The use of illegal substances is a serious problem in the United States today and there are several drugs of choice among drug addicts and in this article we will discuss 3 of the most commonly used drugs and list their effects on the user.

Marijuana

One of the most commonly used controlled substances today is Marijuana. Marijuana is a product of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The main active chemical in marijuana, also present in other forms of cannabis, is THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (NIDA, 1984). Of the roughly 400 chemicals found in the cannabis plant, THC affects the brain the most.

Short-term effects of the use of Marijuana

Short-term effects of marijuana include problems with memory and learning, distorted perception, trouble with thinking and problem solving, loss of motor coordination, increased heart rate, and anxiety (NIDA, 1984). A user may also...