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Popular culture has long had a fascination with marijuana, however the allure of this illegal drug has moved from an underground level into the mainstream. Comedians, rappers, athletes, and even politicians speak openly about the virtues of marijuana use, making it the most widespread illegal drug in America. Though legalization advocates would have you believe otherwise, scientific research has shown negative short term and long terms effects of marijuana use.

Marijuana can be smoked or ingested, with effects happening immediately when smoked and lasting for one to three hours. The effects of the drug take longer when ingested, however they typically last longer. Short-term effects of marijuana include distorted perceptions including sights, sounds, time, and touch; problems with memory and learning; loss of coordination; trouble with thinking and problem solving; increased heart rate, and reduced blood pressure. Other times, marijuana use can produce anxiety, fear, distrust, or panic.

The active ingredient in marijuana is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabiol or THC. THC effects the cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells, influencing their activity. The areas of the brain which have cannabinoid receptors influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement. When high doses of marijuana are used, often through food, users can experience hallucinations, delusions, impaired memory, and disorientation.

Marijuana also has detrimental effects on the heart and the lungs. A few minutes after smoking marijuana, blood pressure drops and heart rate increases. Because of this correlation, researchers have found that users' risk of heart attack is four times higher within the first four hours of smoking marijuana. Smoking marijuana regularly can also have the same respiratory problems as tobacco smokers, including daily cough and phlegm production, acute chest illness, increased risk of lung infections, and obstructed airways. Marijuana contains more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke and since smokers inhale more deeply than smoking tobacco. It also impairs the body's immune system, which fights off disease and illness.

Marijuana is commonly referred to as a gateway drug by experts because usage demystifies the taboo and danger of using an illegal drug. After using a gateway drug like marijuana and not sensing the harm from it, many teenagers believe that the same is true of other more addictive and dangerous drugs.

Many parents have decided to turn to home drug tests to protect their children from these dangers. Teens understand a drug test program is about prevention, more than anything, and lets them know they are not the only kid being drug tested. A parent will have an easier time approaching teens with a program and feel more confident because there is a plan of action. A drug test program is less about catching your teen, and more about prevention. While other drug tests only deal with getting a result, the Drug Test Club offers advice, whatever the outcome, on how to move forward.

DrugTestClub.com offers an at home drug test program that provides accurate home drug test kits, along with on-going support and information. Drug Test Club brand home drug test kits are simple to activate and test for 10 different drugs, including Marijuana. For a limited time, Drug Test Club is giving a free monthly trial of the program including a free home drug test. All you have to do is pay shipping! The free trial will give you an idea of what the program is like, allow you to try it yourself, examine the results, and see if it is something that is of interest to your family. A full DrugTestClub.com membership includes support, a members only web page, lab confirmation access and more. School and group drug testing programs are available as well.