Despite its illegal status, cannabis remains the most popular recreational drug in the world, as well as the single largest cash crop in the U.S., according to a report released in 2006 by Jon Gettman, leader of a group that advocates legalization, as reported by ABC News. Also known as marijuana or reefer, cannabis was first used in China over 12,000 years ago, and spread around the globe during the centuries of European conquest. Popular as a medicinal drug until the early 20th century, cannabis is now a mainstream recreational drug, with over 40 percent of high school seniors having tried it at least once in 2008, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Cannabis causes changes in consciousness due to the active ingredients, cannaboids, binding with specific receptors in the brain.
Euphoria
The most common symptom, and the reason why the drug is consumed despite its illegality, is euphoria. Cannaboids bind to receptors that are meant for the body's own naturally produced europhoric chemical, anandamide, which is named from the Sanskrit word for bliss, according to Dr. Paul Gahlinger's 2001 book "Illegal Drugs." Pleasure, reduced inhibitions and relaxation are common after smoking or ingesting the herb. A minority of people experience increased anxiety and fear, however.
Increased Appetite
Getting "the munchies" is a phenomenon that has been clinically proven to exist. Intoxication leads to the release of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter that affects the appetite, according to "Illegal Drugs." On the other hand, NIDA suggests that appetite suppression occurs for heavy users who abstain from smoking.
Disorientation
Disorientation, dizziness and confusion are symptoms of a large dose of cannabis. In cases of overdose, the user falls asleep and is unresponsive. Because cannaboids do not effect the brainstem, which controls autonomic responses such as breathing, cannabis overdoses are not lethal, according to Gahlinger's book.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth and throat are common symptoms of intoxication. Users generally feel the urge to drink water.
Impaired Memory
Cannabis has a powerful effect on learning and memory in the short term. Short-term memory is dampened, reducing the recall of events that just occurred, according to research published in the October 2006 edition of the "American Journal of Psychiatry." These effects may last up to 24 hours, but no evidence is available for the long-term deficiency of memory, according to Gahlinger.
Increased Visual and Auditory Awareness
One of cannabis's lesser known effects is the increase in awareness of sounds and sights in the user's environment, according to Gahlinger's book.
Aggravation of Mental Illness
Cannabis does not increase the risk of mental illness, but users who are susceptible or already have symptoms may have aggravated responses, according to the 2006 study. In the view of psychiatrists, cannabis intoxication mimics symptoms of schizophrenia.
References
- ABC News: Marijuana Called Top U.S. Cash Crop
- "Illegal Drugs;" Paul Gahlinger, 2001
- National Institute on Drug Abuse; Marijuana
- Drugpolicy.org: Myths and Facts About Marijuana
- "American Journal of Psychiatry;" Psychophysiological Evidence of Altered Neural Synchronization in Cannabis Use; Patricia D. Skoznik et al; October 2006
