Marijuana is one of the most discussed topics among doctors and laymen. Disputes around its legalization insufficiently studied effect on the body and, frankly, not the first freshness, the results of research constantly provoke new discussions. How effective is it for treating various diseases, or does its use itself require the attention of doctors? The harm and benefits of marijuana are discussed in the media and on medical portals, articles are written about them and television programs are created. Is drug addiction formed from this seemingly harmless substance and is marijuana harmful for men and women? What is the answer given by modern research?
Contents
What is Marijuana
Marijuana, another name for cannabis, is a mixture of dried cannabis leaves and seeds. Despite the lack of evidence of a direct negative effect on the body, smoking marijuana or other ways of using it is considered an addiction. And marijuana itself is a psychoactive substance that competes with alcohol.
And although there is no proven harm to physical health, the effects of cannabis smoking are manifested on more subtle matters – in the field of mental health.
What is harmful cannabis?
The most common way to consume cannabis is by smoking cannabis. By itself, it does not have a direct negative effect: it does not disrupt behavior, does not cause immediate disorders in the work of body systems. And not so long ago it was officially used to treat certain diseases. However, the harm from marijuana does not become noticeable and obvious immediately, gradually affecting many vital processes.
This indirect effect is due to the special chemical composition of hemp. Its resins contain more than 80 types of active substances called cannabinoids. Despite this, the euphoric effect of smoking cannabis is caused by a combination of two opposite substances – THC and CBD:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol stimulates a state of euphoria, lightness, excitement, improves mood, but can stimulate excessive anxiety.
- Cannabidiol, on the contrary, has a sedative effect, slows down the body, relieves anxiety and anxiety.
Periodic or regular exposure to cannabinoids may not cause visible physical damage, but often the harm of marijuana is manifested by the development of severe forms of mental disorders, such as mania, schizophrenia, and other forms of psychosis. So, we can talk about the formation of drug addiction that requires treatment.
Smoking plan: how to spot an addict
Even if the behavior is not disturbed, it is possible to determine the use of marijuana by some external signs. Here is the list given by the experts:
- thirst and dryness of the oral mucosa;
- violation of thermoregulation – a feeling of cold or heat in the absence of external prerequisites;
- redness of the whites of the eyes;
- high heart rate, rapid pulse;
- decreased muscle tone, relaxation in everyday life.
Deeper changes, not always visible to the human eye, arise due to the fact that the active substances of marijuana simultaneously act on several body systems:
- Limbic system. She is responsible for emotions, so after using cannabis, both euphoria and fear and anxiety arise.
- Hippocampus. This part of the brain controls memory and attention. After smoking the plan, the work of the brain center becomes dull – absent-mindedness, forgetfulness appear, which is often mistakenly perceived by the drug addict as insight or giftedness, dissimilarity to others.
- Stimulates the production of dopamine, the hormone of happiness. This explains the sudden surge of positive emotions and improved mood.
And although the specific harm of marijuana for the body of men and women has not been proven by scientists, the simultaneous opposite effect of the substance on different parts of the central nervous system negatively affects its work. Therefore, sooner or later, some organ fails, and the person himself needs treatment.
The popularity of using cannabis in clubs
Cannabis use in nightclubs has been on the rise in recent years. Some people believe that the drug can help them to dance for longer periods of time, while others use it as a way to socialize with other clubgoers, as stated by cannabisbcn.com.
There are a variety of ways that people consume cannabis while in clubs, including smoking, vaping, and edibles.
Smoking: The most common way to consume cannabis in clubs is by smoking it. This can be done using a joint, pipe, or bong. Vaping: Vaping is another popular way to consume cannabis in clubs. This involves using a vape pen to heat up the Cannabis oil and inhale the vapor. Edibles: Edibles are also becoming increasingly popular in clubs. This involves consuming Cannabis-infused food or drinks.
Pros:
-Cannabis can help create a more relaxed and fun atmosphere in a club setting.
-It can be used as a social lubricant, helping people break the ice and interact with others.
-Cannabis can enhance the senses, making music and lights seem more vibrant and exciting.
Cons:
-Cannabis use can lead to more rowdy and disruptive behavior in some people.
-It can make people feel anxious or paranoid, which can ruin the night for everyone.
-Cannabis use can impair judgment, making it more likely for people to engage in risky behaviors.
What are the harms of smoking Marijuana
The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes has been known for a long time, and its benefits for the treatment of certain diseases have been studied by doctors in some detail. But special attention deserves the harm of marijuana caused by its regular use. The consequences of smoking a plan for men and women are expressed in violations of the work of various body systems.
Consequences for the respiratory system
Scientists from Canada have proven that marijuana smoke contains 20 times more ammonia than cigarette smoke. And in 2012, the results of a study appeared, according to which the effects of regular cannabis smoking are associated with the incidence of obstruction of the lungs and bronchi.
At the same time, cannabinoids, which are part of marijuana, are known to suppress the growth of cancerous tumors and can be used to treat oncology. Obviously, with such a controversial effect, the benefits of smoking cannabis are doubtful, but alternative ways of using it under medical supervision can be justified. But how harmful this treatment is – there is no reliable data.
In other words, marijuana in ordinary life is an addiction that is harmful to health and requires treatment.
Consequences for the heart
Marijuana use is a sure way to heart rhythm disturbances. The harm of marijuana for men is especially obvious after 35 years, when the risk of a heart attack or coronary heart disease increases. And if rare puffs can improve mood, then the load on the heart muscle of a man can be a serious reason for hospitalization and long-term treatment of disorders of the cardiovascular system.
How cannabis affects potency
The feeling of relaxation and freedom after using marijuana can really help to establish closer contact with a partner. But this is only at first glance.
Regular use of cannabis – more than once a week, can seriously affect the potency of men:
- the number of spermatozoa decreases by almost a third;
- the number of active reproductive cells decreases;
- erectile dysfunction may develop.
Obviously, the benefits of cannabis for sexuality are highly questionable. Marijuana not only disrupts the harmony of the sexual sphere but also leads to the formation of persistent psychological dependence, like other types of drug addiction. In addition, it can provoke both infertility and impotence – and you will have to pay for the pleasure of puffing with a long treatment.
The effect of marijuana on the liver
Although marijuana addiction often requires treatment as a disease in its own right, cannabis has been shown to have positive, even curative, effects on the liver in people suffering from alcoholism. Of course, the imposition of one addiction on another will not have a positive effect on the body. But scientists from the University of Quebec were able to prove:
The use of cannabis helps to reduce the toxic effects of alcohol and prevent liver disease caused by it, i.e. gives a preventive and even therapeutic effect. However, all experiments were carried out only on samples, and for the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction this relationship is not yet applied on a global scale. What the forecast for this discovery is not yet clear.
Amid discussions about the possible legalization of marijuana, many supporters of the bill forget that cannabis is still addictive. And although its consequences are not as severe as those of other drugs, getting used to it comes pretty quickly.
Do not forget about the risk of overdose. It threatens with a general deterioration in the condition, arrhythmia, intellectual impairment against the background of absent-mindedness, and other troubles. And if you feel that the desire to relax with the help of marijuana begins to dominate your life – it’s time to seek help from specialists, and possibly undergo a course of treatment.