Introduction
Marijuana is a product of the Cannabis or Hemp plant in the form of dried leaves (E. Alfonso Romero-Sandoval, 2015). Also known as Cannabis, it is considered a drug mostly used for medicinal purposes. The United States classifies Marijuana as a schedule 1 drug that is not fit for medicinal purposes as it is deemed to be highly abused . Most reviews reveal that at least 23 states of the US have legalized the use of the drug. Analyzing the pros and cons of marijuana is important since it has attracted a lot of debate in America. This paper analyses the advantages and the disadvantages of marijuana. It further gives a stand on the benefits of the drug backing it up with its use for medicinal purposes, the desired drug for leisure and recreation, pain reliever, and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress.
CONS
Hyperactivity and Addiction
Although most studies have sighted the use of Cannabis as harmful to the body, most countries are hesitant to legalize it owing to the detrimental effects. It has a substance known as Cannabinoid compound revealed to be causing dysfunction of the body with alteration of the normal function of the brain causing hyperactivity when used in large quantities as discussed by E. Alfonso Romero-Sandoval (2015). The compounds are known to have adverse effects on the central and peripheral nervous system that lead to addiction.
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Effects on Health and Brain
According to Pertwee (2014), another disadvantage of marijuana causes decreased intelligence. Since it affects the brain, it arguably leads to the loss of memory or low knowledge as compared to those who are free from the drug. Psychosis signs of intense anxiety, fear, hallucination, or panic are shared among users. Prolonged use of Marijuana may eventually affect the immunity of body cells which affects the general health of a person.
Increasing Depression and Respiratory Problems
A study in the Netherlands confirmed a particular gene in Marijuana called Serotonin to increase depression among users. Especially after using it for a very long time, depressive symptoms in an individual become inevitable rendering the person vulnerable to mental illness. Marijuana also destroys the heart and lungs. When smoked it causes respiratory problems
PROS
Medicine for Illnesses
The advantages of using Marijuana outweigh the disadvantages as explained; The medicinal use of Marijuana is varied to dispute the fact that it causes harmful effects on the body. When used in the right purpose and control measures, (Goldstein, 2016) reveals that Marijuana is useful in the treatment of multiple sclerosis which attacks body muscle tissues and the nerves of an individual. By inducing marijuana drug, results have proved that marijuana reduces the pain in the muscles and aids treatment. E. Alfonso Romero-Sandoval adds that the drug gives numbness to the nerves that cause pain in the muscles. Arthritis, cancer and diabetic patients are similarly relieved of pain and discomfort they undergo during chemo’s and treatment of the diseases. There are chemicals extracted from Marijuana which reduce pain and give relaxation to patients suffering from this disease.
A cure For Bowel Diseases and Inflammations
Studies also suggest that patients who suffer from bowel diseases would highly benefit from the use of Marijuana drug. The primary chemicals found in marijuana which include tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol perform a significant role in the gut and function and immune responses. Their interaction with the two works best in blocking permeability of bacteria. Cannabidiol has also been tested to prevent cancer from spreading by turning off the Id-1 gene.
A feel-Good Drug
Believed to be recreational and relaxation drug by most users, the use of marijuana makes one feel good. The THC chemical contained in Marijuana interacts with the brain effectively and releases dopamine which is essential in the functioning of the brain and general feeling of existence and happiness.
Reducing Anxiety
In an extreme state of anxiety, a small quantity of marijuana to non-users reduces the and enhances a stable emotional predisposition. Even though Marijuana is known to cause intense anxiety when overused, it can also be used to reduce anxiety as it accelerates the release of certain chemicals in the body creating stability.
Marijuana in Coping with Post-Traumatic Stress
A proven medicine for post-traumatic stress and disorder, marijuana can be given in appropriate dosages to patients suffering from trauma, stroke or stress to help them cope with the situation.
Conclusively, the pros of Marijuana are far much fetched than the cons. In this context and analysis of its advantages suggests more use of the drug in the right dosage to aid in health, relaxation, and relief of stress. It also increases the stability of the brain and enhances brain functioning.
References
E. Alfonso Romero-Sandoval, *. S.-G. (2015). Peripherally Restricted Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Pain. Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Broad Street, Clinton: Pharmacotherapy Publications.
Goldstein, M. J. (2016). Legalizing Marijuana: Promises and Pitfalls. Minneapolis, USA: Twenty-First Century Books.
Jonathan Paul Caulkins, B. K. (2016). Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs to Know: What everyone needs to know (Second ed.). New York, USA: Oxford University Press.
Pertwee, R. G. (2014). Handbook of Cannabis (Reprint ed.). Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.