The Effects of Cannabis in Relation to Cannabis Use Disorder

Introduction

For ages, people have used cannabis, a psychoactive plant that contains over 100 cannabinoids, mostly THC and CBD, for both medical and recreational purposes. Its legalization and decriminalization for several purposes in recent years have generated heated discussion and contradictory data about its possible advantages and disadvantages. Epidiolex, a medication derived from the cannabis plant, stands out as one of the approved medicinal marijuana treatments recognized by the Food and Drug Administration since 2015. It includes pure cannabidiol (THC). The prescription drug is licensed to treat seizures linked to a rare genetic illness known as tuberous sclerosis complex, as well as seizures linked to two uncommon and severe types of epilepsy, namely Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome (Pauli et al., 2020). The FDA has authorized two medications created from a synthetic or lab-produced chemical that resembles THC. Nabilone Cesamet and dronabinol Marinol and Syndros are used to boost appetite in people with AIDS who don’t feel like eating, as well as to relieve nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

 Ways In Which Marijuana is Administered

There are several different ways which are used to administer marijuana; one, the drug can be smoked in joints. In such cases, foods and beverages are combined or infused with marijuana, such as cakes, brownies, cookies, and the like. Lastly, marijuana can be vaped through the use of other vaporizers or electronic vaporizing devices such as vape pens, e-cigarettes or other vaporizer devices(Turner & Agrawal, 2022). It is also possible to extract the compounds, or cannabinoids, from marijuana to create oils.

Types of Marijuana

While some promote its medicinal benefits for treating anxiety, pain, and other ailments, others raise concerns about its potential for dependence and negative health effects. This essay examines the effects of cannabis, with a particular focus on its association with cannabis use disorder (CUD). Cannabis is the source of all weed, yet the impact it has on individuals can vary greatly throughout the different species. Cannabis, sometimes known as “weed,” comes in a variety of forms. Dry cannabis seeds, stems, leaves, or flowers are referred to as marijuana. What kind of Cannabis plant it is and how it is prepared to determine which particular strain of marijuana it is.

There are two main species of the cannabis plant from which cannabis is derived. The many varieties of marijuana differ from one another, not just in terms of the kind of plant they originate from but also in terms of their effects on the user and the high they produce.

Indica is one of the major types of cannabis which first appeared in the Hindu “Kush” area, which is close to Afghanistan. Since it originates from a frigid, mountainous region, it usually has a bush-like look and is shorter. People with insomnia frequently take indica due to its soothing properties. It is regarded as a potent cannabis strain since it yields high THC and low CBD levels (Sholler et al., 2022).

Sativa is the second type of weed, which originated in warmer areas like Mexico and South Africa; cannabis sativa is known for its towering stature and long, thin leaves. It will blossom under certain lighting circumstances, which call for darkness for more than 11 hours per day. In comparison to indica, sativa has higher quantities of CBD and lower levels of THC, resulting in more equal amounts of the two compounds (Sholler et al., 2022). People who are depressed or tired often take sativa due to its uplifting and refreshing benefits. Additionally, some of the symptoms of ADHD and other mood disorders have been reported to be relieved by it (Mason et al., 2021).

Effects Of Using Marijuana

THC is the primary neurotransmitter in cannabis, and it has a variety of acute effects that vary depending on dosage, strength, individual reaction, and mode of intake. The typical outcomes associated with administering marijuana include;

Short-term Effects (Kancherla et al., 2021)

Euphoria: A feeling of peacefulness, contentment, and ease.

Modified sensory perception: Enhanced hearing and sight perception.

Decreased memory, focus, and coordination due to cognitive impairment.

Mood swings: Laughter, paranoia, or increased worry.

Effects on the digestive system: dry mouth, nausea, and increased hunger.

Effects on the heart: elevated blood pressure and heart rate

Long-term Effects

Prolonged or excessive cannabis use may lead to various long-term consequences, although these effects are typically t