The effects of marijuana are double-edged. On one side, researchers are showing the numerous medical benefits of cannabis. However, there are adverse effects as well.
There is also a group of researchers showing the harmful mental effects of marijuana. One thing is for sure; there is a widespread lack of scientific knowledge on most of the effects of marijuana.
In the U.S, 33 states have legalized either medical or recreational marijuana or both. In the U.S, the use of marijuana has sharply increased. The rise may be partly due to the legalization of weed in many states. However, the increasing use of weed is causing health concerns. So, what is marijuana's effect on the brain and body?
Effects of Marijuana
Marijuana Effects On The Body
The main marijuana effects on the body are pain relief and reducing body tremors. However, more research with human participants is needed to ascertain these claims. Due to marijuana's effects on the brain and body, it is used to manage different illnesses and conditions as outlined below.
Pain Relief
Marijuana is believed to interact with pain receptors in the human body resulting in less pain. A review conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine showed a long list of medical benefits and adverse effects of marijuana on the human body. The review looked at 10,000 studies on marijuana and concentrated on the use of marijuana to treat chronic pain.
The review concluded that the use of medical marijuana, or any other products containing cannabinoids, is effective at reducing chronic pain.
Potential Relief from Chemotherapy Symptoms
Chemotherapy is associated with a feeling of nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Some studies conducted on the effects of marijuana found that taking medical marijuana can alleviate these symptoms. Smoking marijuana also has an effect on the symptoms of chemotherapy.
Better yet, some studies have revealed that the use of cannabinoids can slow down or even kill some forms of cancer. However, other studies have shown that although the use of cannabinoids to manage cancer is a safe option, it is not effective at managing or curing cancer. You can learn more about how to consume medical marijuana on Vaporizer Chief.
Potential Management of Epilepsy Symptoms
The symptoms of epilepsy are challenging to manage with most types of medication. In June 2018, FDA (The Food and Drugs Administration) approved Epidiolex, a medication containing cannabidiol that manages epilepsy.
The CBD in Epidiolex is one of the substances that occur naturally in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and does not cause the "high" associated with cannabis. To make Epidiolex, CBD is first purified. For the FDA to approve Epidiolex, they considered studies that showed the use of CBD resulted in fewer seizures compared to a placebo.
Weed's Effect On The Brain
The use of weed is believed to manage some mental health conditions, but it can also exacerbate others. By using CBD, you can manage certain mental health conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Possible Treatment of Alcohol and Drug Addictions
If you have alcohol or opioid dependency issues, you can use CBD to manage withdrawal symptoms and fight addiction. According to a comprehensive review of the Journal of Clinical Psychology, the use of marijuana fights drug use dependency.
However, the review above contrasts with another review conducted by the National Academies of Science, which shows that the use of marijuana can exacerbate the use of drugs and dependency. Again, the continued use of marijuana might cause addiction to marijuana, which presents another set of problems. Individuals who started using drugs at a younger age develop a problem with marijuana use.
Management of Mental Illnesses
According to research conducted on rats, mice, and monkeys, the use of Cannabis helps keep the brain intact even after a stroke. The CBD in cannabis affects the size of the area affected by stroke, therefore, minimizing the overall damage caused by stroke.
Cannabis protects your brain through its neuroprotective effects. Besides protecting the brain after stroke, it also prevents damages to the brain after a concussion.
In some states in the U.S., due to weed's effect on the brain, it is used on the management of PTSD. In New Mexico, for instance, PTSD is the main reason why veterans get a license for using medical marijuana. Getting license go medical marijuana to manage PTSD is a history as this is the first time that the Department of Health and Human Services in the U.S. has approved the use of smoked or vaporized marijuana. Some cannabinoids that occur naturally in cannabis have the same effects as THC – they interact with your brain and control the part that causes anxiety and fear.
Alzheimer's Prevention
Another one of the mental effects of marijuana is the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. When taken, the THC in cannabis slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The THC shuns the formation of the amyloid plaques that kill brain cells and cause the disease. It does that by blocking the enzyme that makes the plaques.
Reduce Parkinson's Disease Tremors
Chronic pain and tremors are associated with Parkinson's disease. According to studies conducted in Israel, taking medical marijuana reduces the pain and tremors associated with Parkinson's. During the research, patients showed improved motor skills with reduced tremors.
Israel is one of the countries that have made marijuana legal. A lot of research is conducted on marijuana's effect on the brain and body.
Conclusion
The research on the use of marijuana is conflicting – cannabinoids and TCH have great marijuana effects on the body and brain. The only downside to using cannabis is its psychoactive effects on the brain that can lead to schizophrenia. With more research with human participants, there will be wide scientific knowledge on the use of medical marijuana. The effects of marijuana can only be conclusive with more research, which is possible with the legalization of medical marijuana or marijuana for recreational purposes. In conclusion, the studies conducted on rats and monkeys are enough for some countries to approve the use of medical marijuana.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. The writer will not be liable for how you use the information. Consult a doctor before smoking weed or essential herbs and consider the state or federal laws of your country of residence.
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