Transcript Marijuana`s Effect on the Endocrine System

Alcohol and Marijuana’s
effects upon the endocrine
system
By: Me and Him
Marijuana’s Effect on the Endocrine
System
Glands Affected By Marijuana
• Marijuana damages the network of glands,
organs, and hormones involved in growth and
development, energy levels, and
reproduction. The glands affected include:
– Pituitary gland
– Thyroid gland
– Stomach duodenum
– Pancreas
– Adrenal glands
– Testis
• Marijuana has an effect on the body because THC,
the active ingredient, is very chemically similar to to
the endocannabinoids which are naturally occurring
chemicals in the body. The THC binds to the
receptors of the endocannabinoids, and activates the
neurons, causing the different sensations
experienced during a high.
• Marijuana produces body hormones, the
internal chemicals that control how and when
we develop. Here's what it does there:
– Triggers a short-term drop in the hormones that
direct growth and development.
– Lowers sperm production in males, resulting in
fewer normal sperm cells.
– Tinkers with the balance of hormones that control
the menstrual cycles of girls and women.
• Marijuana and THC can have direct effects on
the testes. Reductions in testicular size have
been observed in rodents and dogs
• Prolonged use of marijuana is known to
cause gynecomastia.
Alcohol effects upon the
endocrine system
The endocrine system
• This system controls the body's
hormones and includes the pineal,
pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands,
and the ovaries or testes
• The major effect alcohol has on these is
it sedtaes the glands
Sexual glands
• Alcohol effects the sex glands such as
the ovaries, testes, and pituitary glands
• It can sterilize the testes and ovaries
• It effects the pituitary glands by
decreasing the size and usefulness of
the penis, and blocks orgasm
responders in women
Which is worse?
Marijuana is worse because it leads to
more permanent damage than that of
alcohol, which only leads to temporary
sedation of glands
Sites
• http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1786
• http://www.wounded-healer-support.com/TheHarmful-Effects-Of-Marijuana.html
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12412841
• http://www.drugscience.org/Petition/C3H.html
• http://www.doitnow.org/pages/126.html
• http://archives.drugabuse.gov/pdf/monographs/44.pdf
• http://www.oregoncounseling.org/ArticlesPapers/Doc
uments/ETOHBIOFx.htm