Introduction
For ages, people have used cannabis, a psychoactive plant that contains over 100 cannabinoids, mostly THC and CBD, for both medical and recreational purposes. Its legalization and decriminalization for several purposes in recent years have generated heated discussion and contradictory data about its possible advantages and disadvantages. Epidiolex, a medication derived from the cannabis plant, stands out as one of the approved medicinal marijuana treatments recognized by the Food and Drug Administration since 2015. It includes pure cannabidiol (THC). The prescription drug is licensed to treat seizures linked to a rare genetic illness known as tuberous sclerosis complex, as well as seizures linked to two uncommon and severe types of epilepsy, namely Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome (Pauli et al., 2020). The FDA has authorized two medications created from a synthetic or lab-produced chemical that resembles THC. Nabilone Cesamet and dronabinol Marinol and Syndros are used to boost appetite in people with AIDS who don’t feel like eating, as well as to relieve nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Ways In Which Marijuana is Administered
There are several different ways which are used to administer marijuana; one, the drug can be smoked in joints. In such cases, foods and beverages are combined or infused with marijuana, such as cakes, brownies, cookies, and the like. Lastly, marijuana can be vaped through the use of other vaporizers or electronic vaporizing devices such as vape pens, e-cigarettes or other vaporizer devices(Turner & Agrawal, 2022). It is also possible to extract the compounds, or cannabinoids, from marijuana to create oils.
Types of Marijuana
While some promote its medicinal benefits for treating anxiety, pain, and other ailments, others raise concerns about its potential for dependence and negative health effects. This essay examines the effects of cannabis, with a particular focus on its association with cannabis use disorder (CUD). Cannabis is the source of all weed, yet the impact it has on individuals can vary greatly throughout the different species. Cannabis, sometimes known as “weed,” comes in a variety of forms. Dry cannabis seeds, stems, leaves, or flowers are referred to as marijuana. What kind of Cannabis plant it is and how it is prepared to determine which particular strain of marijuana it is.
There are two main species of the cannabis plant from which cannabis is derived. The many varieties of marijuana differ from one another, not just in terms of the kind of plant they originate from but also in terms of their effects on the user and the high they produce.
Indica is one of the major types of cannabis which first appeared in the Hindu “Kush” area, which is close to Afghanistan. Since it originates from a frigid, mountainous region, it usually has a bush-like look and is shorter. People with insomnia frequently take indica due to its soothing properties. It is regarded as a potent cannabis strain since it yields high THC and low CBD levels (Sholler et al., 2022).
Sativa is the second type of weed, which originated in warmer areas like Mexico and South Africa; cannabis sativa is known for its towering stature and long, thin leaves. It will blossom under certain lighting circumstances, which call for darkness for more than 11 hours per day. In comparison to indica, sativa has higher quantities of CBD and lower levels of THC, resulting in more equal amounts of the two compounds (Sholler et al., 2022). People who are depressed or tired often take sativa due to its uplifting and refreshing benefits. Additionally, some of the symptoms of ADHD and other mood disorders have been reported to be relieved by it (Mason et al., 2021).
Effects Of Using Marijuana
THC is the primary neurotransmitter in cannabis, and it has a variety of acute effects that vary depending on dosage, strength, individual reaction, and mode of intake. The typical outcomes associated with administering marijuana include;
Short-term Effects (Kancherla et al., 2021)
Euphoria: A feeling of peacefulness, contentment, and ease.
Modified sensory perception: Enhanced hearing and sight perception.
Decreased memory, focus, and coordination due to cognitive impairment.
Mood swings: Laughter, paranoia, or increased worry.
Effects on the digestive system: dry mouth, nausea, and increased hunger.
Effects on the heart: elevated blood pressure and heart rate
Long-term Effects
Prolonged or excessive cannabis use may lead to various long-term consequences, although these effects are typically temporary.
Addiction: People with specific genetic and environmental predispositions may develop compulsive use disorder (CUD), which is defined by obsessive usage despite negative consequences.
Respiratory issues: Smoking cannabis raises the risk of respiratory infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as damages the lungs, similar to smoking tobacco.
Mental health problems: Consistent cannabis usage, particularly with high THC strains, has been associated with a higher risk of psychosis, schizophrenia, and other mental health problems, especially in susceptible people.
Cognitive decline: Long-term cannabis use, especially in teens and young people whose brains are still growing, can affect memory, learning, and decision-making.
Issues with reproductive health: Cannabis usage can interfere with women’s menstrual cycles and ovulation, as well as impact men’s sperm quality and production. • Cognitive decline: Long-term cannabis use, especially in teens and young people whose brains are still growing, can affect memory, learning, and decision-making (Amialchuk & Ali, 2023).
Issues with reproductive health: Cannabis usage can interfere with women’s menstrual cycles and ovulation, as well as impact men’s sperm quality and production.
Causes of Cannabis Addiction
The chemical in cannabis responsible for its intoxicating effects is known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short. It triggers dopamine release by binding to cannabinoid receptors. This triggers the reward system in the brain, which is involved in the development of addiction. There is no universally accepted explanation for substance use problems. Cannabis use disorder can arise as a result of psychological and emotional suffering as well as other mental health issues like despair and anxiousness. Another possible factor is an inherited or genetic one. Researchers have found numerous gene variations increasing the likelihood of acquiring a dependency on marijuana.
Factors that raise the likelihood of getting CUD
Early cannabis use: Because their brains are still growing, adolescents and young adults are more prone to addiction.
Genetics: Those who have a family history of drug abuse issues are more vulnerable.
Mental health disorders: Addiction susceptibility may be heightened by co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety (Connor et al., 2021).
Environmental factors: Problematic cannabis usage can be exacerbated by peer pressure, social pressure, and easy availability of cannabis.
Treatment
Patients undergo motivational enhancement treatment to help strengthen their willpower and drive to alter their cannabis consumption habits. Other than that, to alleviate urges and sensations of withdrawal, several drugs can also be helpful. Finally, joining a support group is a great way to meet other people going through the same things you are and to hear their stories of triumph and overcoming adversity. Through adopting some of this treatment, it’s possible to fight addiction and live free of CUD; therefore, it’s vital to accept one’s problem and seek help to live a healthy life.
Conclusion
Cannabis usage continues to be a complicated and contentious subject with varying possible advantages and disadvantages according to the user and situation. Although research and recognition are being done regarding its therapeutic benefits in particular diseases, it is important to acknowledge the possibility of acquiring CUD and the disadvantages that come with it. For those with CUD, early intervention and access to efficient therapy are crucial. To further understand the intricate connection between cannabis and CUD and eventually create more potent preventative and treatment plans, additional study is required. It is also imperative that the general public be made aware of these issues and that treatment services be easily accessible.
References
Pauli, C. S., Conroy, M., Vanden Heuvel, B. D., & Park, S. H. (2020). Cannabidiol drugs clinical trial outcomes and adverse effects. Frontiers in pharmacology, 11, 63. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.00063/full
Turner, A. R., & Agrawal, S. (2022). Marijuana. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430801/
Sholler, D. J., Moran, M. B., Dolan, S. B., Borodovsky, J. T., Alonso, F., Vandrey, R., & Spindle, T. R. (2022). Use patterns, beliefs, experiences, and behavioural economic demand of indica and sativa cannabis: A cross-sectional survey of cannabis users. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 30(5), 575. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2021-35931-001
Mason, A., Sami, M., Notley, C., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2021). Are researchers getting the terms used to denote different types of recreational cannabis right?—from a user perspective? Journal of cannabis research, 3(1), 12. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-021-00065-1
Kancherla, N., Jeyanthi, K. M., Abbas, R., Sathi, T. S. C. R., Upadhyay, A., & Garlapati, S. K. P. (2021). Cannabis Associated Mental Health Effects: A Review. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences, 13(Suppl 2), S943–S946. https://doi.org/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_388_21
Connor, J. P., Stjepanović, D., Le Foll, B., Hoch, E., Budney, A. J., & Hall, W. D. (2021). Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 7(1), 16. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-021-00247-4
Amialchuk, A., & Ali, M. M. (2023). The long-term effects of marijuana use on mental health outcomes. Review of Economics of the Household, 1-19. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11150-023-09680-8
Connor, J. P., Stjepanović, D., Le Foll, B., Hoch, E., Budney, A. J., & Hall, W. D. (2021). Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 7(1), 16. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-021-00247-4
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