With the new propaganda pushing for the legalization of marijuana and its many affiliate activities such as sales, growth, and consumption, we’re usually bombarded by many opinions on a daily basis. And while the wave of support from pro-marijuana groups and individuals seem like a very popular standpoint nowadays, one cannot discount the fact that the countertrend is strong in anti-marijuana organization. What we have a lack of, however, are articles that serve only to educate readers on the mystery of marijuana. Having been a prohibited drug for a majority of its popular reign, numerous myths and claims exists about the marijuana plant that it is sometimes incredibly hard to distinguish fact from fiction. The current debate raging in medical and scientific circles cannot help but add to the schism in opinion about marijuana. Just like the opinions you see online and through other forms of media, research cases and medical studies on the effects of marijuana are split into two camps: one advocating new and hitherto undiscovered health benefits and another citing the negative effects of cannabis consumption. We’re here to keep it simple and stick to the basics as to how marijuana works.
Contents
Now, hundreds of chemicals can be found in the buds and leaves of the marijuana plant. Most scientific studies concentrate on only two main compounds found in the plant: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol)
THC is what makes weed so popular for its users. If growing cannabis for the purpose of a high THC content, you would need to use something like feminized seeds from i49. These will grow into a cannabis plant that is able to grow the bud, which is the part of the plant that contains the most THC. A member of the cannabinoid chemical family, tetrahydrocannabinol is the catalyst of the side effects that you feel on a physical and psychological level every single time you consume the drug, be it through products like thc syrup, or smoking, or any of the wide variety of ways to consume weed. On the physical aspect, most cannabis consumers report an increased heart rate, a healthier appetite, reddening of the eyes, and dryness of the mouth. Psychologically speaking, users mainly experience a sense of relaxation and happiness, sleepiness, poor concentration, and even bouts of panic and paranoia.
CBD, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive compound with a slew of properties that scientists believe have countless medical potential. Some of its properties include pain relief, anti-inflammation, and even cancer-fighting chemicals.
Short-term Effects
THC works very efficiently. Within seconds of consumption, this compound interacts with the neurons in your brain. THC copies the effects of anandamide, which is a neurotransmitter that increases memory, learning, and appetite while dulling the sensation of pain. Anandamide is usually partnered with dopamine, arguably the most famous neurotransmitter, in the fulfilment of its functions. What THC basically does is block the function of anandamide, throwing off the balance between it and dopamine. This results in the classic symptoms to be found in any cannabis consumer.
Long-term Effects
The long-term effects of marijuana are mult-factoral, with some of the chief ones being drug potency, method of ingestion, and the presence of other substances like drugs and alcohol. While the obvious effects of marijuana consumption usually fall off after a few hours, the compound THC may still linger in the body afterwards for weeks or months since it is fat-soluble. As for long-term effects on health, previous studies have cited a reduced IQ for frequent users who have consumed marijuana from their adolescent years. However, the more recent studies claim to disprove these findings and state that long-term negative effects are not present with habitual marijuana use.
Conclusion
Truth be told, with the growing popularity of marijuana, new consumption methods are also emerging. Take, for example, dabbing (dabbing accessories could be found on fat buddha glass and similar webshops). Dabbing is a process of heating up a concentrated dose of cannabis using a ‘nail’. The vapor thence produced is inhaled via a ‘dab rig’ (a modified water pipe that looks much like a traditional bong). Because of its pure form, pot smokers often find dabbing more advantageous than any other method of consumption. Whether someone is suffering from chronic pain or just wants to gain an enhanced cannabis experience, dabbing can offer an effective alternative to normal marijuana consumption.
Additionally, following a number of studies on the benefits of medical marijuana, many countries are opting to legalize it to open avenues for newer health treatments. While recreational use is still being debated, an increasing number of people might be able to make the move from prescription drugs to medical marijuana, if they choose to do so. In the US, especially, many dispensaries (like MÜV Florida) are known to provide cannabis for medical purposes depending on the specific requirements of patients. From pain relief to reducing insomnia, cannabis can supposedly help with many ailments, as medical marijuana users suggest.
