How does cannabis affect the human body

Bob Marley

How does cannabis affect the human body? What are the consequences of long marijuana use? Funnily, even people who have consumed it for years, don’t always know how to answer ths question.  Besides, we live in a society that has kept this plant illegal in many countries for decades. Hence, one can hear a lot of misconceptions created for the purpose of propaganda. For a start, let’s dispel some of those myths. 

• Myth 1. Marijuana makes you aggressive / suicidal. This is not true. In approximately 95% of cases it calms you down and helps to acquire a positive attitude. People who suffer from mental disorders may be better off without experimenting with weed, but a relatively healthy person is in no danger of harming themselves or somebody else because of a spliff.
• Myth 2. Once you’ve tried it, you’re hooked. Cannabis isn’t an addictive substance like alcohol or nicotine. Moderate consumption will not create a craving. People who are inclined to addictions, may indeed overuse marijuana, but it will still be less harmful compared to the same “devotion” to booze. 
• Myth 3. Cannabis destroys the brain. No, recent studies in the treatment of neurological diseases have shown this untrue. 

    As you can see, the popular “risks” of using marijuana aren’t real. But what are the effects of marijuana consumption on human life? How safe, healthy and natural is it?

Immediate Effects of Cannabis

    The most common thing that users experience in 5-7 minutes after smoking weed (or in 40-60 minutes after eating an edible) will be a dry mouth and red half-closed eyes – the latter often creates an impression of being sleepy. Depending on the strain (Indica or Sativa) you will either feel relaxed and detached, or motivated and talkative. The main psychedelic agent in marijuana is delta-THC. This substance activates CB1 and CB2 receptors scattered everywhere in the body of a mammal. Those receptors are responsible for the sensation of pleasure that we have after sex, good night sleep or after food that we like. That’s why using marijuana feels good! And also the reason why cannabis makes snacks tastier. When the tripping part is over, it is common to have munchies – cannabis often stimulates appetite. 

    The ability of marijuana to suppress nausea and vomiting – is the reason why medical cannabis can be prescribed to patients with nutritional problems. Potent Indica strains are also a great pain-killer that relieves cramps and muscle spasms.

Marjuana and the Body in the Long Run

    According to some recent research, the negative aspects of regular cannabis use aren’t so bad if no other recreational drugs are consumed regularly along with marijuana. However, heavy stoners often report short-term memory disorders. Also, using bongs or spliffs does harm to the lungs: combustion products are no good for your breathing system. There is also information that teenagers become unmotivated and often lose their interest in career and hobbies if they try marijuana before coming of age (21 years). That’s why it is advisable that only adults have access to recreational marijuana.

    Like any other medicinal herb, cannabis has to be consumed responsibly even and especially if the purpose is recreational. If you want to do it right, make sure you don’t smoke for 2-3 days in a row. Also it will do a lot of good to abstain from getting high until the hangover from the previous hit has completely worn out.

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15.08.2016

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