Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a plant or herb that has medicinal properties. According to history, it has been around for about four centuries now, and evidences of it being used by the ancient Chinese and Egyptian civilizations have been discovered in the papyrus texts unearthed some time ago.
Today, marijuana can be legally used medically and/or recreationally in some parts of the world. In Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Germany, Denmark, and Norway, for instance, it can be prescribed for medical treatments of different diseases. And, in some European countries, like Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, it is also even allowed to be enjoyed recreationally for up to a certain amount. However, most of the world still see it as a harmful drug that should be banned, so make sure to check the marijuana laws of any country you visit to not end up getting arrested or jailed.
An overview of marijuana’s makeup
Marijuana contains compounds of great medicinal value, such as cannabidiol or CBD, which comprises two-fifths of the extract and is useful in the treatment of cancer, convulsion, anxiety, inflammation, dizziness, schizophrenia, and nausea; beta-caryophyllene, which helps relieve inflammation and other symptoms; and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which is responsible for the “high”.
Looking at the pros and cons of marijuana
Marijuana offers a long list of medicinal benefits. Below are just some of them:
• In chemotherapy, it is used as an antiemetic. Cancer patients often experience loss of appetite, vomiting, and such when undergoing chemo. With medical cannabis, these discomforts are minimized, enabling the person to at least eat normally.
• In lung cancer cases, patients are advised to smoke it because of its herbal therapy properties and ability to reduce the development of cancer cells.
• If you have glaucoma, a disorder which results from damaged optic nerves, the use of cannabis lessens the intraocular pressures, thus lowering the risk of losing your eyesight permanently.
• In cases of multiple sclerosis, a nervous system disorder that has several symptoms that include muscle spasms, depression, eye problems, coordination loss, tingling, numbness fatigue and speech difficulty, medical marijuana can help eliminate muscle spasms and restore a patient’s speech, eyesight and balance.
• Patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease can take advantage of marijuana’s ability, thanks to THC, to slow down the development of neurofibrillary plaques, which are lumps of protein tissues that are common in Alzheimer’s patients.
• Smoking marijuana in moderation, unlike smoking tobacco or cigarettes, does not cause lung cancer. Instead, it actually provides some kind of a shield for the lungs against these diseases and infections.
• People who have HIV or AIDS can also avail of marijuana’s medical benefits. Marijuana has been used in the treatment of HIV and AIDS for several years now because it helps relieve the different pains, discomforts, and symptoms that patients experience because of the disease. It also has fewer side effects compared to other prescription medicines.
• Brain cancer is another disease where marijuana can be beneficial. In a study conducted in Spain where mice with brain cancer cells were treated using marijuana, the THC contained in the plant was found to have the ability to shrink brain tumor without harming the healthy cells in the brain.
• Cannabis seed oil can be used to help people suffering from arthritis, a disease of the bone that mainly affects old people. It is a condition brought about by the degeneration of bones that causes joint pains. There are capsules that contain cannabis oil that people suffering from this disease can take for treatment. The oil lubricates the bones, reducing friction during movements.
• Because it is loaded with vitamins A through E, and minerals like calcium, zinc, and potassium, cannabis oil can also reduce serious risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases.
On the other side of the coin, there is a very long list of unwanted side effects that marijuana can cause if used excessively. A few of them are as follows:
• Smoking marijuana too much can impact a person’s physical appearance, like having stained gums, hands and wrists, and teeth; dark circles around the eyes; and leathery and dull skin.
• Long-time marijuana smokers are much more prone to become afflicted with severe health problems compared to those who smoke cigarettes. Prolonged use is going to lead to weaker immune and respiratory systems, characterized by relentless heavy coughing and colds. The toxic substances in marijuana can trigger damage to the lungs and result to a variety of medical concerns.
• A report revealed that the presence of large amounts of marijuana substances in the body has an effect on the hormonal activities of the human body system. Men might face problems with their sperm count and overall health.
•Young people who smoke marijuana will probably have difficulty keeping up with their schoolwork. They are going to have some trouble making sound life choices, mastering academics, focusing on classes, and studying. They are going to also have problems with memory loss, cognitive issues, understanding concepts, and critical thinking abilities. They are going to lose interest in showing up to classes and will sooner or later result in failing marks.
• Adult marijuana users are in danger of experiencing various social and mental issues. In a workplace, they might start to think that mingling and meeting people is a waste of time. They might wish to be alone all the time. They might also get ticked-off or agitated very easily, resulting to tension and strain between them and their co-workers.
• In addition to substandard work or school overall performance, deviance and anti-social manners, excessive marijuana use can also put anyone at risk of paranoia, schizophrenia, and other serious mental issues.
Conclusion
Marijuana is not 100% bad for the human body. In fact, it is actually quite useful in the medical field. Having said that, when a person uses it excessively or uncontrollably though, that is when abuse occurs and all the negative effects begin to show up. Making well-informed choices and behaving responsibly are essential in protecting yourself from the risks and hazards that marijuana abuse can bring about.
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