The Untold Truths about Marijuanna

mrsaepts
Jul 16, 2020
5 min read

By Thorphan Tienboon, Jiranath Trimetsoontorn, Tanyatorn Thienpaitoon, Jin Rushchano

Edited By Pakpop Lekawat, Punyisa Pintola

WHAT IS MARIJUANA?

Marijuana, or commonly known as herb, weed, ganja, and cannabis, with a scientific name of Cannabis Sativa, is harvested from the dried flowers of cannabis plants. The medical-purpose marijuana-induced drug is called Marinol or Dronabinol has a relaxing effect. Most marijuana users consume it in the capsules form and fancy the feeling of being intoxicated and relaxed. However, cannabis does in fact have a negative impact on the central nervous system. Even though marijuana is beneficial in the medical aspect, it also has long-term effects that may include the decreased ability of body movements. Nevertheless, marijuana is currently legal in a few countries purposely for medical uses.

Figure 1. Cannabis (medicalnewstoday.com)

THE EFFECTS ON HUMAN

Marijuana is a cannabis plant that contains THC which is a mind-altering compound. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, stimulates dopamine that makes the body relax once it gets into the bloodstream. This is the main reason why it is widely used for pain relief medication, and people become easily addicted to that feeling. There are several short term as well as long term effects depending on the frequency and the amount of dosage used. Newborns from marijuana users have a high risk of being developmentally impaired.

Marijuana affects the respiratory system as it is inhaled. Similar to the use of cigarettes or tobacco, there is a burning sensation in the mouth and breathing problems such as ongoing coughs, colored mucus, and asthma. Bronchitis can be common, and the lungs are prone to infections, inflammation, and irritation as well as cancer due to a weakened immune system.

The circulatory system is also affected. Marijuana increases the heart rate, making it work harder than it should, possibly causing a stroke. The liver and stomach in the digestive system can be damaged. Although it may increase the appetite, the feeling of nausea and vomiting is also common, followed by an upset stomach.

Because marijuana has THC compounds, it interrupts the central nervous system by making the brain harder to focus, remember, and learn things. This can lead to a higher risk of getting injuries or accidents. Also, because of dopamine, the brain is relaxed and might have hallucinations or even coordination problems. Once the central nervous system gets affected, the mental and emotional effects occur. Users are likely to become anxious, panicked, afraid, or worried which can lead to paranoia and depression. Even though it can help with sleep problems, some become sleep deprived and may have severe mood swings after use.

Socially, as a result of brain impairment, frequent users tend to have less academic and career success. They become addicted and run into financial problems because they are constantly buying to fulfill their pain relief needs. They have a higher chance of unemployment and more likely to have a relationship problem. They are often at risk of sexually transmitted diseases and/or unprepared pregnancy.

POSSIBLE MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Marijuana is currently illegal in numerous countries across the world. However, it is claimed by many people that it can be used in various medical treatments. Here are some examples of possible medical applications of Marijuana.

Using Medical Marijuana During and After Pregnancy

Some mothers decided to use marijuana as a means to reduce the severity of pain and nausea while pregnant. Since one of the compounds in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it has a property to relieve those symptoms. Moreover, the substance called Cannabidiol (CBD) in marijuana can lower the level of anxiety and paranoia for mothers too.

Effects for Cancer Patients

A few studies found the benefits of marijuana for cancer patients. Firstly, after patients undergo cancer chemotherapy, smoking marijuana can treat them from nausea and vomiting. Secondly, pain from damaged nerves that are caused by cancer, which are also known as neuropathic pain, can be relieved by inhaling marijuana. Also, laboratory-based research has recently shown that CBD slows the growth or sometimes kills sample cancer cells in the petri dish.

Medical Marijuana and Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis or MS is a disease that threatens the patients’ nervous systems including their brains, spinal cords, and nerves. Smoking, eating, or vaping marijuana is likely to lighten up stiffness and muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis and may ease sleeping problems, fibromyalgia, and other medical conditions too.

All in all, it is reported by some users that marijuana can alleviate pain or help with some symptoms. Nevertheless, scientists and medical practitioners do not have a certain study or proof that marijuana is fully effective. In addition, much research has shown that there are drawbacks to using marijuana; therefore, one must consult experts before using marijuana.

BENEFITS OF MARIJUANA

Not only that Marijuana has benefits on medical treatments, but also has multiples advantages on social and economic.

Social Benefits

Prevent Violence Behavior

Many studies have shown that the use of marijuana leads to fewer fights. Marijuana users often enter a stage called “getting high” which they mostly become more friendly, obtain less negative feelings such as anger and belligerence, as a result, they are less likely to perform violent behavior and have an argument with other people. Though amiable behavior is shown, consuming large amounts of marijuana could turn out to have a detrimental impact; thus, it is recommended to use it reasonably.

Enhance Creativity

In order to create any forms of art, the brain needs a hormone called “Dopamine” to generate artistic ideas as well as creativity. Fortunately, marijuana contains such hormones therefore it has been widely used by artists which include Lady Gaga, Willie Nelson, Rihanna, Stephen King, and certainly many more. Just a small amount of marijuana can light up an amazing idea to the user.

Euphoria and Relaxation

In the current world, an excessive number of people are experiencing more depression and stress more than ever. Moreover, people are spending most of their time working; therefore, they might not have time for any activities that could unwind their stress such as exercising or playing musical instruments. Since they are lacking in time, using marijuana could be one of their alternatives.

Economic Benefits

The Declining Rate of Homicide and Assault (if it is legalized)

A study done by a group of researchers from State Panel Data mentioned that there is no correlation between legalizing marijuana and the health of the public from exposure to violent crime but instead related to the drop in homicide and assault rates.

The Government Can Gain Profit (if it is legalized)

Since marijuana has an abundance of benefits in many ways including social, economic, and most significantly, the medical sector, the government can collect taxes from the citizen if selling and consuming marijuana was legalized. Having a proper system by legalizing the use of marijuana could also make it easier for the government to track the usage of the users.

Provide More Job Opportunity (if it is legalized)

The establishment of new jobs could occur when the business of marijuana is legalized. The production of marijuana requires a lot of workforces since it needs to be secure all the time and it also needs someone who can deal with the industry. In addition, software developers and construction firms also play an essential role in the process of selling marijuana to society. Thus, fewer people will be unemployed by the legalization of marijuana.