Disclaimer: This article does not encourage the use or abuse of cannabis in any way.
Cannabis, most commonly known as weed, grass, marijuana, “gaanja” or pot are the famous green leaves that have been the subject of inspiration for many artists around the world, right from music to poetry. Some use it for recreation, while for some; it is the way of life! It is most commonly known for its psychoactive properties leading to intoxication.
The term “marijuana” is mostly used negatively due to the recurring incidents of substance abuse and addiction amongst the youth, which is why cannabis is banned in many countries.
However, the fact also remains that cannabis has industrial as well as medicinal uses. Hemp from cannabis is used for the large-scale production of fibers for textiles. It is only recently that the importance of cannabis in medicinal purposes has been legally accepted, although it had been used historically as a medicine.
EFFECTS
The main psychoactive components of marijuana are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), which are types of cannabinoids found in the flowers.
The psychoactive effect of marijuana is triphasic. The first phase is characterized by a state of relaxation, amounting to euphoria. In the second stage, there is an indication of introspection, philosophical thoughts, and metacognition. Finally, in stage three, there is an increase in heart rate and hunger. The effects last depending on the dose taken.
Side effects include anxiety, fear, hallucinations, short-term memory loss, impaired coordination, psychosis, lowered reaction, increased risks of stroke or heart attack, etc.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
The cells of the human body contain receptors called the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 & CB2) that form a part of the endocannabinoid (EC) system. This system facilitates a variety of physiological processes like mood, appetite, memory, and pain sensation. When you smoke marijuana, THC and CBD attach to these cannabinoid receptors and alter the neurotransmitter release in the brain, reducing nerve excitability. As a result, the EC system is thrown off balance and there are psychological and behavioral changes.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA – A BOON FOR CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) DISORDERS
Despite its deleterious side effects, recent studies have discovered that marijuana can slow down the progression of CNS disorders and help in the management of symptoms like seizures, pains, and spasticity.
CNS disorders include conditions or diseases that affect the brain or spinal cord. These disorders lead to nerve damage, trauma, structural defects, degeneration, congenital
problems, blood flow disruption, tumors, and autoimmune disorders. Symptoms of nerve damages include headaches, muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, muscle wasting, memory loss and loss of sight, impaired mental ability, coordination problems, muscle stiffness, back pain, tremors, and seizures.
The positive effects of cannabis have been indicated in the following nerve disorders:
1. Alzheimer’s disease:
Marijuana decelerates the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by slowing down the synthesis of Beta-amyloid proteins that damage the brain cells. It also decreases inflammation and enhances the brain repair process.
2. Tourette Syndrome:
This is a type of movement disorder due to a defect in the brain nerve cells that control muscle movement, resulting in motor ‘tics’ or jerks. Stress and anxiety increase the tics. Cannabis calms down the CNS and thus, reduces the recurrence of the tics.
3. Epilepsy:
CBD in marijuana has been shown to effectively reduce the frequency of seizures by 85% in children and 14% even experienced complete freedom from epilepsy.
4. Parkinson’s disease:
Marijuana effectively acts on the same area of the brain and neurological pathway that causes Parkinson’s disease and restricts voluntary muscle movements. The use of cannabis helps reduce tremors, motor impairments, bradykinesia (slowness in movement), rigidity, pain, and sleep problems associated with the disorder.
5. Cervical Dystonia:
Cannabis helps alleviate the involuntary muscle movements associated with Dystonia by having a calming effect on the nerves.
6. Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
Cannabinoids in marijuana help to slow down the progression of MS by reducing damage to the myelin sheath of the neurons due to inflammation. This provides neuroprotection and reduces muscle spasms and pain.
7. Huntington’s chorea:
This inherited, neurological movement disorder is characterized by rapid, uncontrolled movements of the limbs, emotional issues, and dementia. There is a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in the area of the brain that this disorder affects, which is why cannabis helps in relieving the symptoms.
Currently, studies are underway on the possible effect of marijuana on more nerve disorders. Till then, cannabis will continue to be used in one way or the other, owing to its benefits. However, it always helps to exercise caution while indulging in it and being responsible. Just because it has benefits, cannabis should not be used as an alternative to solving the other problems in life.
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