The possession and use of cannabis is illegal in Nigeria, but despite
this it is still one of the commonest illicit drugs abused in the
country. Its use can lead to multiple health and psychiatric
complications.
“Although cannabis is viewed as an innocent herb by
many, there is increasing concern about adverse health consequences,”
says Dr Lize Weich, senior psychiatrist and lecturer at Stellenbosch
University, South Africa.
Many users become dependent on
cannabis, it is estimated that about one in nine cannabis users will
become dependent, while those who start using it in their teens have a
one in six chance to become dependent. It is also linked to other
medical complications, including heart attacks (one study found a nearly
five-fold increased risk for this in the hour after use), as well as
arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) and strokes.
Smoking is the
most common route of delivery of cannabis, so it is not surprising that
lung problems, like chest infections, chronic bronchitis and emphysema
are common among cannabis users.
Cannabis smoke also contains
carcinogens (cancer causing agents) similar to that found in tobacco
smoke and that may predispose an individual to lung cancer.
Cannabis use impairs driving ability and users are at a higher risk of car accidents.
Its use in pregnancy has been linked with neuro-behavioural problems in children.
“Furthermore,
cannabis intoxication can lead to multiple psychiatric complications,
like panic, anxiety, depression or psychotic symptoms,” Weich explains.
Heavy cannabis use has been linked to reduced pro-social goal-directed
behaviour (when individuals select actions based on their predicted
consequences), apathy and diminished drive, referred to by some as the
“amotivational syndrome”.
Long-term cannabis use can also affect memory and the ability to process information.
The
developing adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to the adverse
effects of cannabis use. “It is the most common illicit drug used by
this group and has been linked with poor educational attainment,
dropping out of school, later unemployment and lower life satisfaction
and even with a decline in IQ,” says Weich.
Adolescent onset
cannabis use has also been linked to various psychiatric problems in
this age group, including an increased risk of developing schizophrenia
and an increased risk of developing – a brain disorder which affects the
way a person behaves, thinks and sees the world.
Although the cannabis plant contains in excess of 400 compounds, the most potent agent is delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC
acts by activating the endocannabinoid receptor system, a delicate
system that modulates the balance in other neurotransmitter systems,
thereby ensuring optimal functioning of multiple biological functions
including learning, memory, stress, appetite, movement and pain
perception.
There is some potential medicinal benefit
Weich
emphasizes that although there are some early studies that suggest
potential medicinal benefit from cannabis use, including relief of
neuropathic pain, increasing appetite and treating glaucoma, there is
not yet sufficient evidence to support its efficacy and rule out harms
and human trials in this regard is still largely lacking.
She says
there is concern about the popular belief that cannabis is “medicinal”
and thus “harmless and safe”, especially among children and adolescents.
Studies have shown that this vulnerable population’s risk of use is
influenced by how safely they perceive a drug to be.
“It is
clear that legalising cannabis for medicinal use is an important topic
that needs careful consideration. Much more research is required to
establish efficacy along with a clear public message highlighting risks,
especially among the youth,” says Weich.
- Health24
The real dangers of smoking cannabis
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Oleh
healthandwealth
