The Marijuana Chef Cookbook. S. T. Oner

highs are slightly unusual, as different strains can mimic the effects of many other psychoactive drugs. Some weed can seem speedy, while other weed is much more mellow. In addition, each person’s reaction can vary according to his or her individual chemical makeup. Although there are distinctions between the sativa (energetic, light) and indica (soporific, tranquil) states, marijuana does not generally fit into any of the normal psychoactive groups of depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens. Instead, users fluctuate between these states, feeling at times energized and at other times sleepy. What will happen at any given time depends on many factors such as: what else has been consumed, how much marijuana was eaten, one’s emotional state before using and so on. Also, the amount of previous exposure to the drug will change how the body functions under the influence. Long-term users tend not to suffer certain side effects that commonly afflict first-time or novice users, such as red eyes. Of course, the chance of experiencing side effects depends on the quality of the pot being consumed. Even though studies have been conducted to determine and identify what takes place within the body, the results are either contradictory or meaningless. Basically, a combination of positive and negative effects will occur. Feelings of euphoria are common, as are increased mental energy and awareness. People seem to be more in touch with their surroundings and may experience a distortion of the senses; people feel as though time is playing tricks on them. They also tend to feel a general sense of mirth — often resulting in fits of laughter.

      These effects are not necessarily always positive. The increased awareness of one’s social environment can cause paranoia, and distortion of time may lead to a sense of being out of control. However, it should be noted that a good deal of the paranoia is probably due to the fact that one is committing an illegal act. It can be upsetting to zone out and forget where things are, or forget what you were saying. Inexperienced smokers will often notice an increase in their heart rate. This can be accompanied by anxiety and in some cases panic. Every drug, including alcohol and caffeine, has side effects. It is important to know what effects may occur and to decide whether or not you believe that the drug is worth taking. The answer to this question will differ for everyone, but it is something that should be considered before ingesting any type of drug.

The Truth Is Out There: Marijuana Research

      Due to marijuana’s status as a “Schedule I” narcotic, it has been next to impossible to study the drug in a scientific manner for much of the last century. This has lead to contradictory, misleading and often anecdotal information being spread as the gospel truth. In fact, attempts to research marijuana’s long-term effects have produced mostly inconclusive data from sources that have staked out clear positions. However, it can be safely said that repeated long-term use of the drug will have lasting effects on a person’s brain and respiratory system. No one fully understands how the brain reacts to cannabis; however, brain scans show that the brain of a user is different after a few years of marijuana use when compared to that of a nonuser. Exactly what this information implies is unknown. There is no proof that marijuana causes the death of brain cells, and it is unlikely that it does so to the same degree as alcohol because it would therefore be measurable, as is the case when alcohol is consumed. Even if brain cell loss could be proven, there is no further link establishing a fundamental change in a person’s behavior or intelligence. The same can be said about the rumored links between marijuana and mental illness. Though some people definitely “wig out” while on the drug, this behavior subsides as soon as the marijuana has ceased binding to the receptors — when the person has “come down.”

      Although marijuana has been never been shown to be physically addictive, there is probably a level of social addiction that occurs. In these cases, users will seek out cannabis because they have habitually done so — not to simply satisfy a physical craving. Some studies have tried to demonstrate that users become more aggressive and irritable when deprived of the drug. This could very well be true; coffee drinkers tend to experience similar reactions when lacking caffeine. However, the rush to ban caffeine has not even begun. Some studies claim that long-term users suffer from what has been labeled “amotivational syndrome.” This probably has as much to do with the particular user as it does with THC levels.

      

      It is often reported that consuming the plant can lead to either a reduced libido and/or impotency. There is no basis to this claim of impotency whatsoever. But, like coffee drinkers, male cannabis users have been shown to produce a relatively higher amount of two-tailed sperm. When viewed as a percentage of the total amount of sperm produced, however, they are statistically insignificant. The typical human male produces millions of sperm in one day, and barring any preexisting conditions, will produce millions more the next day.

Common Effects of Marijuana

      • Red eyes

      • Increase in appetite

      • Altered sense of time

      • Dry mouth

      • Heightening of senses

      • Laughter, general mirth

      • Anxiety

      • Drowsiness

      • Muscle relaxation

      • Vertigo, dizziness

      • Vomiting

      • A depressed feeling

      • Relaxed inhibitions

      • Paranoia

      • Hallucinations

      • Confusion

      An important thing to consider when hearing claims and reading studies about marijuana is that most research has been performed on heavy users. Since the definition of the “recreational user” varies for everyone, and since we each have a unique biochemistry, it would be foolhardy to accept any study (whether favorable or negative) as the final word. Much more research is needed, and in some countries — especially Europe — that work is now underway.

To Eat or Not to Eat?

      Concerns about the safety of smoking are very high, which is one reason why people prefer to cook with marijuana. The smoke from a joint contains three times more tar than a standard cigarette, and five times more carbon monoxide. This information, combined with the fact that marijuana smoke hits the lungs at a higher temperature, leads people to believe that cannabis smoke is more likely to cause respiratory disease or cancer of the lungs than tobacco smoke. However, marijuana does not contain nicotine — a drug that is thought to be even more addictive than heroin. While marijuana smoking is definitely not “healthy,” it should be noted that most pot smokers do not have the same “pack-a-day” habits as cigarette smokers. One way to counteract the toxins contained in the smoke is to use a bong or water pipe, which can help filter out some of the impurities and carcinogens. However, bongs are not very easy to conceal, and in many places the legal ramifications of having paraphernalia are as severe as having the plant in one’s possession.

      Of course nothing will minimize the effect of smoking as much as simply not smoking at all. Smoking pot may not be as convenient as eating it, especially for medicinal users, since the effects wear off sooner. It is not always possible to maintain your high if you smoke pot, especially if you are in a public place. There are many events that might be enhanced by a marijuana high, such as concerts, movies, and trips to the zoo, but these are not good places to light up. However, if you eat cannabis, there will be nothing to confiscate, and your high will continue.

Marijuana as Medicine

      People who use the marijuana plant for medical purposes (especially to relieve