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HEALTH FAMILY PROBLEMS RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION & CAREER Dear What's The Problem I am a 36 year old successful Engineer and lecturer, and am well liked by most people. Unfortunately, most of my family and friends think I have a problem but I don't. Everyday, I smoke marijuana, and have been doing so for the last 23 years. I enjoy smoking and I actually think it helps me to concentrate and enjoy life. Recently, I decided to tell my wife about my pot smoking, so that we have no secrets between us. She says she loves me but thinks I do have a serious problem. I decided to tell my friends and colleagues to get their opinion and they all feel the same way as my wife does. Tell me, do I have a problem? John Constance, UK. Advice: Dr Mark Hamilton Marijuana is illegal in the UK. It is considered to be a drug that is psychologically addictive rather than physically addictive. However, the evidence for this is not conclusive. Smoking Marijuana can pose some health risks but many of these are associated with smoking in general. They include lung and heart disease, blood vessel disease and various cancers, such as stomach, throat and mouth cancer. More specifically, Marijuana users have been found to be more prone to depression, anxiety and memory problems. On the other hand there are people who claim that the drug can help them concentrate and be more focussed sociable and relaxed. And, of course, it has many medicinal uses. If your friends and family think it is a problem it may be because you smoke it every day and they feel that you are dependant on it. They may also feel that it has an adverse effect on your behaviour, in which case you would be wise to try to reduce your use of marijuana. The What's the Problem? website is providing general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the What's the Problem? website. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.		FURTHER INFORMATION   What is Marijuana? *Marijuana is the chopped up flowering tops and leaves of the cannabis plant and usually includes seeds and stems *Cannabis is the general term used to describe marijuana, hashish and hashish oil *These are all derived from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa *Remember - Marijuana is illegal in many countries    INTERNET LINKS Marijuana Facts   Marijuana Risks   The BBC is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites