Marijuana pertains to the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, which contains the non-narcotic chemical tetrahydrocannibol (THC) at various potencies. It is smoked or eaten to create the impression of being “high.” The different strains of this herb bring out different sensual effects, ranging from a sedative to a stimulant. If smoked, it is quick acting; the first effects are usually felt within seconds. The peak follows within minutes and then declines sharply after about forty five minutes, with a ninety minute tail-off (Rietbrock, 155-9). A euphoric and relaxing feeling is usually reported while others experienced introspective dreaminess, increased appreciation of music sleepiness and chronological time distortion. The effects however can be subtle and first time users often detect a little or no effect.
The effects of Marijuana
The Brighter Side
When a person smokes marijuana, the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) doesn’t haphazardly drop-kick brain cells to create side effects. THC embraces specific sites on cells called receptors and launches a series of reactions that lead to the drug’s side effects (Kibiuk, 1996). This recognition directed scientists to find of one of the receptor’s natural partners — a derivative of a fatty acid, dubbed anandamide, after the Sanskrit word for bliss. Advocates of the positive benefits of marijuana look past behavioral effects of the drug, including a sense of euphoria, and changes in mood, perception, memory and fine motor skills, and point to a long list of potential medical benefits. Anandimide is recognized to inhibit nausea, offer relief from glaucoma, decrease muscle spasms, reduce blood pressure, alleviate anxiety, stimulate appetite, stop convulsions and kill menstruation pain (Kibiuk, 1996).
The Darker Side
Most of the studies published about marijuana is its over emphasis to the negative effects of the body. And these studies did not fail on their argument that indeed marijuana, though, an organic substance have some serious effects to vital organs.
Brain- Tetrahydrocannibol (THC), the non-narcotic chemical found in marijuana is a highly powerful and pleasurable intoxicant. It affects, alters, and damages brain cells controlling thinking, emotion, pleasure, coordination, mood and memory (Marijuana and Medicine, 43). Marijuana accumulates in the microscopic spaces between nerve cells in the brain called “synapses.” This clogging interferes by slowing and impairing transfer critical information. Long term use causes the brain to stop production of brain chemicals necessary to “feel good” – a negative feedback condition (Loo, Hoorens, Hof, & Kahan, 32).
Lungs- Emphysema, the damage and destruction of air sacs in the lungs, is a common illness reported by weed smokers. Marijuana reduces the lungs ability to bring oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Bronchial tubes are inflamed, thickened and produce more mucus; resulting in narrowing of the air passages, known as chronic bronchitis. Marijuana has twice as much “tar” as cigarette and significantly increases chance of lung cancer (Earlywine, 143).
Other vital organs- The heart, the most important organ in the body, is also subjected to the harmful effects of marijuana. The use of marijuana speeds up heartbeat as much as 50 percent increase in blood pressure, it also poses great risk to those with hypertension and heart disease. Marijuana also have adverse effects to both male and female reproductive systems. It can cause decrease and degenerate sperm count and cause lower sex drive. Females can have egg damage, suppression of ovulation; disrupt menstrual cycle and alteration of hormone level. Regular use during pregnancy can lower birth weight and cause abnormalities similar to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (Earlywine, 158).
Cannabinoid intoxication can also mimic certain aspects of psychoses like schizophrenia. These psychotic disorders typically include odd thoughts, auditory hallucinations, and inappropriate emotions. Auditory hallucinations usually include hearing voices that do not exist. Inappropriate emotions might include smiling when frightened or sad (Andreassi, 85).
With so much scientific evidences as to the adverse effects of the use of marijuana, it is right to pause for a while and think if the “natural high” we allegedly receive from the famous weed is really worth it. In fact, scientists speculated that our body is also capable of giving us the “natural high” derived from marijuana. According to Kibiuk (1996) our brain have a natural anandamide system that could hold the same benefits as marijuana, with less or no complications at all. So the next time we “light up”, its good to ponder first if the few moments of euphoria is worth the risk we give to our body.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment