A name that is becoming more and more common in our day to day vocabulary. Some claim that cannabis is a wonder chemical while others say it is a harmful drug. So, what exactly is the truth?
What is Cannabis? Where does it come from?
When you ask a person what drug they are using and they say ‘Cannabis’, what most people refer to is the end product Cannabis obtained from the Cannabis plants mainly – Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica. This may seem confusing at first but it will become clearer further down.
The Cannabis Plant has existed for a long time, initially it was used for the fibres which could be made into hemp ropes. It was later that the other effects of the plants were understood. Though we typically see the picture of a leaf when we see talks on Cannabis, it is the one of the less effective part of the plant. It is the flowers of the plants which are mainly harvested to make the cannabis products. The flower and rest of the plant contains many local chemicals, the main 2 are 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol A.K.A. THC and Cannabidiol (CBD). Based on how the plant parts are processed we end up with many end products, starting from your smoked version ‘Joint’, to edible products, tinctures, patches, oils etc.. The THC chemical is what causes the psychoactive effects i.e. the effects on the brain. This is the basics of cannabis in brief. So, why is this plant product significant?
Cannabis is quickly becoming the most commonly used drug in the world. It has been romanticized and given a Rockstar status due to its claims as being medically effective, not causing physical symptoms, relative ease of use and low cost. So, what is the truth?
Effects of Cannabis
Following the immediate use of cannabis it can cause euphoria, heightened senses, altered sense of time, a kind of relaxation is felt – This is the typical high.
Physical sensation includes increased heart rate and blood flow which results in palpitations and blood shot eyes appearance.
The other significant negative effects are anxiety, paranoia, hallucination etc.
But is it limited to this?
The answer is NO.
Cannabis can lead to a variety of Psychiatric illnesses which persist even after you stop using it. The illnesses vary from conditions like Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety disorders , Insomnia, Uncontrollable anger. A person may end up requiring lifelong treatment for these even after stopping cannabis use.
There is an even more slow and sinister side to Cannabis. Cannabis can gradually alter one’s personality over time, apart from that early cannabis use especially during adolescence can affect the brain’s capacity to learn and process new things thus resulting in a lower Intelligence compared to peers of the same age group.
The most terrifying aspect is a condition called amotivational syndrome or chronic cannabis syndrome which is associated with long term cannabis use. In this condition a person is not able to find pleasure in regular day to day things, also the drive to succeed and improve is hindered.
Cannabis can also cause damage to lungs as in cigarettes, increase chances of heart attack in those who are at risk for it and reduce fertility in men and women.
What about the medical effects?
Yes, there is one cannabis derived product and 3 synthetic cannabis derived product used in medical treatment and they are intended for very specific conditions mainly-
1)For treatment of uncontrolled seizures in Lennox Gastaut Syndrome
2)Nausea in chemotherapy
3)Loss of appetite in AIDS wasting syndrome
4)Off label use for pain management, Glaucoma, Muscle spasm and multiple sclerosis
But the thing is cannabis based treatment is considered second line at best.
A lot of research is being done regarding further possible use, but it is theoretical at best.
Medical Marijuana, where does it stand?
Here in India there is no medical marijuana, infact it is illegal. Another problem here and elsewhere is the lack of proper regulation, quality control and evidence based guidelines. So, the question is are you ready to risk your mental health on anecdotal evidence?
Legal Status in India
In India possession of cannabis is punishable with imprisonment and fine.
Some common Arguments on cannabis use-
- Using cannabis for medical treatment- I Have covered this previously
- Many Successful people get high- Maybe. But there are an equal number of people whose lives have been destroyed because of cannabis use.
- I only use cannabis and not the other serious drugs- Cannabis is basically a mind altering drug, and the consequences will eventually catch up. So, do you want to play the game of less damage or more damage with your health ?
I hope that this article has helped in providing a proper perspective on cannabis.
