NCJ Number
85503
Date Published
1980
Length
40 pages
Annotation
A series of articles bearing upon the dangers, widespread use, and control of marijuana considers marijuana research, laws for controlling 'head' shops, and specific operations designed to combat the production of marijuana.
Abstract
Marijuana is being increasingly used, particularly by adolescents, in American society, and with increased use comes increased acceptance of the drug culture, in spite of recent medical research that documents the destructive physical and psychological effects of marijuana use. Acute marijuana intoxication impairs learning, memory, and intellectual performance. In addition, it adversely impacts heart and lung functioning and reduces the body's natural defenses against infection and disease. A 1971 British research report also attributes brain atrophy to cannabis use in a group of young males. Abusive effects have also been noted on the endocrine and reproductive systems. A significant marijuana research project is that operated by the University of Mississippi's Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences under contract to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Among other accomplishments, this project has developed an analysis process and the capacity to prepare many special dose forms of the crude drug for special research projects. This could help to standardize marijuana research. A significant fueling of marijuana and other drug use is accomplished by 'head' shops, which not only supply drug paraphernalia but also sell drugs. A proposed model drug paraphernalia act prohibits the manufacture, advertisement, delivery, or use of drug paraphernalia. Among control efforts is the highly intensified sinsemilla (a particularly potent form of marijuana) eradication program in California and efforts of the Federal Government to prevent shipments of marijuana from entering the country.