In the movies and among many teens and college students, the perception is that pot is relatively harmless. It mellows you out and the worst side effect is a bad case of the munchies, right? Not according to a new study. An article published in the latest issue of the professional journal Archives of General Psychiatry shows a much scarier potential effect of marijuana. It turns out that a chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), found in pot, increases the brain processes that can lead to symptoms of psychosis.

So what does that mean for the average person? Can smoking pot lead to psychosis? Are there are other possible health concerns uncovered by this new study?

Previous research has found that THC can induce symptoms of psychosis in healthy people and worsen psychotic symptoms in people already experiencing them. Long-term cannabis use is also associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia, the study suggests.

The study is groundbreaking in another way: Its findings are the first to use images of the brain to demonstrate that the reason symptoms of psychosis arise in marijuana users may be because THC interferes with the brain’s ability to distinguish between stimuli that are important, and those that aren’t, according to the study.

The study, led by Dr. Sagnik Bhattacharyya, a psychopharmacologist at King’s College in London, included 15 healthy men with minimal previous marijuana use. The researchers used functional MRI scans to observe the men’s brains after they took pills containing THC, cannabidiol or a placebo. The resulting images showed changes in the areas of the brain that are believed to be linked to symptoms of psychosis. Men taking THC had increased activity in the prefrontal cortex but lower activity in the region called the striatum, changes that the study says could be attributed to THC’s ability to alter the brain’s levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

While those in charge of the study don’t go to far as to say that prolonged marijuana use will make you psychotic, the findings are interesting and provide just one more argument for abstaining from pot use.

Marijuana Addiction Help at La Paloma

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What is it about Miley Cyrus and birthdays that make her say and do things that cause a stir? Last year, she was filmed smoking salvia to celebrate turning 18. Now, the former Hannah Montana star has caused a new drug-related controversy at her 19th birthday party last week.

Miley marked the milestone with a bash hosted by Kelly Osbourne at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel where she was presented with a cake baked to look like reggae artist and famed marijuana aficionado Bob Marley. While the confection was likely a joke, Cyrus’ comments were anything but funny. She responded to the treat by saying, “This is amazing,” adding, “You know you’re a stoner when your friends make you a ‘Bob Miley’ cake. You know you smoke way too much f***ing weed.”

Adding to the problem. Osbourne then took the mic chime in with, “I thought salvia was your problem, Miley.”

While not aware that she was being filmed or that the comments made at a private party would get out, the girls were forced to do damage control after the fact. Osbourne took to Twitter to insist the whole thing was a joke, explaining that Cyrus’ friends started calling her “Bob Miley” after the salvia incident. Osbourne also lashed out at the individuals who sold the video footage in the first place.

Meanwhile, a rep for Cyrus responded by saying, “This is so ridiculous. The cake was a joke, and Miley was being sarcastic.”

Even if it was a joke, Osbourne, who is eight years Cyrus’ senior and has done several stints in rehab, should have known better. And Miley should have learned from the backlash last year. While she may be 19, she still has young fans who look up to her and aren’t able to discern a star’s sarcasm when it comes to drug use.

Unfortunately, Cyrus seems to have developed an even more blasé attitude toward drugs in the past year. Following the incident where she was recorded smoking salvia out of a bong at a party (FYI: salvia is a legal herb with hallucinogenic effects, the teen said, “It was a bad decision because of my fans and because of what I stand for.” Now, just a year later, she’s (purportedly) joking about being a stoner and not apologizing once her controversial comments went public. We’re not saying Cyrus has an issue with drugs, but after seeing the toll they have taken in Hollywood and beyond, she should be able to comprehend that addiction is no laughing matter — ever.

Drug Addiction

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President Obama recently granted eight pardons for convictions ranging from the distribution of illegal drugs to stealing satellite cable and the prohibited sale of alligator hides. How does someone convicted of distributing illegal drugs get cleared by the Commander In Chief? That’s just what we were wondering. Unfortunately, the White House offered no elaboration on President Obama’s second round of pardons since taking office.

Here’s what we do know:

Randy Eugene Dyer of Burien, Wash., was convicted of conspiracy to import marijuana (hashish) (21 U.S.C. § 963) and conspiracy to remove baggage from the custody and control of the US Customs Service and convey false information concerning an attempt to damage a civil aircraft (18 U.S.C. § 371). He was sentenced June 19, 1975 in the Western District of Washington to five years in prison and two years of special parole, but his special parole term was subsequently vacated. His was the oldest case pardoned in this latest round.

Meanwhile, Allen Edward Peratt, Sr. of Sioux Falls, SD, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846). He was subsequently sentenced on July 23, 1990 to 30 months in prison and five years of supervised release. He was also pardoned.

Christine Marie Rossiter of Lincoln, Neb., also received a presidential pardon. She was convicted of conspiracy to distribute less than 50 kilos of marijuana (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846) and sentenced in 1992 to three years of probation, conditioned on the performance of 500 hours of community service.

Drug Treatment

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Willie Nelson has copped a plea following his latest drug bust, reducing his marijuana possession charge to possession of drug paraphernalia and saddling him with just a $500 fine, according to the country star’s lawyer. As part of the agreement, the charge will be dropped from Nelson’s criminal record if he stays out of trouble for 30 days, according to attorney Joe Turner.

Whether the prosecutors in west Texas will be able to stay out of trouble is another matter entirely. The prosecutor handling the case initially irked the judge by suggesting Nelson could pay just a $100 fine if he’d serenade the court with his 1975 hit “Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain.”

Nelson Judge not Star-struck

Judge Becky Dean-Walker vetoed that offer when it surfaced in March, insisting, “My court is not a jester court. I understand that people are star-struck, I’m not one of them.”

That was nothing compared to comments the prosecutor made shortly after Nelson was charged with marijuana possession back in November. The prosecutor joked that while Nelson was initially charged with possession of six ounces of pot, which would put the case out of his jurisdiction, he and the sheriff smoked or threw out enough to bring it into his jurisdiction. Then Hudspeth County Attorney C.R. “Kit” Bramblett told CNN in March, “You can bet your ass I’m not going to be mean to Willie Nelson.”

Nelson was originally arrested after US Border Patrol agents searched his tour bus on a highway in Hudspeth County, Texas, near the U.S.-Mexico border. It’s certainly not his first brush with the law. The country crooner has long been an outspoken proponent of legalizing marijuana and has made little secret of his personal pot use.

Marijuana Addiction Treatment

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It’s often thought of as a little harmless experimentation. Everyone does it, right? Even the current and former presidents have admitted to smoking pot. But a new Dutch study shows that smoking marijuana as a teenager or young adult raises your risk of having psychotic symptoms later in life.

Researchers found that those who started smoking pot had double the risk of developing psychotic symptoms, according to a recent report in USA Today.

“This cements much more firmly the reality that marijuana use in adolescence is a risk factor, along with the other genetic, environmental and socioeconomic risk factors, for developing psychosis,” said Dr. Kathryn Kotrla, associate dean and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine in Round Rock.

The findings were first reported in the March 1 issue of the BMJ and detail the study led by Jim van Os at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. The findings are based on data on about 2,000 individuals in Germany who were 14 to 24 years old when they enrolled in the study, and who were then followed for 10 years. The results seem to show that marijuana use actually precedes the onset of symptoms, suggesting a possible cause-and-effect relationship.

This is newsworthy because some 16 million people in the U.S. alone use marijuana regularly, and most started smoking in their teens. It is the third most widely used addictive substance after tobacco and alcohol.

Marijuana Use

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After decades of earning a reputation for easily accessible drugs, the Dutch Minister for Security and Justice just confirmed a crack down on tourists flocking to coffee shops to buy pot and other drugs. Currently, cannabis and hash are sold legally in Amsterdam.

The Netherlands has long been known for its liberal soft drug policies, allowing a tourist trade to be created around Amsterdam’s coffee shop culture. While drug tourism is concentrated in Amsterdam, the problem is found throughout Holland. Recently though, some border cities have been cracking down.

Change in Drug Legalities for Tourists

While use for locals isn’t an issue, authorities in The Netherlands are trying to change their image as a tourist destination for those seeking legal drugs.

“No tourist attractions. We don’t like that,” Dutch Minister for Security and Justice Ivo Opstelten told public broadcaster NOS in mid-November. “The heart of the problem is crime and disturbances surrounding the sale. We have to go back to what it was meant for: local use for those who would like it.”

Amsterdam is home to 223 coffee shops, CNN.com reported, and is already in the process of closing some venues in the Red Light District in an attempt to tackle criminal activity in the area.

The government’s new plan would mean that only holders of a resident’s pass would be allowed to buy hash. Currently, the possession of up to 5 grams (0.18 oz) of cannabis or hash is allowed in the Netherlands (large-scale production and transport is a crime, though).

Drug Treatment

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Much of the debate to legalize marijuana seems centered in California, but a new bill introduced to legislators in Nashville has brought the battle to Middle Tennessee. Under the Safe Access to Medical Cannabis Act, people suffering from certain medical conditions would be allowed to procure pot with a prescription at the nearest pharmacy. The bill doesn’t make medical marijuana available to just anyone. It clearly spells out which medical conditions would qualify someone for marijuana use, how pharmacies would sell it and how producers and distributors would be licensed. Despite all this, the bill still seems like a long shot when it comes to getting passed, a fact that pleases some lawmakers.

“The problem with medical marijuana lies in the potential for abuse. We have seen that in California’s experience,” said Tennessee Rep. Hank Fincher.

The bill, which was introduced to the state house and senate in September 2010, has yet to go before a committee vote. Meanwhile, medical marijuana is currently legal in 14 states.

Marijuana Rehab

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Approximately 60 percent of children with ADHD have symptoms that persist into adulthood and not all of them take prescription medication to deal with the disorder. Instead, some may choose recreational drugs to self-medicate as a way to cope.

Michael Phelps’s ADHD & Pot Use

The issue was brought to the foreground again after tabloids printed pictures of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps apparently smoking pot at a college party. Phelps immediately apologized, citing his youth and admitting it was regrettable behavior and bad judgment. What he didn’t mention was that he was diagnosed with ADHD when he was nine. Not that a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder would excuse illegal behavior, and Phelps has never made any such claim, but some experts are suggesting a link. Phelps, according to his mother, no longer takes medication for his ADHD, relying on his physical training and behavioral modification instead for treatment.

Self-Medicating ADD & ADHD with Marijuana

Others with ADD or ADHD choose to self-medicate with marijuana or other drugs. ADHD has also been known to impact impulsive decision-making, including the choice to abuse drugs or alcohol. That’s why seeking help and getting a proper diagnosis is so important.

Marijuana Treatment

If you or someone you love is battling a marijuana addiction, call La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.

Marijuana isn’t just hazardous to your health just because it causes distorted perception, memory issues, loss of coordination, increased heart rate and affects brain function. Regularly lighting up can also lead to COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

It turns out that both cigarette and pot smoking can increase a person’s risk COPD almost threefold, but smoking pot alone doesn’t seem to increase the risk of the deadly lung condition, researchers report.

What is COPD?

A progressive condition with no cure, COPD is characterized by diseased lungs and narrowed airways. So who’s at risk? Most cases are caused by prolonged smoking, according to the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and yet most anti-smoking campaigns focus solely on cigarettes.

“Anti-smoking campaigns should include a reduction in marijuana use among their goals, aiming especially at those who smoke both marijuana and tobacco,” said study lead researcher Dr. Wan Tan, of the University of British Columbia and St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, Canada. Dr. Tan’s findings were published in the April 14 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

How Smoking Brings on COPD

The researchers found that smokers who use both marijuana and tobacco are 2.5 times more likely than nonsmokers to have respiratory disease and almost three times likelier to have COPD. This led researchers to theorize that smoking marijuana in relatively low doses may act as a “primer” or sensitizer in the airways to amplify the adverse effects of tobacco smoke on respiratory health.

“Smoking marijuana — even in small amounts — is very harmful for your lungs, increasing the risk of COPD by several fold,” Tan said.

Marijuana Rehab

If you or someone you love is battling a marijuana addiction, call La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.

Bill Piper, director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance, is speaking out about the failed war on drugs and the growing drug problem in the US. Even though police made more than 850,000 marijuana arrests last year, a recent government report shows youth marijuana use increased by approximately nine percent.

“Supporters of the failed war on drugs will no doubt argue this increase means policymakers should spend more taxpayer money next year arresting and incarcerating a greater number of Americans,” Piper said. “In other words, their solution to failure is to do more of the same. Fortunately, the ‘reform nothing’ club is getting mighty lonely these days — 76 percent of Americans recognize the drug war has failed; millions are demanding change.”

The War on Drugs

The war on drugs was initially declared nearly 40 years ago by then-President Richard Nixon. Since then, tens of millions of Americans have been arrested and hundreds of billions of dollars have been spent, according to Piper, but drugs are just as readily available all these years later.

These days, even many elected officials – from President Obama and Bill Clinton to Al Gore, Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin — have admitted to using marijuana or other illegal drugs. “Drug use is so widespread the FBI changed its policy of not hiring people with a history of illegal drug use because the policy disqualified so many people that it could not fill its law enforcement positions,” according to Piper.

Drug Treatment

If you or someone you love is battling a drug addiction, call La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.