some info I found-

[Effects and Consequences of Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana's effects begin as soon as the drug enters the brain, causing the user to feel high for about 1 to 3 hours. The euphoria that results when THC enters the brain is caused by the stimulation of brain cells to release the chemical dopamine. When the euphoria passes, the user may feel sleepy or depressed and may also encounter feelings of panic, anxiety, paranoia or distrust. Continued use, in an attempt to regain that feeling of euphoria can lead to marijuana addiction. If marijuana use is stopped, marijuana withdrawal symptoms may occur.

Acute Effects of Marijuana and Marijuana Addiction

During the marijuana "high" the effected individual may experience these acute effects:

* Impairs short-term memory
* Impairs attention, judgment, and other cognitive functions
* Impairs coordination, balance, and reaction time
* Increases heart rate

Persistent Effects of Marijuana Use

The effects of marijuana use can extend past the time of actual use. These additional effects may or may not become permanent. They include:

* Impairs memory
* Impairs learning skills
* Increases risk of chronic cough, bronchitis, and emphysema
* Long-term (cumulative, potentially permanent effects of chronic abuse)
* Can lead to marijuana addiction
* Increases risk of cancer of the head, neck, and lungs]

[It is a psychological addiction more than physical addiction so you can quit easily if you strictly decide you want to quit and change your social habits.]

[So this being said it is possible to quit smoking weed without suffering cravings or relapses and you are not fighting with a chemical need but a psychological need which can be overcome with willpower. While this may sound easy it can of course be a lot harder in practice as the habit can run very deep especially for those who have smoked for years. Quitting can be accompanied by anxiety and depression as you learn to live life without the constant smoking which can seem soothing and comforting but only because it was a part of your routine. The trick for some people is to find something to replace this addiction, obviously not another addiction but something creative and fulfilling. Something that makes you happy without an extreme high you may try to latch onto as an alternative.

So how to quit smoking weed in a nutshell? You must realize you do not crave weed but just want it! Once you learn to adapt to a life without marijuana you will find you can quit smoking pot forever!]

quotes from a mix of these sites -
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&c...a+&btnG=Search