Wendel Abel
GANJA IS the most commonly used illicit drug in Jamaica. It is used in folk medicine to treat a number of conditions. The drug is used by Rastafarians as a part of their religious ceremonial practice and it is used as a recreational drug. It is widely used in mass gatherings, such as music festivals and political rallies and is used on the job by labourers, farmers and many others.
A study, conducted in the '70s in Jamaica, noted that the ganja culture has proliferated in Jamaica and is well integrated into lifestyles in Jamaica. This is part of the challenge our youth face. They are exposed to ganja, as it is widely used around them and they get many confusing signals.
IT MAKES INDIVIDUALS FEEL HIGH
Recall the words of the song, 'I wannna feel high, just give I some of the sensi'.
One common side effect
associated with ganja use is euphoria (a feeling of well-being, feeling high). Many individuals use ganja for this feeling of high. This effect occurs within 30 minutes and lasts for about two hours after the drug is smoked. Many young persons who are depressed or who may be developing a mental disorder will use ganja to feel better. The fact, however, is that ganja is also associated with a number of harmful effects.
GANJA AND MEMORY
Ganja affects short-term memory. This short-term
memory impairment is not permanent. It does not affect long-term memory. Studies have shown that pre-school children whose mothers used ganja while they were pregnant displayed impaired verbal reasoning and memory .
LUNG DAMAGE
Ganja will produce many of the same lung problems as cigarette smoking. Ganja produces 50 per cent more tar than the same weight of tobacco. In addition, the ganja tar contains more cancer-producing agent, benzopyrene. The amount of the cancer-producing agent in one joint is equivalent to the amount released from five cigarettes. Ganja smoke is inhaled deeply and held longer. Other respiratory problems associated with ganja use include chronic cough and chronic bronchitis.
THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
There is limited information on the effects on the reproductive system. A number of studies have shown that ganja may decrease the hormone testosterone in males and that it may affect the menstrual cycle in females, but the findings of these studies are not conclusive.
THE MOTOR SYSTEM
The use of ganja may affect reaction time, ability to drive, fly, operate machinery and so on, may lead to motor vehicle accidents and accidents at the workplace.
MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
Ganja use has been associated with a number of mental health problems. Some individuals, when they smoke ganja, become very paranoid and suspicious; others may develop a lack of motivation and drive, which may affect their performance at school and at work. It may also hasten the onset or worsen certain types of mental disorders, such as schizophrenia.
What to do when your child is smoking ganja
Present the facts to them: Emphasise that the use of ganja is associated with some harmful effects.
Stop the excessive talking, teaching and preaching. This will alienate your child from you.
Have your child properly evaluated by a professional for depression or other psychological problems, which may have gone undetected.
Choose your battles. It is not important to win all the battles, but make sure you win the war achievement in school, career and adjustment in life.
Learn more about dealing with someone who uses drug by contacting the Addiction Alert Foundation or by attending a Narcotic Anonymous meetings.
Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer at the University of the West Indies;
email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
