Psychoactive Drug (Marijuana) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Psychoactive Drug (Marijuana) - Research Paper Example Marijuana contains various chemicals that only increase in effect, releasing even more chemicals when burned, making the chemicals more stronger and pronounced should a person take advantage of them. Some of the physiological effects that a person will face when using marijuana include problems with memory and grasping something new; distorted perception; trouble with thinking; lack of coordination; increased heart rate; anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks (Bonsor). In terms of the heart, marijuana can cause an increased heart rate, which can also lead to a higher blood pressure. The effects that a person will feel are similar to those of stress and of being overworked - by smoking marijuana, a person displays these while being stationary. They are making their heart work overtime, which, if experienced too often, the person is risking other heart-related diseases. The most negative effect of marijuana in regards to the brain has to deal with the ability to start an addiction with marijuana. Strong drugs such as marijuana increase the amount of dopamine in the neural systems of the brain. "Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is associated with pleasure (Young)." Too much dopamine in the brain will increase that feeling of pleasure, which is one of the methods that causes the start of an addiction. A person who is using marijuana develops an affinity to that feeling, a feeling that tends to deplete them of negative feelings and emotions while under the influence of marijuana. They begin to smoke to get that feeling back, which is why marijuana tends to be a drug used for medical purposes, especially when a persons emotion is being greatly affected. Succumbing to addiction is something that is incredibly common with drugs. The person using the drug likes the effects to the point where they have to