Compare and contrast the short-term effects of marijuana and cocaine

Answer 1

Marijuana use in the short-term causes tachycardia, dry mouth, reddened eyes, increased appetite, decreased coordination and tracking, difficulty concentrating, intermittent confusion, impairment of short-term memory and continuity of speech, interference with the physical and mental learning process during periods of intoxication, increased risk for a heart attack for a full day after smoking, and amotivational syndrome for periods of intoxication. Cocaine seems to alleviate fatigue and raise energy levels, as well as lessen the need for food and sleep. Following the high comes a "crash," a state of physiological and psychological depression, often leaving the user with the desire to get more. Light to moderate cocaine use is typically associated with feelings of pleasure and well-being. Sustained cocaine snorting can lead to a constant runny nose, nasal congestion and inflammation, and perforation of the nasal septum. High doses of cocaine can cause nervousness, dizziness, blurred vision, vomiting, tremors, seizures, strokes, angina, cardiac arrhythmias, and high blood pressure. As with smoking marijuana, there is an increased risk for a heart attack following cocaine use.