Expert: Kindred Beisinger penname K D Elizabeth Beisinger - 2/8/2011

Question
What does smoking Marijuana do to people, psychologically and physiologically?

As in, when we smoke marijuana, what happens to us afterwards exactly and why? How does it work, scientifically and in layman's terms? I would love a play by play informed answer. I’m talking about in terms of psychological and physiological. But again, not just WHAT happens, but also  why each thing happens the way it does. 
I’m curious as to what it does to the body and brain exactly?

I ask this because I use to smoke weed for 2 years, stopped for about 3 and then smoked it once recently and my heart was pounding and racing for about 2 and a half hours while I was high. Either I was paranoid (so it was psychological) or it was just physiological from the marijuana, what do you think? Do I have anything to be worried about? I mean I felt like I was "dying", was that my mind being silly? Because I mean this is just marijuana you know! Not Crack!

I'm 19 and male. Thanks again

Answer
Dear Josh,
I cannot give a full description of what and why, because to be honest, I believe the studies are skewed.  It is not legal in my state and I was never into recreational drugs, but as an herbalist and a G-d fearing woman that has MS, I believe herbs should not be outlawed.  G-d created cannabis for a reason and I think it has many medicinal properties that would be much safer than pharmaceuticals.  If it were legal, the purity and strength could be consistent and regulated.  I'm guessing there was a certain amount of paranoia in your last experience, as well as a true change in the content of the herb itself.  As long as it is illegal, the content is questionable.  Things can be added, I know there is always the attempt to enhance the effect, so I'm guessing you got something different than what you had been used to previously.  Nineteen year old males have the highest level of testosterone and among the most intense adrenaline responses the human race will ever know, so that may play a part as well.  Those variables alone would have both a physiological and a psychological effect.  Five years ago you wouldn't have had those high hormone levels present in your body.
If you've been off of it for 3 years and unless you are using it for some medical purpose in a medical marijuana state, I have to recommend that you simply not do it again.
I wish you well.
Kind Regards,
KD Liz
www.thelandofgoshen.us