What is cannabis? Let's talk about it from A to Z (Marijuana/Cannabis)

Cannabis, hemp, marijuana, weed, pot... These names are probably very familiar to you. Some people say it's a medicine, others say it's a dangerous drug. There are many stories about this in society. So what is it really? What does it do to the body? Today, we will discuss all the misconceptions and true stories about this, simply, as if we were talking to a friend. This is an attempt to give clear answers to the questions you have in your mind.

Let's first see, what is this cannabis?

Although many people use the words "marijuana" and "cannabis" interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two. Let's first understand that properly.

• Cannabis: This refers to any product derived from the plant known as `(Cannabis sativa)`. That means the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of that plant. This plant has more than 500 chemical components. `(Cannabidiol - CBD)` is one such chemical.
• Marijuana: This refers to parts or products of the `(Cannabis sativa)` plant that contain large amounts of the chemical `(tetrahydrocannabinol - THC)`. This chemical `(THC)` (also called `(cannabinoid)`) is the main reason you get "high", or intoxicated.

Marijuana is one of the most widely used drugs in the world, especially among young people. But scientifically, there is still a lot we don't know about it. Researchers are still studying the short-term and long-term effects of this substance.

Is cannabis a hallucinogen?

Scientists have historically classified marijuana (THC) as a hallucinogen. That is, a substance that can cause people to see or hear things that are not really there. However, these effects do not occur every time cannabis is used.

Although marijuana use can cause hallucinations, they are usually different from those caused by other hallucinogens, such as LSD. This suggests that the hallucinogenic effects of marijuana may work differently than other hallucinogens.

So what is 'medical marijuana'?

You may have heard that in some countries, the use of cannabis is legally allowed for certain diseases. The main purpose of this is to help control the symptoms of a certain disease . It does not cure the disease completely. Here are some of the cases where cannabis is used medically:

• Chronic pain relief: Control pain, especially neuropathic pain. This can also help reduce the use of opioid painkillers.
• Reducing nausea: As an antiemetic that controls vomiting and nausea.
• Control some symptoms: Control symptoms such as muscle stiffness (spasticity) caused by diseases such as ``Multiple sclerosis - MS''.
• Appetite Stimulation: Stimulate the appetite of those who have an appetite.

But remember, even in countries like the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified marijuana as a substance with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for addiction . As a result, doctors cannot "prescribe" marijuana. However, in countries where it is legally permitted, it can be used to help with certain medical conditions.

The world's recognized institutions have not yet approved the cannabis plant as a treatment for any disease. However, several drugs made using certain chemicals purified from the cannabis plant have been approved.

How does cannabis affect you?

This is very important. The way cannabis affects each person is very different. There are several reasons for this:

• Your genetics.
• your age.
• Your gender.
• The amount of cannabis used and its potency.
• The method by which you ingest cannabis (smoking, vaping, or eating).
• How long and how often you use cannabis.
• Whether you are using other medications or drugs.

What are the immediate effects?

When you smoke marijuana, `(THC)` is absorbed very quickly from the lungs into the bloodstream. It travels through the bloodstream to the brain and other organs. But if you eat or drink marijuana, `(THC)` is absorbed slowly into the body. It can take about 30 to 60 minutes to feel its effects.

What happens inside the brain? There is a chemical called `(anandamide)` that occurs naturally in our brain. `(THC)` is very similar in shape to `(anandamide)`. Therefore, `(THC)` can bind to the receptors in the brain that are related to `(anandamide)` and make those parts hyperactive. This is why various effects occur.

What happens if you use it for a long time?

Researchers are still learning a lot about the long-term effects of cannabis. Based on what has been discovered so far, long-term cannabis use can cause the following effects:

• Effects on brain development: If you start using cannabis, especially at a young age (before the brain is fully developed), it can damage the neural connections in the brain that are responsible for processes like attention, memory, and learning. These effects can last a lifetime .
• Damage to the lungs:Like tobacco, smoking anything is harmful to the lungs. Smoking marijuana can damage the lungs, cause diseases like bronchitis, and damage small blood vessels.
• Risk of heart disease and stroke: Smoking marijuana increases the risk of stroke, heart disease , and other blood vessel diseases.
• Risk of mental illness: Frequent cannabis users, especially those with a genetic predisposition to mental illness, are at increased risk of developing severe mental illnesses (psychoses) such as schizophrenia.
• Persistent vomiting: People who take high doses of THC over a long period of time may develop a condition called cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, which is characterized by frequent and severe vomiting.
• Other health problems: Periodontal disease, frequent painful conditions in people with sickle cell disease, and spermatogenesis disorders in men can affect fertility.

Can you become addicted to cannabis?

Yes, it definitely is possible.

About one in 10 adults who use cannabis develop a condition called ``Cannabis use disorder''. This is a mental illness associated with drug use (substance use disorder - SUD). Simply put, this is what we call "addiction."

This addiction can negatively affect your health, family relationships, work, and every aspect of your life. Therefore, if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of this condition, it is important to seek medical advice immediately.

Cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

This is a very important point. World health authorities strongly advise against using CBD, THC, or marijuana in any form during pregnancy or while breastfeeding .

Cannabis use during pregnancy can cause serious consequences such as:

• Damage to the baby's brain development in the womb: THC in the mother's blood can enter the baby's brain. Studies have shown that this can affect things like the baby's attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities.
• Increased risk of low birth weight babies.
• Increased risk of premature birth and possibly death of the baby in the womb .

Also, up to six days after the mother used marijuanaBreast milk may contain THC. Therefore, it is important to avoid using marijuana completely while breastfeeding. THC can pass through the milk to the baby and affect brain development.

Additionally, marijuana smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke. Therefore, never smoke marijuana in the presence of infants or young children.