Cannabis has had a strong impact on modern life as the most popular illicit drug in the world. Approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population over 12 years of age has tried cannabis, according to a 2008 survey from the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Given the possible dangers of addiction and legal reprimand, cannabis, or marijuana, must have a strong call due to its powerful mind-altering properties in the short-term. However, long-term effects of cannabis on the brain and body are still largely unknown.
Relaxation
Many people smoke marijuana to relax. The active ingredients in marijuana are cannaboids, especially THC, that direct the brain to release dopamine into the bloodstream, resulting in a mild euphoric high that can last for several hours. In a minority of users, however, smoking marijuana can increase anxiety.
Enhances Mood
Besides relaxation, many people take cannabis for its positive mood-alteration properties. Users may feel elated, less depressed and experience feelings of well-being when intoxicated. To a degree, the user's individual susceptibility to psychoactive substances play a role as well. However, stronger doses and tolerance to cannabis can reduce these primary effects. Psychological addiction can also nullify these effects over time.
Enhanced Senses
At low to moderate doses, marijuana increases sensual awareness, giving users the feeling of improved sight, hearing and taste. While concentration is decreased and sense of time is elongated, the novelty of an enhanced environment can be pleasurable if users are in a safe setting.
Dissociation from Pain
Cannaboids have a known pain-blocking effect, and THC has been approved by the FDA for treating chronic pain in a number of medical conditions, but medical use of the entire marijuana plant is controversial. In a 2003 article in the "Journal of Pain and Symptom Management," researchers present three cases in Canada in which cannabis treatment lessened perceived chronic pain from conditions including multiple sclerosis and HIV. The researchers also note that cannaboids can potentiate the effects of opiate pain killers. In other words, less opiates may be needed to control pain when enhanced with cannabis treatment.
Encourages Drowsiness and Sleep
Sleep is a complex psychological and biological necessity. Cannabis is known to increase drowsiness in recreational settings, especially at high doses. Also, medications with THC can improve the quality of sleep of those who suffer from chronic pain. In a 2007 article published in the journal "Chemistry and Biodiversity" subjects with chronic pain from multiple sclerosis, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis reported markedly improved sleep health over time leading to an enhanced quality of life.
References
- Office of National Drug Control Policy: Marijuana Facts and Figures
- University of Notredam: Cannabis or Marijuana Sativa
- Drugs and Human Performance Fact Sheets: Cannabis/Marijuana
- "Journal of Pain and Symptom Management;" Cannabis Reduces Opioid Dose in the Treatment of Chronic Non-cancer Pain. Lynch, M. E., & Clark, A. J., 2003, 25(6), 496-498.
- "Chemistry and Biodiversity:" Cannabis, Pain, and Sleep
