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Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States. It is a dry, shredded green and brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves derived from the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa. The main active chemical in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol; THC for short.

Marijuana is usually smoked as a cigarette (joint) or in a pipe. It is also smoked in blunts, which are cigars that have been emptied of tobacco and refilled with marijuana. Since the blunt retains the tobacco leaf used to wrap the cigar, this mode of delivery combines marijuana’s active ingredients with nicotine and other harmful chemicals. Marijuana can also be mixed in food or brewed as a tea. As a more concentrated, resinous form it is called hashish, and as a sticky black liquid, hash oil. Marijuana smoke has a pungent and distinctive, usually sweet-and-sour odor.

Marijuana and Addiction

Long-term marijuana abuse can lead to addiction; that is, compulsive drug seeking and abuse despite its known harmful effects upon social functioning in the context of family, school, work, and recreational activities. Long-term marijuana abusers trying to quit report marijuana addiction is the #1 drug problem in the US, its effects are very powerful. Also known as pot and weed it can be very addictiveirritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving, all of which make it difficult to quit. These withdrawal symptoms begin within about 1 day following abstinence, peak at 2-3 days, and subside within 1 or 2 weeks following drug cessation.

Is Marijuana Addictive or isn’t It?

Based on all the information available, the answer is yes and no.

For people with dependency tendencies, the answer is YES. There are too many people in the world who smoke marijuana almost every day to say otherwise. Other people argue that they can take or leave it and have quit for long periods of time. And for those people the answer would probably be NO.

The thing about marijuana is it so subtle. There are places in California where it is legal to possess small quantities for private use. So what’s the problem?

The problem with marijuana is, like any other drug, can become the focal point of a person’s life. All of a sudden you want to get high before or during anything and everything. Your life begins to revolve around smoking marijuana. Like alcohol, it can be used responsibly and occasionally, or it can get out of control and cause serious problems.

Some people are “addicted” to marijuana and try to rationalize or justify using it. Like any other drug, marijuana can become the focal point of your life.

Marijuana Use in the U.S.

* In 2007, there were 2.1 million persons who had used marijuana for the first time within the past 12 months; this averages to approximately 6,000 initiates per day. This estimate of past year initiates in 2007 was about the same as the number in 2006 (2.1 million), 2005 (2.1 million), 2004 (2.1 million), 2003 (2.0 million), and 2002 (2.2 million).

More Statisitics About Marijuana Use

Past month marijuana use among male youths aged 12 to 17 declined from 9.1 percent in 2002 to 6.8 percent in 2006. In 2007, the rate was 7.5 percent, which was not significantly different from the rate in 2006, but was lower than the rate in 2002. Among female youths, little change occurred from 2002 to 2004, but the rate in 2007 (5.8 percent) was lower than the rate in 2002 (7.2 percent).

The Effects of Marijuana Use

THC acts upon specific sites in the brain, called cannabis receptors, kicking off a series of cellular reactions that ultimately lead to the “high” that users experience when they smoke marijuana. Some brain areas have many cannabinoid receptors; others have few or none. The highest density of cannabis receptors are found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thoughts, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement.

Not surprisingly, marijuana intoxication can cause distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and memory. Research has shown that marijuana’s adverse impact on learning and memory can last for days or weeks after the acute effects of the drug wear off. As a result, someone who smokes marijuana every day may be functioning at a suboptimal intellectual level all of the time.

Research into Marijuana Use

Research on the long-term effects of marijuana abuse indicates some changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term abuse of other major drugs. For example, cannabinoid withdrawal in chronically exposed animals leads to an increase in the activation of the stress-response system3 and changes in the activity of nerve cells containing dopamine. Dopamine neurons are involved in the regulation of motivation and reward, and are directly or indirectly affected by all drugs of abuse.

Marijuana Use and Mental Health

A number of studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia. Some of these studies have shown age at first use to be a factor, where early use is a marker of vulnerability to later problems. However, at this time, it not clear whether marijuana use causes mental problems, exacerbates them, or is used in attempt to self-medicate symptoms already in existence. Chronic marijuana use, especially in a very young person, may also be a marker of risk for mental illnesses, including addiction, stemming from genetic or environmental vulnerabilities, such as early exposure to stress or violence. At the present time, the strongest evidence links marijuana use and schizophrenia and/or related disorders. High doses of marijuana can produce an acute psychotic reaction, and research suggests that in vulnerable individuals, marijuana use may be a factor that increases risk for the disease.

Should Marijuana Be Legalized

Much has been written and several states have considerd changing their laws to decrimiize marijuana. California has the most progressive laws. Some counties allow people to possess small amounts.

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You’re a smoker.  You don’t want to be a smoker.  That’s good thinking.  There are many persuasive benefits of quitting smoking and very few justifications for maintaining it (unless, of course, you feel strangely compelled toward slow-motion suicide).

If you’re reading this article, you want to quit smoking.  You wouldn’t bother with it if you were more interested in finding some place to stock up on cheap cigarettes.  So, let’s provide a little extra motivation as you prepare to make a very positive change in your life.  Here’s a reminder of the benefits of quitting smoking.

First, you’re less likely to die.  Well, that’s not strictly true.  We’re all going to die at some point.  Quitting cigarettes will, however, make it much less likely that you’ll die any earlier than you must.  Think about that for a moment.  What other possible motivation could you need?  If you keep smoking you’re going to die early.  It’s that simple.

Second, you’re going to experience less pain.  If the prospect of living longer doesn’t excite you, the chance to avoid excruciating pain might.  You see, tobacco doesn’t just quietly and gently kill you.  It creates agonizing, painful conditions that no one wants to experience.  Pain avoidance should always make the list of benefits of quitting smoking.  Brutal heart attacks aren’t comfy.  Lingering, hacking coughs associated with lung cancer aren’t enjoyable.  Tumors on your throat?  Painful.  And let’s not even go into that whole inability to breathe while lying in bed late at night.  The gasping for air and all of that.  Not comfortable.

Third, you’re going to get rich.  It may seem trivial to bring up such a mercenary consideration when discussing the benefits of quitting smoking, but with cigarette prices and taxes always on the move upwards, it’s worth mentioning.  How would you like a $2,000 per year raise?  Say goodbye to the Marlboro man and it’s yours.  If you sunk the money saved by becoming a non-smoker into a decent interest bearing account, you’d be looking at well over $100,000 over the course of fifteen years.

Fourth, you’ll be able to be a member of polite society.  The days when everyone smoked and lighting up was an acceptable form of behavior is long gone.  Unless you’re starring in Mad Men, you can’t puff and huff all day long while maintaining the pleasant company of other people.  Instead, you’re relegated to standing under awnings in snowstorms, shoulders hunched, trying to finish a cigarette before frostbite sits in.  Many people pick up the habit do to peer pressure.  Maybe that same force is a good enough reason to give up tobacco.

The reasons to quit smoking are pretty persuasive.  Hopefully this little recap of four reasons to become a non-smoker will provide you with a slight kick in the pants as you prepare to kick the habit once and for all.

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Just the mere fact that you are searching for a method to quit smoking and break free of your nicotine habit is proof you are ready to succeed and kick your habit!  As an ex smoker myself, I can tell you truthfully the trials involved in quitting are not easy but it can be done and the rewards are awesome! Let me help you get started toward your goal with a few simple steps. 

Step 1 

The absolute most important part of acquiring your goal to be smoke free is your motivation and drive to quit. You have to be ready to meet your obstacles head on and stay focused on your quest. You are the only one who can say you are ready. No one else can say it for you or force it on you. If you have tried and failed in the past take heart, you may be the best candidate! Studies have shown that people who have tried to quit and failed are the ones who eventually succeed! 

Step 2 

Recognize and be ready for the fact that you are going to go through some pretty uncomfortable nicotine withdrawals. You are going to have overwhelming cravings to smoke. You may experience insomnia, tiredness, sore throat, coughing and a variety of other symptoms. Remember, withdrawal is short term. There are proven nicotine replacement aids that can ease your symptoms and help you get though this temporary phase. The aids come in the form of prescription drugs, gum, lozenges, patches or sprays. I preferred the sprays when I quit but each smoker is different. Research and find the one that suits your lifestyle the best.

Step 3

 Name and recognize your triggers. Triggers are the things or moments you associate with smoking. They are the things and moments that will make you want to reach for a cigarette out of habit. For instance, perhaps you always enjoyed a cigarette with your morning paper or right after each meal. Acknowledge what your triggers are and try to rearrange your routine. Perhaps you could take a stroll after each meal. You will not be able to avoid all your triggers so when you do encounter one just recognize it for what it is and realize it will pass. 

Step 4 

Ask for help. To quit smoking successfully you need the support of those around you. Let your loved ones and fellow workers know that you are trying to quit. Ask them to bear with you if you experience any crankiness during your withdrawal phase. If any of them are smokers, request they try to refrain from smoking while you are around them. Seek out a support group. There is nothing better than having someone who has gone through the same thing to guide you along. If you are not particularly a people person, try one of the online groups. You’re not in this alone and perhaps you can help someone else along the way!  Establishing a support system is one of the more important steps. 

So admit you are ready, find a nicotine replacement aid, recognize your triggers and ask for help. 

The road to beat your nicotine addiction may be a little hilly but keep driving forward. Stick to your method to quit smoking and you be rewarded with an awesome smoke free life.

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Research Your Give Up Smoking Aids Well. Your success depends on your choice of give up smoking aids. Millions of people die of smoking-induced lung cancer and heart disease each year. At the same time, millions of people try to kick the habit every year with varied degrees of success. A lot of this success or failure is owed to the type of quit smoking aids chosen. What are the choices you have in give up smoking aids? Since the dependency on nicotine is difficult to fight, you need to have all the support you can get; and in order to get the best support, you need to know what give up smoking aids are available to you. Therefore, before you start your give up smoking exercise, check out what is available to you. 1: The nicotine patch. This is one of the most popular give up smoking aids because it is easy to use and quite effective in fighting the smoking habit.  People love to use this method because it means that they do not have to worry about taking medication or withdrawal symptoms. 2: The nicotine gum method. These give up smoking aids have the same ingredients as the nicotine patch but it is used differently. While the nicotine patch is pasted on the skin and left to work at its own pace, nicotine gum is used when the craving for a cigarette is felt. This works in two ways. It reduces the dependency on nicotine, and it also replaces the cigarette smoking habit with that of chewing, which some people find very helpful and calming. 3: The stop-smoking tea. This is one of the most popular natural give up smoking aids available in the market. Its popularity is owed to its fast action and lack of side effects. There are cases where the smoker could get rid of his/ her habit within a week with the stop-smoking tea. The tea has one hundred percent herbal ingredients and is comparatively low in cost. 4: Nicotine-free cigarettes. These give up smoking aids looks and even smells like real cigarettes. However, they contain no nicotine. These give up smoking aids are best for the people who are highly addicted to the habit. This type of aid would need to be supplemented by medication that fights the ensuing withdrawal symptoms. 5: Counseling. This is one of the most critical give up smoking aids that most smokers ignore. In order to be successful you would need to know what you should expect when you stop smoking. What are the withdrawal symptoms? How best to handle these? What are the medications available? How long does it take to get rid of the habit? These are only some of the questions that counseling would provide.

For more information on give up smoking aids articles and tips visit: http://www.wakeupsmokefree.com

Wendell and Charmayne Vannatter
Website: http://www.WCVMarketing.com
WCV Marketing is dedicated to helping people create their own home based online marketing business. The ideas presented here will help the average person to create a profitable online in-home business. Using the ideas and tips in these articles anyone can create a successful home based business even in these times of recession.

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One of the most obvious stop smoking facts is, it doesn’t happen overnight. Quitting the use of tobacco is truly a process that takes time. To effectively kick this nasty habit it takes time and willpower and a proven and effective product, so you should try to relax and put a little time between you and the last cigarette you have smoked. By quitting smoking you will gain a great many health benefits. As a matter of fact within just minutes from stopping there are many benefits that you will gain instantly. Here are some stop smoking facts to consider. Within 20 minutes of stopping, your blood pressure and pulse goes back to normal. Here is a stop smoking fact that should interest you. Within 8 hours of stopping nicotine intake, carbon monoxide levels in your blood are reduce by half. Also, oxygen levels go back to normal. In a day, carbon monoxide will be totally eliminated or removed from the body, and the lungs start to clear out mucous and other kind of smoking debris. Here is another stop smoking fact. In 2 days, nicotine will be totally eliminated in the body. The ability to taste and smell is greatly improved as it used to be. In 3 days, your breathing becomes easier, because the bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase. In 2 to 12 weeks the circulation will be improved. After 3 to 9 months coughs, wheezing and breathing problems are improved as lung functions are increased up to 10%.  In 5 years of not smoking the risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a regular smoker. In about 10 years, the risk of lung cancer will fall to about half that of a steady smoker, and the risk of heart attack falls to that of a non-smoker. Here are some stop smoking facts on a self help level. It gives you confidence. Quitting the smoking habit is a very hard challenge. Once you have quit, you will know that you can also succeed at other difficult tasks, and you will know that you can take control of your life. Quitting the smoking habit helps you to believe more in yourself. You will become more fit because smoking makes it harder for us to exercise and it reduces the health benefits to our body. Chain smokers or those light smokers have more chance of having coughs and colds than non-smokers and take longer to get well again. Another stop smoking fact is, you need a proven and effective product to help you quit.

For more information on stop smoking facts and benefits visit: http://www.wakeupsmokefree.com

Wendell and Charmayne Vannatter
Website: http://www.WCVMarketing.com
WCV Marketing is dedicated to helping people create their own home based online marketing business. The ideas presented here will help the average person to create a profitable online in-home business. Using the ideas and tips in these articles anyone can create a successful home based business even in these times of recession.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/stop-smoking-facts-and-benefits-1420371.html

Are there really some easy quit smoking methods out there? In truth, there is no instant method that will make you quit without lifting a finger. A game plan and following a game plan is still required.

There is finally a way to quit smoking, which may not be effortless, but relatively easier. If you talk to other people especially smokers, they may discourage you and say that it’s impossible. But that’s not true. If you really want to kick the habit, you should muster up some determination and really push through a plan of attack. That, plus some helpful advice and guidance from various quitting systems available will help you succeed.

Those who say that it is absolutely impossible for smokers to stop smoking are most likely also the people who are too lazy and settled on the habit to even make an effort to quit. They keep saying to others what they say to themselves, that it is really impossible.

For those smokers out there who are set on quitting, do not let yourself fall into that trap. Most likely, you don’t even remember why you started smoking and that you realize that it is really self-destructive in more ways than one. Quitting is possible and here are methods that will help you along.

A great method is to first think off and list down all the benefits or reasons why quitting should be done. Just as they say: if there is a will there is a way. Listing things would help motivate you and clarify why you need to do it.

Another method for you is to stay in a house that is free from other smokers. Having to live with other smokers is such a challenge because you will be constantly tempted by the smell and by the cigarettes lying around that you can easily get.

You have to be warned that you will experience some withdrawal pains from nicotine. But not to worry, there are lots of nicotine patches and gums out there that will help you get through this problem. That will take care of the biological addiction, but you will still have to deal with the psychological addiction which is the biggest addiction of all.

The gums, patches, and hard candies that contain nicotine for those who want to quit can be found in any store. They contain small amounts of nicotine so that it will help the quitting person to compensate for the sudden lack of this addictive substance as an effect of quitting. The dosage on these things can then be lessened as the days go by. Anti-depressants such as zyban, Chantrix, and other medicine can also be used to help lessen the withdrawal syndrome. If these are still not enough, you should look for other programs about kicking the habit, which many are available online.

Methods To Make Quitting Smoking Easier For You is proudly contributed by Quit Smoking Specialist, Who Shares Useful Tips To Quit Smoking Forever Without Gaining Weight. Following Him On Twitter Now.

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Looking for a Way to Quit Smoking Easy? Take it easy! Social attitudes towards smoking have changed dramatically in civilized countries for the past few years. All smokers are aware of these and are continuously looking for a way to quit smoking easy, just like you! Smokers are thinning out gradually and becoming a lonely minority and they know that their habit is harming more people than just themselves thanks to secondhand smoke. Nearly all of them would want to have a way to quit smoking easy but it’s a rare thing to find someone who has a strong enough will to quit smoking cold turkey. What we suggest next is a list of effective yet easy daily habits to kick the smoking habit. Remember them and write them down. Carry this paper with you at all times. Make a copy of it and tape it to your bathroom mirror. Put a copy of it on your refrigerator. Read them and do them faithfully every day. The important thing is to have patience, plenty of it, because they will help you to quit smoking easy. In addition, it is very important to consider them as ‘cool’ now and thus a change in attitude will be required. Attitude acts as a fertile ground for any habit to be kicked. A change in attitude and point of view is what you really need to quit smoking easy. You will now be amazed to see so many easy ways to stop smoking. Throw away all cigarettes that are within easy reach. All lighters, match boxes and ash-trays. Drink lots of water, fruit juices, herbal teas or any other beverage that is not carbonated. Keep yourself busy at all times. Occupy yourself in watching television or a movie or completing house chores. Talk to friends and colleagues more often. Find part-time work if you are unemployed or participate in voluntary work, joining church and helping there, etc. Play with something like a pencil or a pen in your hand. Eat several small meals throughout the day. These tips will help you to quit smoking easy. In addition to the above practices: when the urge to smoke hits, take deep breaths and hold it in for a few seconds. After faithfully following these routines, you will begin to feel better, look better day by day and you will be surprised how simple it was to do something that you thought was insurmountable. Yes, there is a way to quit smoking easy. It begins by taking it easy. To quit smoking easy you will also need a proven and successful product to help you.

For more articles tips and information for a way to quit smoking easy visit: http://www.wakeupsmokefree.com

Wendell and Charmayne
Website: http://www.ItsYourMoneyAnswers.com
WCV Marketing is dedicated to helping people create their own home based online marketing business. The ideas presented here will help the average person to create a profitable online in-home business. Using the ideas and tips in these articles anyone can create a successful home based business even in these times of recession. WCV Marketing has networked with Carbon Copy Pro, a proven, successful, online marketing and training company. You may check out their website at, http://www.ItsYourMoneyAnswers.com Also check out their blog at, http://wcvmarketing.wordpress.com

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If you are a smoker hoping to finally kick your nicotine addiction, I have good news for you! There are numerous products on the market today specifically aimed at helping you reach your goal of becoming smoke free. In fact, there are so many it can be overwhelming. To get you started on the path to finding the perfect aide for; you I will list 4 of the top rated stop smoking aides. 

1. Prescription Drugs

Zyban and Chantix are two popular prescription drugs. Check with your doctor to see if either one could be an option for you. 

2. Hypnosis

The method of hypnosis is not for everyone but those who are receptive to it usually experience good results. There are different varieties of hypnosis so again, I suggest you check with your physician to get a recommendation for a qualified hypnotherapist. 

3. Support Groups

Finding a support system can be extremely beneficial. Connect with others who are going through the same process and share invaluable tips on how to make quitting easier. This can be a traditional support group with appointed meetings or find an online forum. 

4. Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Researching and choosing a nicotine replacement therapy aide can easily be done on line. The aides are available as a patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler or spray. When I quit, I was helped with a spray. It’s an individual choice though so find the one that best fits your lifestyle. 

You can also try a combination of the above stop smoking aides. For instance, use the patch or spray and join a support group too. 

 Remember, beating your nicotine addiction is hard work but with a little help from a stop smoking aide, it can be done! Focus on your goal of being smoke free and do whatever it takes to reach that goal. You can do it!

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I was a heavy cigarette smoker. Was smoking three packs a day for 35 years. My doctor told me my asthma was becoming worse every day and soon I’d be on a respirator. I was in the worst shape of my life. I had a hard time breathing, smelling. I did have an easy time eating which might account for me being out of shape.

I tried using patches, gum, Chantix, hypnosis. You want it I gave it a go. I even went cold turkey for a whole 24 hours once. Nothing worked or so I though. I was getting depressed and having a tough time breathing failed to help. I didn’t know what to do with myself. I just couldn’t kick the habit. My wife was mad because I smelled. My kids didn’t want me around their kids because I was a constant smoker.

Then a mate of mine told me about electronic cigarettes. I was skeptical but saw 2 videos and thought">online e-cigarette shop and spoke to the owner and he told me his opinion of the product in general and told me it technically wasn’t a smoking suspension device but he tried it and it worked for him. Since then I spoke to several others that have tried this product and it has also worked for them, so I know it wasn’t just a sales pitch.

I started with several tastes and the starter cartridgesand I quit cigarettes instantly by using the e-cigarettes. The tastes were wonderful and it kept my cravings down. From the day I got my electronic cigarette2 months back I haven" href="href" _fcksavedurl="href">Wholesale E-Liquid

Is an writer for a very small company and likes to write during the little spare time available.

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The most important is to know YOU CAN DO IT! Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. To kick the habit for good, you need motivation, dependable real support, and sound strategies. We’ve got you covered with all three!

Before you start paying out money on any of the well known (and heavily advertised) stop smoking programs, you need to understand how your body has been managing your desire to smoke, and how you can use this information to your benefit.

Soon, in just some days, you will quit smoking and blow smoke away, and on your way back to better health Guaranteed! We guarantee you will quit smoking! Without buying any product, without paying any single dime, just devoting a bit time of your day and helping yourself to realize the upcoming results which

Ashley Keane helps people start an internet business they love, and grow it with email marketing tips on http://www.howcanidothe.info

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