Smoking marijuana can deliver 3 times more tar than smoking tobacco. Marijuana's irritating smoke dilates blood vessels, reddens the eyes, and inflames nasal tissues. Regular use can lead to bronchitis. Studies also indicate that marijuana may impair the capacity of the white cells to fight invading infection. Additionally marijuana disturbs the pituitary gland.
Some studies show reduced sperm production in men and inhibited ovulation in women.
Opioid Receptor Sites Researchers are learning more about the way in which Narcotic Analgesics effect the body. In 1994 scientists identified opioid receptor sites. Drugs will mimic the brain's natural neurotransmitters and produce similar chemical effects on the bodies central nervous system. Both sub-categories of Narcotic Analgesics bind with the opioid receptors and will mimic the chemical effects of the body operations listed. Some of the narcotic analgesics that connect with the opioid receptors on the brain include heroin, codeine, morphine, Darvon, Dilaudid, Percodan, Methadone, Demerol, Darvon, MPPP, and Fentanyl.