Common Diseases Associated with Marijuana Use

Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused illicit drugs available to both adults and youth. Cannabis, also known as marijuana, marihuana, bush, herb, hemp, grass, loco weed, resin and tea, is a psychoactive drug which can have either mild or strong effects on the mind and body, depending upon the quality of the plant and from which part of the plant it was taken. The most common psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly known as THC). In smaller amounts, the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is also found.

Marijuana users display some common diseases, which are far more prevalent among the “weed” community than in non-drug users. Respiratory diseases and chest colds are the most common among marijuana users.

Emphysema decreases or causes abnormal respiratory function, due to a condition of the lungs which prevents them from expelling air completely and exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen.[1]

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the membranes which line the bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes are the airways through which we breathe. [1]

Lung cancer is another disease associated with long-term marijuana use, and it comes in various forms and sub-forms. Two main types are Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), which is very common, and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), which comprises only 20% of all lung cancer cases. NSCLC can be sub-divided into Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Adenocarcinoma, Bronchioalveolar Carcinoma, and Large Cell Undifferentiated Carcinoma. [1]

Bronchial asthma is exhibited through chronic inflammation of the lungs, which causes the bronchi (airways) to reversibly narrow. Think of being unable to breathe during a strong fit of coughing, as if the lungs and bronchi are working in unsynchronized order. [1]

Continuous, long-term marijuana use can cause a wide range of physical and physiological illnesses, including attacks to the immune system, cardiovascular system, respiratory and pulmonary systems, and the endocrine system. In addition to this, it increases susceptibility to infection and various types of cancer. [2]

Quality alcohol and drug testing equipment is available through CMM Technology. Keep your home and your workplace safe with regular testing. Reduce disease and susceptibility to disease, infections and viruses by carefully monitoring your staff at work. It is your responsibility to maintain a safe and secure working environment by keeping everyone healthy and following your company policies. Even though marijuana is a commonly used drug, you can reduce its use in your environment. Contact CMM Technology today: +618-9204-2500.

1. “Respiratory symptoms and lung function in habitual heavy smokers of marijuana alone, smokers of marijuana and tobacco, smokers of tobacco alone, and nonsmokers..” UK PubMed Central. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2011.http://ukpmc.ac.uk/abstract/MED/3492159/reload=0;jsessionid=C3A7AEF67A42FA0B44C8EA841E8687E0.jvm4.

2. “Clinical consequences of marijuana.” The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology . N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2011.http://jcp.sagepub.com/content/42/11_suppl/7S.short.

About the Author

CMM Technology™ is a quality, Australian owned, market leading workplace drug and alcohol specialist. Our core business is centered on delivering quality risk management solutions and providing quality technology and other resources at competitive prices. Our professional support network and services, led by our team of experts, are designed to complement our core business. We are partnered with an accredited laboratory, RTO and the national onsite testing provider, Mediscreen™. From our headquarters in the light industrial hub of Osborne Park, Perth, Western Australia, we deploy a national and international business operation.

CMM Technology supply drug and alcohol testing and associated consumable products to many sectors of industry, including: Mining, Heavy Industry, Law Enforcement and Transport (to name but a few). Our product range is available wholesale or retail to the public, government and private industry.

Our contact details are below if you would like more information.

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