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enMarijuana, hemp, grass, or simply "Cannabis": An overview
Marijuana, hemp, grass, or simply "cannabis"
What is Cannabis?
It belongs to the family of Cannabaceae and has a long history of use as medicine, a recreational drug, and a textile fiber. There are several different types of cannabis, the most common being Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.
Cannabis consists of the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds of the plant and contains several chemical compounds referred to as cannabinoids. The most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the main psychoactive compound responsible for the effects of cannabis such as euphoria, changes in perception, and a reduction in anxiety and pain sensitivity. CBD, on the other hand, does not have psychoactive effects but is valued for its medicinal benefits.
Cannabis is consumed in various ways such as smoking, vaporizing, or oral consumption of extracts. In some countries and regions, the medical use of cannabis is legal while in others, the use of cannabis is illegal. In the United States, each state has its own laws regarding the use of cannabis.
Medical Use of Cannabis
Cannabis has a long history of use in medicine and is now considered an alternative to traditional medications in many countries and regions. It contains several chemical compounds referred to as cannabinoids, many of which have medicinal benefits. The most well-known compound is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes the psychoactive effects of cannabis, but there are also other important cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and others.
Cannabis is used to treat a variety of medical conditions including:
- Chronic pain: Cannabis can help alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for people with chronic pain. It is often used as an alternative to opioids, which have a higher risk of addiction and side effects.
- Nausea and vomiting: Cannabis can help reduce nausea and vomiting, particularly in patients receiving chemotherapy.
- Multiple sclerosis: Cannabis can help alleviate muscle stiffness and spasms in patients with multiple sclerosis and improve their mobility.
- Epilepsy: Cannabis-based medications like Epidiolex have been approved for the treatment of certain forms of epilepsy.
- Anxiety: Cannabis can help alleviate anxiety and panic disorders.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Cannabis can help reduce the symptoms of PTSD such as nightmares and flashbacks.
- Crohn's disease: Cannabis can help reduce inflammation and improve the symptoms of Crohn's disease.
- Glaucoma: Cannabis can help lower intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma, slowing the progression of the disease.
It is important to note that the medical use of cannabis is still an active area of research and more studies are needed to fully confirm the effectiveness and safety of cannabis in treating various medical conditions. It is also important that the choice of treatment methods and dosage of cannabis are monitored by a qualified medical professional to ensure that the treatment is safe and effective. There are various forms of cannabis products such as oils, capsules, sprays, patches, and lozenges, all of which have different dosages and active ingredients, and each has its own pros and cons. It is important for patients and doctors to work together to choose the best form of treatment.
Recreational use:
Photo by Damian Barczak on Unsplash
In countries where the use of cannabis is legalized, it is often used for recreational purposes. It can lead to a variety of physical and mental effects such as euphoria, changes in thinking and perception, a feeling of relaxation and calmness, and it can also help alleviate pain and anxiety. Many people also report that using cannabis improves their creativity and their ability to enjoy music and art.
However, the use of cannabis can also have negative effects. These include anxiety, paranoia, short-term memory loss, and potential addiction. It can also lead to impaired performance, particularly in tasks that require high concentration. It is important that the use of cannabis is done responsibly and that people are aware of the potential risks and side effects.
Additionally, in countries where it is legalized, there are regulations and laws that govern the sale and consumption of cannabis. For example, there is an age limit specifying at what age one can buy cannabis, and there are also laws specifying where and how cannabis can be consumed.
Cannabis and society:
Cannabis has a long history and has both positive and negative impacts on society. On the positive side, medical use of cannabis has shown to be helpful in treating pain, anxiety and other health problems. In countries where medical use of cannabis is legalized, many people have access to treatment that would otherwise not be available to them.
On the other hand, cannabis use also has negative impacts on society. In countries where cannabis use is illegal, criminalization often leads to individuals, particularly those from ethnic minorities, being falsely arrested and incarcerated. This has impacts on their careers, families, and overall lives.
In countries where use is legalized, there are still ongoing debates about whether regulating and legalizing cannabis actually reduces the negative impacts associated with illegal use of cannabis or if it creates new problems. For example, there are concerns that legalizing cannabis could increase the number of people becoming dependent on it and lead to higher traffic incidents related to cannabis.
Overall, cannabis has both positive and negative impacts on society and there are many different opinions on how it should best be regulated and managed. It is important that more research is conducted to better understand the impacts of cannabis on society and ensure that it is regulated in a responsible and sustainable way.
| Country | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | legal | Cannabis was legalized in 2018 |
| Uruguay | legal | Cannabis was legalized in 2013 |
| Netherlands | de facto legal | The sale of cannabis is allowed in coffeeshops, but not legal |
| Spain | de facto legal | Private use and cultivation of cannabis is legal, but sales are not allowed |
| Portugal | decriminalized | Portugal decriminalized possession and use of cannabis in 2001, but it remains illegal. |
| Thailand | legal | Cannabis was decriminalized in 2022 and is legal for now |
| Austria | Ornamental plant legal | In Austria, the cultivation of cannabis as an ornamental plant is legal, as long as the plants do not contain psychoactive substances |
| USA (some states) | legal | Some states in the USA have legalized cannabis use, others have only allowed it for medical purposes |
This is not a complete list of all countries where cannabis is legal and there are also countries that have legalized it for medical purposes, as well as varying regulations and laws.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research and scientific work gathered from external sources. We encourage everyone to always abide by the law in this area!