FISHing for Answers

Question:
I've started hanging out with a new group of friends who smoke marijuana and drink alcohol. I'm curious about smoking pot; I've heard that beer takes the edge off it and that smoking marijuana is better for your body than cigarettes. How bad is pot anyway?
Signed, Pondering Pit

Answer:
If you're pondering pot you need to separate the myths from the facts. Myths would have you believe that marijuana is a safe herb. In fact, pot is a risky, uncontrolled drug that could lead to psychological and physical addiction. Marijuana use can reduce decision-making abilities and motivation. It also depletes the immune system and lessens hormone levels. Similar to the effects of other drugs, marijuana produces feelings of elation and relaxation while taking away inhibitions.

This, along with a drying effect on the mouth and throat, may be the reason people consume more alcohol when using the drug. Mixing the two drugs can be dangerous because marijuana use slows all reflexes, including the gag reflex. This can lead to an increased risk of alcohol poisoning if the body cannot rid itself of excessive alcohol by vomiting.

Marijuana also contains tar and carcinogens like those found in tobacco, but usually in much higher concentrations. Smoking a few joints may actually expose a person to as many carcinogens as smoking a full pack of cigarettes. Ponder before you puff.

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