Cannabis, also referred to as marijuana or weed, is quite the controversial drug. With all the controversy, it is best to know the health benefits and risks before use.
Marijuana is the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant, explains the National Institute of Drug Abuse. It contains the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other similar compounds.
In South Africa, it is legal to grow and use weed for personal use, as the Constitutional Court ruled it legal in 2018.
Marijuana is used by either smoking it from a joint, blunt or bong, or mixing it with food, for example, a brownie or gummy sweets.
However, before partaking in the drug, first read up on its benefits and risks, as explained by Healthline.
Benefits
- Reduces inflammation: The cannabidiol (CBD) found in marijuana is thought to help reduce inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Reduces pain: Cannabinoids may help by altering pain perception pathways in one’s brain. The drug may help treat conditions which produce chronic pain, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, endometriosis and migraines.
- Treats neurological and mental disorders: Marijuana affects the limbic system. Therefore, doctors prescribe the drug to treat anxiety, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, to name a few.
- Helps improve sleep disorders: The relaxing effects of the drug can assist those who suffer from insomnia.
Risks
- Depressant effects: This type of effect is similar to those found in alcohol use. Although you may feel relaxed, you may have issues with coordination and concentration.
- Hallucinations: Weed may cause mild hallucinations, as well as poor motor skills, or altered perceptions of reality. It is advisable that you do not drive or operate heave machinery after use.
- Stimulating effects: You may experience a boost in your mood. However, marijuana use may cause hyperactivity, rapid breathing, and an increase in both your blood pressure and heart rate.
- Other side effects: These include an increased appetite, blood-shot eyes and dry mouth.
