The main active chemical in marijuana is THC. In 1988, it was discovered that the membranes of certain nerve cells contain protein receptors that bind THC. Once securely in place, THC kicks off a series of cellular reactions that lead to the high that users experience when they smoke marijuana.
Marijuana is addictive because it causes compulsive, uncontrollable drug craving, seeking and use, even in the face of negative health and social consequences. In 2004, more than 298,317 people entering drug treatment programs reported marijuana as their primary drug of abuse. Some heavy marijuana users show signs of withdrawal when they do not use the drug. They develop symptoms such as restlessness, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, weight loss, and shaky hands.
Children and young teens start using marijuana for many reasons. Curiosity and the desire to fit into a social group are common ones. Certainly, youngsters who have already begun to smoke cigarettes and, or, use alcohol are at high risk for marijuana use.
Also, research suggests that the use of alcohol and drugs by other family members plays a strong role in whether children start using drugs. Parents, grandparents and older brothers and sisters in the home are models for children to follow.
Some young people who take drugs do not get along with their parents. Some have a network of friends who use drugs and urge them to do the same (peer pressure). All aspects of a child's environment—home, school and neighborhood—help to determine whether the child will try drugs.
Children who become more heavily involved with marijuana can become dependent, and that is their prime reason for using the drug. Others mention psychological coping as a reason for use—to deal with anxiety, anger, depression, boredom and so forth. But marijuana use is not an effective method for coping with life's problems, and staying high can be a way of simply not dealing with the problems and challenges of growing up.
Researchers have found that children and teens (both male and female) who are physically and sexually abused are at greater risk of using marijuana and other drugs, and of beginning drug use at an earlier age, than other young people.
Does Using Marijuana Lead to Other Drugs?
Long-term studies of high school students and their patterns of drug use show that very few young people use other drugs without first trying marijuana. The risk of using cocaine has been estimated at more than 104 times greater for those who have tried marijuana than for those who have never tried it. Although there are no definitive studies on the factors associated with the movement from marijuana use to use of other drugs, growing evidence shows that a combination of biological, social and psychological factors are involved.
Marijuana may affect the brain in some of the same ways that other drugs do. Researchers are examining the possibility that long-term marijuana use may create changes in the brain that make a person more at risk of becoming addicted to other drugs, such as alcohol or cocaine. While not all young people who use marijuana go on to use other drugs, further research is needed to determine who will be at greatest risk.
