Side Effects of Cannabis

The usage of Cannabis has been going on for a long time. It is used for medicinal purpose, as a recreational drug and also for obtaining fiber. It is derived from the Cannabis plant and includes three recognized species, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis Janisch. Called 'taxa', these three are native to Central and South Asia and the surrounding regions. The amount of fiber and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive molecule which results in the 'mental high' related to consumption of Marijuana) determines its usefulness for industrial purpose. Cannabis plants produce a unique family of terpeno-phenolic compounds known as annabinoids. The two cannabinoids usually produced in abundance are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Cannabis is administered or prescribed commonly as medical marijuana or medical Cannabis. However, the intoxicating component, THC, has resulted in the illegal usage of Cannabis as an intoxicant, the world over. Although, many countries have banned Cannabis advertisements and production, for its potential health risks, it is still consumed worldwide.

Cannabis is either consumed orally or by inhaling the smoke from burning leaves. There are a number of devices like screened bowls, chillums, paper-wrapped joints, cigar-leaf-wrapped blunts and bongs that are used for smoking cannabis. The drug abuse by inhaling Cannabis has a number of serious side effects.

Side Effects of Cannabis

Somatic Effects: The most common short-term physical effects of excessive consumption of Cannabis are nausea and vomiting. It can happen if an inexperienced user consumes too much cannabis. It could be even more serious if consumed with alcohol. This condition is normally called "white" or "spin-out." Cannabis in the form of a cake or biscuit has severe effects. High amount of Cannabis intake has a relaxing effect on people. They lose their inhibitions and might do things out of character. In addition to that, the heart rate increases significantly on consumption of Cannabis. Reddening of eyes is also caused by smoking Cannabis. Dryness of mouth, wet or cold hands and feet, and muscle relaxation are a few other consequences which are clearly evident.

Psychoactive Effects: Psychoactive effects are subjective and depend on the amount of drug intake. A few of these effects are associated with the 'high', like euphoria, or altered state of consciousness. There is an overall feeling of relaxation and heightened appreciation for music or humor, sometimes art as well. An enhanced recollection (episodic memory) is also evident along with improvement in the working of the senses. Other side effects include anxiety, combined with paranoia, agitation and enhanced awareness of patterns and color.

Neurological Effects: There are specific areas in the brain which are receptive to cannabinoids. The areas where the cannabinoid (CBD) receptors are most prevalent are consistent with the occurrence of the behavioral effects of cannabinoids. The major parts of the brain having cannabinoid receptors are prevalent in basal ganglia, corresponding to movement control; the cerebellum, related to body movement coordination, the hippocampus, associated with learning, memory, and stress control, the cerebral cortex, pertaining to higher cognitive functions; and the nucleus accumbens, considered as the reward center of the brain.

The hypothalamus, regulating the homeostatic functions, spinal cord, controlling peripheral sensations like pain, brain stem; connected with sleep, arousal and motor control and nucleus of the solitary tract, concerned with sensations like nausea and vomiting are the other regions of the brain where cannabinoid receptors are moderately concentrated. But motor control and memory are the areas where side effects of Cannabis are the most explicit and unmistakable. Amongst other side effects, studies made in the USA have also shown that the children of those women who smoked Cannabis during pregnancy are also affected.

Too much or abnormal consumption of Cannabis through smoking can create chronic diseases like lung cancer and testicular cancer. But again, the method of consumption determines the severity of the side effects. The duration of the effects of intoxication can be varied and subjective. But generally, the short-term duration of Cannabis intoxication, when smoked, is about three to six hours. However, it also depends on how much is consumed.

Ultimately, any kind of drug addiction and over-consumption of anything is not good for one's health. If an individual is aware about the ill-effects of Cannabis and similar drugs, he or she should always avoid it. An individual's work, friends, family and achievements can always give him or her the required 'high'. In that case, one would not need any external source to maintain the motivation and good feelings.