What Do We Know About Marijuana?
Written by Emily Rowe
Edited by Rachel Larson
July 31st 2021
Edited by Rachel Larson
July 31st 2021
Introduction
Within the last few decades cannabis use and popularity has skyrocketed. Seventeen states have legalized the recreational use of cannabis for people aged 21 and over despite the fact the DEA still classifies marijuana as a schedule 1 controlled substance, the same class as heroin. How is this possible? Well, there is still a lot to learn. We know that consumption of cannabis products can have some medical benefits for adults suffering from chronic illness, and we know how it can negatively affect a young and developing brain.
Understanding marijuana’s effects will help us determine how it works. Our bodies contain many different specialized systems, which is the endocannabinoid system (ECN). In summary, it works with our central nervous system to carry out processes such as pain response, immune response, anxiety and more. The ECN performs these processes by using receptors which tell the body to start or stop sending neurotransmitters. Studies have shown that THC, the main psychoactive compound found in Mariajuana plants, can activate ECN signals, while CBD, another chemical made by the plant, can inhibit them which can cause responses like lowering heart rate. Conclusions are still being drawn about what this means, but researchers are beginning to understand how cannabis consumption interacts with these systems in our bodies.
Medical Marijuana
Marijuana has long been known to treat the side-effects of cancer patients going through chemotherapy. Recently however, more studies are being done to bring to light all the other benefits of medical marijuana.. Marijuana is being proven to help manage neurological and physiological conditions such as: multiple sclerosis , seizures, social anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and more. It should also be noted that the data from these studies is still being analysed and interpreted. Nothing gets accepted as fact in the world of research without multiple scientists all coming to the same conclusion.
On the other hand…
Marijuana is commonly laced with other drugs such as cocaine or PCP, which goes without saying that this could lead to dangerous consequences for anyone. It has also been shown that synthetic versions of cannabis have been developed in order to avoid regulation and legal consequences, but these too can cause withdrawal and even death. Studies on adolescent brains have shown that cannabis use can cause neurobehavioral and developmental issues. In conclusion, studies have shown that synthetically altering drugs in any way have proven to be dangerous and life threatening to anyone of any age and adolescents taking any form of drugs can have serious consequences to their developing brain.
Let’s wrap this up
It should be noted that cannabis affects everyone differently.While it helps a cancer patient battle nausea, it could also cause nausea in someone else. Cannabis is a drug and should be treated carefully and responsibly. Due to new research, legalization, and decriminalization of cannabis it is important to educate yourself as new products arrive on the market.
Image Source: “Foliage” by Rex Medlen licensed under CC0