Perhaps no drug has invited as much heated debate and ferocious argument as marijuana. Marijuana has been a source of fierce pro and against positions mainly because it is considered by many to be the least harmful of drugs; and whether or not marijuana addiction is an actual threat is debated as often.Effects of marijuana: Marijuana is harmful because it is a drug like any other, even if it is the least harmful. More importantly, it is considered a “gateway drug”, in that this is the stepping stone to higher drugs. The cream of marijuana addicts are the youth, in the 18-25 age group.Short term effects of marijuana: The most important short-term effect of marijuana is that it produces a feeling of well-being in the one who has used it. It is because of this reason that one of its legal uses is as a pain-alleviating drug in patients undergoing chemotherapy.But being a mind-altering drug, it also produces the effect of temporary distortion of perception, or what addicts term the “buzz”. It acts on the central nervous system in the same way as all other drugs by plugging on some receptors. By doing this, it prepares the mind for the admission of more powerful drugs.Long term effect: Long term effects of marijuana primarily concern the mind. It makes dependency easy and inevitable. Long Marijuana addicts have a major problem in the use of the drug, because they soon try to use the drug as a cover for their weaknesses and fallacies. Marijuana has a tendency to find easy target in those with escapist behavior.Marijuana also has another important effect: it speeds heartbeat, which in some cases can be as much as twice the normal rate. Marijuana addicts are susceptible to memory deterioration over time. They are also prone to losing interest in all matters other than the drug, family and social contacts.Users of marijuana have reported a slowing down of motor responses at the workplace, which means it places workers, whether they do physical or cerebral work, at considerably greater risk. While obviously slowing down productivity, this can translate to being a cause of deaths in the workplace. Marijuana addicts also experience major and sudden changes in weight and appetite.Withdrawal symptoms: These usually include loss of appetite, headache, depression, a craving for the drug again, irritability, anger and restlessness. Although these are far fewer and less intense than those of other drugs, marijuana withdrawal symptoms are significant in themselves.Marijuana treatment: Ironically, marijuana’s not being a conventional, “hard” drug makes its treatment difficult. This is because it is difficult to define the exact line of treatment the patient requires. A marijuana treatment center needs to impart individualized assessment and care. In many cases, the marijuana addict is left to give up on his or her own. Just like how strong determination can sometimes help a person overcome drinking or smoking, at times, marijuana addiction can be kicked too, in the same way. Learn more about the symptoms of marijuana addiction here.In some cases, intervention from marijuana addiction treatment programs is needed. In such cases, the therapist in marijuana rehab centers needs to decide whether inpatient or outpatient care is needed. In many cases, supportive care can go a long way in helping a patient get to the right track. Since most marijuana addicts are those without an independent bent of mind, just avoiding the company of other addicts can be a deterrent.Likewise, marijuana rehabs advice that spirituality can have a soothing effect on the marijuana addict. Other ways of dealing with it can include pursuit of meaningful and purposeful hobbies, listening to music and being in the company of loved ones.