A detox program is aimed at bringing drug intoxication and withdrawal under control. Detoxification is mainly concerned with the physical effects of using drugs. Cannabis, or weed rehab is concerned with the psychological and behavioral aspects of long-term cannabis use and dependency. Rehabilitation is a long-term goal where the intention is to stop using the substance altogether and completely overhaul an individual’s social life and improve their career prospects.

The Source

Marijuana comes from the leaves and female flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant. The plant is dried and either smoked, baked into brownies, drunk in the form of tea or absorbed into oils. Thousands of years ago, it was used in religious practices. Today, it is more often used in a social ritual for recreational purposes. It is widely regarded by experts as the least damaging and the most commonly abused illicit drug on earth. It did not become criminalized until early in the Twentieth Century.

The Intake

Used socially, it is mainly rolled in cigarette papers to make ‘joints’. The customary ritual is to light up a joint, inhale and pass it on to the next smoker in the group. The smoke induces a feeling of calmness and euphoria. The senses are heightened and everything looks, feels and sounds more intense while high.

The Results

One of the consequences of using cannabis is a distortion in the sense of the passage of time. A few minutes can seem like ages. Users also get the ‘munchies’ and experience ‘cotton mouth’. In other words, they become hungry and thirsty.

Social Aspect

Watching television or listening to music are common social practices that involve cannabis. It is not unusual to send someone out on a mission to bring back drinks and snacks to counter the effects of cottonmouth and the munchies. This may involve going to the supermarket or raiding a fast food place. Some people become paranoid in the company of non-users when they are under the influence of cannabis. These are unsuitable candidates for the munchies run. Although the symptoms wear off after a few hours of use, the drug can remain in the system and detectable in urine for several weeks.

Potency

Today’s strains of cannabis are far more potent than the weed that the Baby Boomer generation smoked during their formative years. Known as ‘skunk’, the high-strength strains have been selectively bred for the past thirty to forty years. Arrests and seizures of the high-strength drug have skyrocketed while the same figures for lower strength varieties have fallen.

Dependence

Despite common folklore to the contrary, it is possible to become addicted to cannabis. This is defined as the point when it takes larger amounts to reach the same feeling of high or when it obstructs participation in employment or normal social activities. There are more people enrolling in heroin detoxification programs for cannabis than any other substance, including crack, heroin and cocaine.

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