Biological Pros and Cons of Marijuana
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is the most discoursed drug across the world. Such happens because of its perceived detrimental effects as well as benefits. Some people regard the drug as a beneficial drug, while others view it as a harmful drug. As such, it has remained an illegal drug in most countries. In this paper, the pros and cons of marijuana usage are discussed based on the biological perspective.
The Pros of Marijuana
Marijuana has significant benefits in the essence of health. Research indicates that marijuana has been used over the years to aid different types of patients, especially those who have cancer. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy tend to experience feelings of nausea and vomiting. Pharmaceutical marijuana is effective in reducing such effects. Further, cancer and HIV/AIDS patients lack food appetite as a resultant effect of the potent drugs they take (Newmeyer et al., 2016). Such has adverse effects in weakening the body, immune system, and suppressed response to medication, and hence taking marijuana induces appetite to such patients.
Marijuana also aids in anxiety management. Marijuana users indicate an immediate feeling of relaxation after taking the drug. Cannabis contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), responsible for the production of dopamine (Newmeyer et al., 2016). Dopamine initiates a feeling of euphoria, which activates the muscles and hence the relaxation feeling. Relaxation improves levels of confidence. Besides, marijuana restricts the development of sequential thoughts. A series of thoughts deplete the mind cells and hence causing mental challenges and depression. Dosages of marijuana have been said to eliminate the incidences of such illnesses. Also, when patients are ventured to marijuana, the prevention of amyloid plagues is guaranteed.
The Cons of Marijuana
Marijuana is the most potent addictive substance and has detrimental impacts on the health of individuals. The most cited harm is the long-term effect on the general well-being of the user. Marijuana, like many other drugs, is addictive, and this presents injurious effects in the long run (Newmeyer et al., 2016). Among the risks include the weakening of the body’s immune system. Marijuana intake interferes with the immune system, and hence the individual is exposed to a series of ailments such as depression and mental challenges (D’Amico et al., 2017). In this connection, addictive marijuana consumption suppresses appetite for food, which further initiates health challenges.
The incidences of passive smoking of marijuana also predispose the victims to the dangers of the drug. Some people regard marijuana as an immoral drug and hence highly disapprove of its usage. Nonetheless, such people are exposed to second-hand smoking through inhaling and, thus, becoming susceptible to the imposed by the drug (D’Amico et al., 2017). Additionally, marijuana is nicknamed as ‘gateway’ drug, which increases the chances to crave for more harmful drugs. Although some marijuana consumers may not use other drugs, the risk of attempting to use “harder” drugs is accelerated in most users. In this consideration, the drug users risk their health more through the urge to consume multiple drugs.
Research by the National Institute of Drug Abuse indicated that marijuana is also associated with the alteration of the hippocampus (a brain element) functioning (Newmeyer et al., 2016). The impact is indicated by the loss of short and verbal memory. Accordingly, the users report the loss of some IQ points, which cannot be regained even after quitting the usage.
Generally, the authenticity of the consumption of marijuana has remained a debatable topic over the years. The paper featured the pros and cons of marijuana usage in biological lenses. While it is associated with health benefits, addictive usage has disadvantageous impacts as well.
References
D’Amico, E. J., Tucker, J. S., Pedersen, E. R., & Shih, R. A. (2017). Understanding rates of marijuana use and consequences among adolescents in a changing legal landscape. Current addiction reports, 4(4), 343-349.
Newmeyer, M. N., Swortwood, M. J., Barnes, A. J., Abulseoud, O. A., Scheidweiler, K. B., & Huestis, M. A. (2016). Free and glucuronide whole blood cannabinoids’ pharmacokinetics after controlled smoked, vaporized, and oral cannabis administration in frequent and occasional cannabis users: identification of recent cannabis intake. Clinical chemistry, 62(12), 1579-1592.