Marijuana is also known as weed, pot, or grass. Whatever you call it, it is a drug that comes from the cannabis plant. Cannabis is a plant that contains about 120 components, but only 2 of them play a role in weeds’ effects on the human body: cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). What makes these 2 differ is that THC produces “high” psychoactive effects while CBD does not. CBD has far fewer intoxicating properties, thus many researchers find this component beneficial.
To date, there is a growing number of states that are legalizing the use of marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use. However, though the number is increasing, be sure to check out your state’s existing laws first before giving it a try. Let us emphasize further that the law varies from one state or one country to another.
With this controversy, people can’t help but ask these common questions: Is weed good or bad for you? Are there grounds for making it totally legal? Is it safe to use? When should you ask your doctor about it?
If you are one of those who are curious about what weed can do to your body aside from the common knowledge of getting “high”, let us see why it is gaining popularity these days, and then we’ll weigh the pros and cons of marijuana.
Medical marijuana is the reason for its legality in some places. It is generally used to relieve pain, especially for those who have kidney problems, or who can’t take certain medicines relative to their pre-existing conditions. The following are the medical conditions that could benefit from the use of marijuana:
1. Chronic Pain
According to studies, cannabinoids can indeed relieve chronic pain. Based on other reports, marijuana is much safer to use than opioids. Opioids, a prescription medicine, contain substances that are highly addictive and not advisable to take for a long time.
2. Epilepsy
Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome are two kinds of epilepsy that are hard to control using other known medications. Epidiolex, a drug based on CBD properties, shows good effects with fewer seizure attacks when used, even with children. For instance, children (aged 2 to 18) who took this drug only had seizures about 6 times in a month compared to 12 a month without taking it. There were even children who did not experience seizures at all when taking it. Though it can relieve seizure episodes, there are still side effects noted – fever, fatigue, vomiting, liver damage, and even suicidal thoughts.
3. Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
There are studies showing that weed helps relieve depression and post-traumatic stress disorder through its psychoactive effects. However, it is not at all recommended for other mental illnesses like bipolar disorder or psychosis.
4. Cancer
Weed has not been shown to control cancer cells or cure cancer (research on this is very limited), but marijuana can help relieve the side effects of chemotherapy used to treat cancer. Symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are alleviated.
5. Multiple Sclerosis
Studies have shown that weed can effectively improve symptoms of spasticity for those with multiple sclerosis.
Without any medical condition, is marijuana good for you? Is smoking marijuana bad for you? Indeed, there are underlying reasons why the controversy hasn’t ended yet and why weed hasn’t been legalized in all places. Let us find the not-so-good effects of marijuana based on some studies:
1. Mental Problems
It can distort your thinking and can cause paranoia. High doses can make you lose touch with reality and you see or hear things that are not really there. It can cause cloudiness in your judgment and senses and can lead you to be more afraid and anxious. There is a chance that existing bipolar conditions worsen when used with marijuana. When regularly used, there could be suicidal thoughts. Dependency and getting hooked are also becoming bigger concerns.
2. Respiratory Problems
Yes, it can affect your lungs. There are studies linking marijuana to chronic cough. Similar to those who smoke cigarettes, regular marijuana users may experience breathing problems and even be susceptible to lung infections. Based on some studies, THC may also weaken the immune system.
3. Testicular Cancer
Though there is no clear evidence yet, there are studies showing an increased risk for a seminoma subtype that is slow-growing.
Clearly, more research is needed to substantiate both the good and bad effects of marijuana on the body. The public needs to be informed if the positives outweigh the negatives. If you are living in a state where weed is legal, it is best to discuss with your doctor whether marijuana is good or bad for your current condition.
Should you let marijuana be your healing agent and should you need a high-quality organic strain from a Dillon, Colorado dispensary, consider Altitude Organic Cannabis. Our marijuana plants are cared for to ensure the safety and health of our customers. Visit our website (or stores) for more details on the different products we offer.
