.

the nicotine just tells you to reach in your wallet & buy another pack.

Yeah, if you could only scrape your lungs and resmoke that, ah!

I'm 52 and theres guys my age having heart attacks and strokes and dropping dead all over the place, some women too. Gotta change the lifestyle or croak.

I don't believe it's the nicotine that's bad for you, in terms of causing lung disease. Plus, while it may be augmented, I'm pretty sure that nicotine is naturally present in tobacco.



The new "rolleyes" graemlin doesn't do justice to my loathing with the "natural=good" school of thought. You light weed or tobacco (or charcoal when you're grilling) on fire, and the oxidation forms all kinds of new chemicals, many of which are carcinogens. The particulates can get caught in your cilia, and the heat can damage or paralyze them.

Smoking anything is bad for your health, regardless of how "natural" you percieve it to be.

Being the social left winger that I am, I believe that pot should be legal. Unfortunately, the far right wing conservative climate in the country now makes the possibility of it becoming decriminalized in the very near future, remote in the extreme. So, the fact remains that weed can cause you lots of problems, at home, work, etc. because of its illegal status.

As far as the health concerns, I have read numerous articles over the years on the harmful effects of pot smoking. I dont recall any that specifically attribute heart/cardio-vascular problems with cannibus. And I dont have any that I can cite right now, but I will google it and try to post some about how weed is bad for your health. Common sense tells me though that inhaling smoke into one's lungs is generally not a good idea.

That was a much wittier way to say what I was trying to say.

Harmful Effects of Marijuana
The harmful effects of marijuana on the Brain and Central Nervous System are:
Impaired thinking, mood, memory, and coordination
Marijuana (THC) is an extremely powerful and pleasurable intoxicant. Its affects alter and damage brain cells that control thinking, emotion, pleasure, coordination, mood, and memory. The pituitary gland is also damaged which regulates hunger, thirst, blood pressure, sexual behavior, and the release of sex hormones.
Clogged synapses, brain damage, and addiction
Marijuana accumulates in the microscopic spaces between nerve cells in the brain called "synapses." This clogging interferes by slowing and impairing the transfer of critical information.
Long term use causes the brain to stop production of brain chemicals necessary to "feel good" - a negative feedback condition. This causes the user to become chemically addicted to marijuana.
The harmful effects of marijuana on the Heart
Speeds up heartbeat as much as 50%, increases blood pressure, and poses great risk to those with hypertension and heart disease.
The harmful effects of marijuana on the Endocrine System
Marijuana damages the network of glands, organs, and hormones involved in growth and development, energy levels, and reproduction.
Organs and glands affected:
pituitary gland
thyroid gland
stomach
duodenum
pancreas
adrenal glands
testis
The harmful effects of marijuana on the Reproductive System for males and females
Marijuana use can decrease and degenerate sperm, sperm count, movement, and cause lowered sex drive. Females can have egg damage, suppression of ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and cause alteration of hormone levels.
Regular use during pregnancy can lower birth weight and cause abnormalities similar to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (small head, irritability, poor growth and development).
Can destroy the number of chromosomes, resulting in cell abnormalities and impaired function.
Other affects on the central nervous system
distortions of perceptions, thinking, and reality
Difficulty in forming concepts and thoughts
Poor concentration
Mental confusion
Loss of motivation
Wide mood swings
Aggression and hostility
Depression, anxiety, and paranoia
The harmful effects of marijuana on the Eyes
Sleepy looking, bloodshot eyes with dilated pupils.
The harmful effects of marijuana on the Throat
Irritates membranes of the esophagus and increases chance of developing cancer of larynx and esophagus.
The harmful effects of marijuana on the Lungs
Significant damage and destruction of the air sacs of the lungs, reducing the lungs ability to bring oxygen and remove carbon dioxide - Emphysema.
Causes bronchial tubes to be inflamed, thickened, and to produce more mucus which results in narrowing of the air passages - Chronic Bronchitis.
Marijuana smoke has twice as much "tar" as cigarette smoke and significantly increases chance of lung cancer, inflammation, and infection

http://www.usnodrugs.com/marijuana-harmful-effects.htm

Health Hazards

Effects of Marijuana on the Brain

Researchers have found that THC changes the way in which sensory information gets into and is acted on by the hippocampus. This is a component of the brain's limbic system that is crucial for learning, memory, and the integration of sensory experiences with emotions and motivations. Investigations have shown that neurons in the information processing system of the hippocampus and the activity of the nerve fibers are suppressed by THC. In addition, researchers have discovered that learned behaviors, which depend on the hippocampus, also deteriorate.

Recent research findings also indicate that long-term use of marijuana produces changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of other major drugs of abuse.

Effects on the Lungs

Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers have. These individuals may have daily cough and phlegm, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and more frequent chest colds. Continuing to smoke marijuana can lead to abnormal functioning of lung tissue injured or destroyed by marijuana smoke.

Regardless of the THC content, the amount of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed are three to five times greater than among tobacco smokers. This may be due to the marijuana users inhaling more deeply and holding the smoke in the lungs.

Effects on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

Recent findings indicate that smoking marijuana while shooting up cocaine has the potential to cause severe increases in heart rate and blood pressure. In one study, experienced marijuana and cocaine users were given marijuana alone, cocaine alone, and then a combination of both. Each drug alone produced cardiovascular effects; when they were combined, the effects were greater and lasted longer. The heart rate of the subjects in the study increased 29 beats per minute with marijuana alone and 32 beats per minute with cocaine alone. When the drugs were given together, the heart rate increased by 49 beats per minute, and the increased rate persisted for a longer time. The drugs were given with the subjects sitting quietly. In normal circumstances, an individual may smoke marijuana and inject cocaine and then do something physically stressful that may significantly increase risks of overload on the cardiovascular system.

Effects of Heavy Marijuana Use on Learning and Social Behavior

A study of college students has shown that critical skills related to attention, memory, and learning are impaired among people who use marijuana heavily, even after discontinuing its use for at least 24 hours. Researchers compared 65 "heavy users," who had smoked marijuana a median of 29 of the past 30 days, and 64 "light users," who had smoked a median of 1 of the past 30 days. After a closely monitored 19- to 24-hour period of abstinence from marijuana and other illicit drugs and alcohol, the undergraduates were given several standard tests measuring aspects of attention, memory, and learning. Compared to the light users, heavy marijuana users made more errors and had more difficulty sustaining attention, shifting attention to meet the demands of changes in the environment, and in registering, processing, and using information. The findings suggest that the greater impairment among heavy users is likely due to an alteration of brain activity produced by marijuana.

Longitudinal research on marijuana use among young people below college age indicates those who used have lower achievement than the non-users, more acceptance of deviant behavior, more delinquent behavior and aggression, greater rebelliousness, poorer relationships with parents, and more associations with delinquent and drug-using friends.

Research also shows more anger and more regressive behavior (thumb sucking, temper tantrums) in toddlers whose parents use marijuana than among the toddlers of non-using parents.

Effects on Pregnancy

Any drug of abuse can affect a mother's health during pregnancy, and this is a time when she should take special care of herself. Drugs of abuse may interfere with proper nutrition and rest, which can affect good functioning of the immune system. Some studies have found that babies born to mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy were smaller than those born to mothers who did not use the drug. In general, smaller babies are more likely to develop health problems.

A nursing mother who uses marijuana passes some of the THC to the baby in her breast milk. Research indicates that the use of marijuana by a mother during the first month of breast-feeding can impair the infant's motor development (control of muscle movement).

Addictive Potential

A drug is addicting if it causes compulsive, often uncontrollable drug craving, seeking, and use, even in the face of negative health and social consequences. Marijuana meets this criterion. More than 120,000 people seek treatment per year for their primary marijuana addiction. In addition, animal studies suggest marijuana causes physical dependence, and some people report withdrawal symptoms.

Extent of Use
Monitoring the Future Study (MTF) *

The NIDA-funded MTF provides an annual assessment of drug use among 12th, 10th, and 8th grade students and young adults nationwide. After decreasing for over a decade, marijuana use among students began to increase in the early 1990s. From 1996 to 1997, use of marijuana at least once (lifetime use) increased among 12th and 10th graders, continuing the trend seen in recent years. The seniors' rate of lifetime marijuana use is higher than any year since 1987, but all rates remain well below those seen in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Past year and past month marijuana use did not change significantly from 1996 to 1997 in any of the three grades, suggesting the sharp increases of recent years may be slowing. Daily marijuana use in the past month increased among 12th graders, but decreased among 8th graders; this pattern of increases among older students and stable or declining rates among younger students was found with several indicators in the 1997 MTF.

Percentage of 8th-Graders Who Have Used Marijuana:
Monitoring the Future Study

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
Ever Used 10.2% 11.2% 12.6% 16.7% 19.9% 23.1% 22.6%
Used in Past Year 6.2 7.2 9.2 13.0 15.8 18.3 17.7
Used in Past Month 3.2 3.7 5.1 7.8 9.1 11.3 10.2
Daily Use in Past Month 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.7 0.8 1.5 1.1



Percentage of 10th-Graders Who Have Used Marijuana:
Monitoring the Future Study

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
Ever Used 23.4% 21.4% 24.4% 30.4% 34.1% 39.8% 42.3%
Used in Past Year 16.5 15.2 19.2 25.2 28.7 33.6 34.8
Used in Past Month 8.7 8.1 10.9 15.8 17.2 20.4 20.5
Daily Use in Past Month 0.8 0.8 1.0 2.2 2.8 3.5 3.7



Percentage of 12th-Graders Who Have Used Marijuana
Monitoring the Future Study

1979 1985 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
Ever Used 60.4% 54.2% 36.7% 32.6% 35.3% 38.2% 41.7% 44.9% 49.6%
Used in Past Year 50.8 40.6 23.9 21.9 26.0 30.7 34.7 35.8 38.5
Used in Past Month 36.5 25.7 13.8 11.9 15.5 19.0 21.2 21.9 23.7
Daily Use in Past Month 10.3 4.9 2.0 1.9 2.4 3.6 4.6 4.9 5.8



Community Epidemiology Work Group (CEWG)**

The resurgence in marijuana use continues, especially among adolescents, with rates of emergency department mentions of marijuana increasing from 1994 to 1995 in 10 cities, the percentage of treatment admissions increasing in 13 areas, and the National Institute of Justice's Drug Use Forecasting (DUF) percentages increasing among juvenile arrests at numerous sites. In several cities, such as Minneapolis/St. Paul, increasing treatment figures have been particularly notable among juveniles. Two factors may be contributing to the dramatic leap in adverse consequences: higher potency and the use of marijuana mixed with or in combination with other dangerous drugs.

National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA)t

Marijuana remains the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. There were an estimated 2.4 million people who started using marijuana in 1995. According to data from the 1996 NHSDA, more than 68.6 million Americans (32 percent) 12 years of age and older have tried marijuana at least once in their lifetimes, and almost 18.4 million (8.6 percent) had used marijuana in the past year. In 1985, 56.5 million Americans (29.4 percent) had tried marijuana at least once in their lifetimes, and 26.1 million (13.6 percent) had used marijuana within the past year.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


* MTF is an annual survey on drug use and related attitudes of America's adolescents that began in 1975. The survey is conducted by the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research and is funded by NIDA. Copies of the latest survey are available from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686.

** CEWG is a NIDA-sponsored network of researchers from 20 major U.S. metropolitan areas and selected foreign countries who meet semiannually to discuss the current epidemiology of drug abuse. CEWG's most recent report is Epidemiologic Trends in Drug Abuse, Volumes I and II, December 1996.

t NHSDA is an annual survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Copies of the latest survey are available from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-729-66826



http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/pot/l/blnida07.htm

What is marijuana?
Marijuana (grass, pot, weed) is the common name for a crude drug made from the plant Cannabis sativa. The main mind-altering (psychoactive) ingredient in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), but more than 400 other chemicals also are in the plant. A marijuana "joint" (cigarette) is made from the dried particles of the plant. The amount of THC in the marijuana determines how strong its effects will be. The type of plant, the weather, the soil, the time of harvest, and other factors determine the strength of marijuana. The strength of today's marijuana is as much as ten times greater than the marijuana used in the early 1970s. This more potent marijuana increases physical and mental effects and the possibility of health problems for the user. Hashish, or hash, is made by taking the resin from the leaves and flowers of the marijuana plant and pressing it into cakes or slabs. Hash is usually stronger than crude marijuana and may contain five to ten times as much THC. Pure THC is almost never available, except for research. Substances sold as THC on the street often turn out to be something else, such as PCP.
What are some of the immediate effects of smoking marijuana?
Some immediate physical effects of marijuana include a faster heartbeat and pulse rate, bloodshot eyes, and a dry mouth and throat. No scientific evidence indicates that marijuana improves hearing, eyesight, and skin sensitivity. Studies of marijuana's mental effects show that the drug can impair or reduce short-term memory, alter sense of time, and reduce ability to do things which require concentration, swift reactions, and coordination, such as driving a car or operating machinery.

Are there any other adverse reactions to marijuana?
A common bad reaction to marijuana is the "acute panic anxiety reaction." People describe this reaction as an extreme fear of "losing control," which causes panic. The symptoms usually disappear in a few hours.

What about psychological dependence on marijuana?
Long-term regular users of marijuana may become psychologically dependent. They may have a hard time limiting their use, they may need more of the drug to get the same effect, and they may develop problems with their jobs and personal relationships. The drug can become the most important aspect of their lives.

What are the dangers for young people?
One major concern about marijuana is its possible effects on young people as they grow up. Research shows that the earlier people start using drugs, the more likely they are to go on to experiment with other drugs. In addition, when young people start using marijuana regularly, they often lose interest and are not motivated to do their schoolwork. The effects of marijuana can interfere with learning by impairing thinking, reading comprehension, and verbal and mathematical skills. Research shows that students do not remember what they have learned when they are "high".

How does marijuana affect driving ability?
Driving experiments show that marijuana affects a wide range of skills needed for safe driving -- thinking and reflexes are slowed, making it hard for drivers to respond to sudden, unexpected events. Also, a driver's ability to "track" (stay in lane) through curves, to brake quickly, and to maintain speed and the proper distance between cars is affected. Research shows that these skills are impaired for at least 4-6 hours after smoking a single marijuana cigarette, long after the "high" is gone. If a person drinks alcohol, along with using marijuana, the risk of an accident greatly increases. Marijuana presents a definite danger on the road.

Does marijuana affect the human reproductive system?
Some research studies suggest that the use of marijuana during pregnancy may result in premature babies and in low birth weights. Studies of men and women may have a temporary loss of fertility. These findings suggest that marijuana may be especially harmful during adolescence, a period of rapid physical and sexual development.

How does marijuana affect the heart?
Marijuana use increases the heart rate as much as 50 percent, depending on the amount of THC. It can cause chest pain in people who have a poor blood supply to the heart - and it produces these effects more rapidly than tobacco smoke does.

How does marijuana affect the lungs?
Scientists believe that marijuana can be especially harmful to the lungs because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and hold it in their lungs as long as possible. Therefore, the smoke is in contact with lung tissues for long periods of time, which irritates the lungs and damages the way they work. Marijuana smoke contains some of the same ingredients in tobacco smoke that can cause emphysema and cancer. In addition, many marijuana users also smoke cigarettes; the combined effects of smoking these two substances creates an increased health risk.

Can marijuana cause cancer?
Marijuana smoke has been found to contain more cancer-causing agents than is found in tobacco smoke. Examination of human lung tissue that had been exposed to marijuana smoke over a long period of time in a laboratory showed cellular changes called metaplasia that are considered precancerous. In laboratory test, the tars from marijuana smoke have produced tumors when applied to animal skin. These studies suggest that it is likely that marijuana may cause cancer if used for a number of years.

How are people usually introduced to marijuana?
Many young people are introduced to marijuana by their peers - usually acquaintances, friends, sisters, and brothers. People often try drugs such as marijuana because they feel pressured by peers to be part of the group. Children must be taught how to say no to peer pressure to try drugs. Parents can get involved by becoming informed about marijuana and by talking to their children about drug use.

What is marijuana "burnout"?
"Burnout" is a term first used by marijuana smokers themselves to describe the effect of prolonged use. Young people who smoke marijuana heavily over long periods of time can become dull, slow moving, and inattentive. These "burned-out" users are sometimes so unaware of their surroundings that they do not respond when friends speak to them, and they do not realize they have a problem.

How long do chemicals from marijuana stay in the body after the drug is smoked?
When marijuana is smoked, THC, its active ingredient, is absorbed by most tissues and organs in the body; however, it is primarily found in fat tissues. The body, in its attempt to rid itself of the foreign chemical, chemically transforms the THC into metabolites. Urine tests can detect THC metabolites for up to a week after people have smoked marijuana. Tests involving radioactively labeled THC have traced these metabolites in animals for up to a month.

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1984.

http://www.well.com/user/woa/fspot.htm