Prior to the actual article, here is a list of negative impacts of Marijuana :
Short-term
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- Short-term memory
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- Anxiety, including paranoia
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- Inexplainable behaviour such as seeing, hearing or smelling things that aren not there
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- Not being to tell imagination from reality (psychosis)
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- Panic attacks
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- Hallucinations
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- Loss of sense
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- Loss of personal identity
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- Lowered reaction time
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- Increased heart rate risking to heart attacks
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- Increased risk of stroke
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- Problems with coordination
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- Sexual problems for males
- Up to seven times more likely to contract sexually transmitted infections.
Long-term
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- If prolonged use started in adolescent age, a decline in IQ
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- Poor educational performance
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- Impaired ability to learn or perform complex tasks
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- Lower life satisfaction
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- Addiction
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- Potential development of opiate abuse
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- Relationship problems, partner violence
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- Antisocial behaviour
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- Financial issues
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- Increased dependence on others
- Greater chances of being unemployed or not getting good jobs
The Marijuana topic has been discussed a lot since 2017 with different sides of the coin being discussed on public fora. A controversial topic in Maltese society, which is slowly becoming more and more acceptable. In this article, we discuss some of the potential health benefits of Marijuana.
Chronic pain
Starting off, there are a lot of overstated benefits with regards to Marijuana, so we try our best to portray the most realistic picture. One of the most common reasons why people request medical Marijuana is due to chronic pain. A report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine indicates that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective against chronic pain.
The Lungs
It is stated that Marijuana does not harm the lungs unless the smoker also consumes tobacco. A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that not only does it not harm the lungs, it can also increase their capacity. Research over five thousand adults, over the time period of twenty years, found that tobacco smokers had negative impacts on their lungs, whilst those who smoked Marijuana increased their lung capacity.
The Eyes
It is also known to reduce pressure in the eye! The National Eye Institute states that in the 1970s, studies showed that when smoked, Marijuana lowered intraocular pressures in people with normal pressure and those with glaucoma.
Seizures
Some studies indicate that the cannabidiol present within Marijuana can help people who suffer from seizures.
Brain tumours
It is also associated with slowing down the growth of brain tumours. These findings are still in a premature stage and just because they have these effects on animals, doesn’t mean that the same will apply to humans.
Anxiety
Consumed in small amounts, it can also help with reducing anxiety. On the other hand, smoking too much can increase it.
Multiple sclerosis
Marijuana soothes the pain related to multiple sclerosis says a study published by the Canadian Medical Association.
Obesity
Smoking pot has also been associated with combatting obesity. This is indicated via a study published in the American Journal of Medicine where it is stated that those who consume Marijuana have better metabolism and sugar reactions.
Boosts the mind
Contrary to what we are led to believe, that Marijuana stones a person into a semi-vegetative state, it results that there are some positive mental effects. It tends to boost the creative side, where people perform better in tests, where they have to come up with new ideas. On the flip side, it tends to temporarily affect short-term memory.
“The illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world.” ― Carl Sagan
