Getting To Know Marijuana

The Early Beginnings of Marijuana Use

Marijuana users have implicitly declared patronage over the simple herb due to its uncharacteristic effect of altering their present state of mind into a new level of high. Marijuana or more scientifically known as Cannabis sativa, is a psychoactive drug that possesses intoxicating properties. Such effect is derived from its resin which produces the chemical component delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The timeline of marijuana use dates back 2737 B.C. in China where it is used for medical purposes. According to the Chinese emperor Shen Nung in his writings, cannabis held medical powers that alleviate signs and symptoms of gout, malaria and rheumatism. Although it was noted that intoxication was present, its medicinal impact towards its users are held more valuable. The popularity of the herb reached India, North Africa and eventually Europe during A.D. 500.

Though the Chinese attributed marijuana use for medicinal purposes and treatment of ailments, Indians utilized the herb solely for its intoxicating effects. Muslim Indians have succumbed to the powers of marijuana since the banishment of alcohol consumption as stated in their holy book, Koran. Eventually, they have discovered the high grade cannabis known as hashish, which produces more potent intoxicating properties than that of common marijuana.

Marijuana was welcomed into the New World in 1611 where it grew to become one of the main sources of fiber. Aside from it being a commercial crop that produces good fiber, people have now caught on the use of hemp’s resin. Such recreational use of marijuana gave birth to the myriad marijuana clubs in major localities which then entranced a greater number of people to try on the gateway drug and get on to a new level of mind altering ecstasy. At this juncture, marijuana was not deemed as a threat to world order; hence it is well tolerated by the society. Since its introduction, marijuana consumption have seen an uptake and reputation in delivering euphoria to its users making it the most common used drug in the present day.

Marijuana: the Drug

            The key element of marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. It is the active derivative that induces the drug’s intoxicating effect. Marijuana primarily is a mind-altering drug. Its effects highly depend on the amount of dosage taken and with the present mind condition of the individual or consumer. In general, a sense of satisfaction is achieved by the consumer when marijuana is taken in small doses. Consequent to drug ingestion, intoxication usually last up to three hours although its effects on the consumer’s motor reflexes may last longer. The most common noticeable effects of marijuana intake are hallucinations, heightened sensitivity to the physical environment and tachycardia.

            Other known side effects of marijuana are its ability to alter the reproductive levels in the body as well as affect memory and comprehension levels. Furthermore, habitual consumption of marijuana ends in drug dependence.

Marijuana and Addiction

            The rampant use of marijuana especially among the younger age bracket of the society has rocked the boat of many households thereby causing unnecessary rifts in the family. Most often than not, the effects of marijuana has resulted into scenarios wherein these youngsters extricate themselves from the present reality and divulge themselves into their own little world, oblivious to their environments. Parents, siblings, friends, has seen their loved ones enraptured and possessed negatively by marijuana consumption.

            Signs of marijuana abuse are easy to spot if one is conscientious enough to take notice. During the early phases of intoxication, users display loud emotional outbursts (laughing or crying uncontrollably), frequent forgetfulness even in simple conversations, distorted perception of reality, hallucinations and paranoia. In the late stages, the user now operates semi-consciously, in a stuporous sedation.

            Marijuana, regardless of dosage, can affect the body in many harmful ways. Immediate side effect would include tachycardia or the rapid beating of the heart, increased pulse rate, and dryness of the mouth and throat. Chest pain due to marijuana overdose is prevalent among users. Experts reasoned that marijuana can impact negatively to the respiratory health of the user since marijuana consumption is done through inhaling deeply the unfiltered smoke from the weed, allowing it to fill the lungs. The user try as much to withhold exhaling, thus the smoke is in contact with lung tissues over a long period of time causing damages and irritation, which later may result to cancer and other lung-related diseases such as emphysema.

            Marijuana addiction has caused lives of many thriving young individuals. Many people are lured by the euphoric high they achieve while indulging in the drug, yet they fail to take into account the staggering negative impact it creates to their lives. Marijuana addiction causes impairment in cognition and comprehension and deterioration in motor abilities to say the least. Users who are so far out into their addiction has grown unaware of the disconnected life they live, unresponsive to their environment and physically, mentally, and emotionally deaf to the people around them.

Medical Marijuana

Scientific experts contest that medical marijuana (cannabis and cannabinoids) is potentially curative and therapeutic to the following diseases:

- Epilepsy                                        

- Huntington’s Disease

-  Multiple Sclerosis                         

- Chronic Pain

-  HIV                                               

- Hypertension

- GI Disorders                                 

- Arthritis

- Glioma                                          

- Alzheimer’s disease

-  Fibromyalgia                                 

- Dystonia

- Hepatitis C                                                

- Diabetes

So how does cannabis act on the body to cure certain diseases? Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis, has been approved by the FDA to treat nausea and vomiting for patients undergoing chemotherapy. The natural substances found in marijuana works by decreasing the signals in the brain that induces nausea and vomiting. Just like any other prescription drugs, medical marijuana has risks and limits, hence the significance to consult a medical marijuana doctor for appropriate prescription.

Although the government is skeptical about the pharmacologic and therapeutic uses of cannabis, it is entirely arguable that we should not deny the medical benefits of medical marijuana to the people who can use the drug to improve their current state of health.