Since marijuana was seen to have no medical value, the US Congress wisely decided to include it in the Controlled Substances Act in 1970. But since then, 29 of the 50 states in the US have legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes, and the federal government has not changed its position (Cerda 22-23). The relationship between medicinal marijuana and human health will be covered in this essay, along with its benefits and drawbacks, and how these matters relate to anatomy and physiology. Additionally, it will provide a general summary of the chemicals or ions at play as well as the tissues and physiological systems that medicinal marijuana most strongly affects. Photo: Marijuana plant (Source: Murrell N.p.).
The issue of medical marijuana is a human health problem because of the effects it has on the body of the user. These can be both negative and positive depending on the intended use. Its legalization by few states in the U.S. for medical reasons got applauded by a number of American citizens inclusive of the members of the Congress and the medical community (Cerda 24-25). There are many pros associated with the medical use of marijuana. One, it is useful in the releasing vomiting and nausea more so as a result of chemotherapy. Two relieves the spasticity of muscles associated with paralysis and multiple sclerosis. Three redeems the appetite caused by certain types of cancer and HIV/AIDS. Lastly, it relieves certain types of pain and smoking it alone does not escalate the peril of lung cancer (Ghose 1).
However, there also exist various arguments against its usage for medicinal or any other purpose. One, the continual use of marijuana can adversely affect the short-term memory and end up impairing the cognitive ability. Two, the smoking of anything seriously affects the lung tissues and the smoked marijuana contains cancer-causing compounds. Three, it comes with a risk of addiction and abuse, and there is not enough supporting evidence on the effectiveness of marijuana in pain relieving. Lastly, the usage of marijuana is associated with the workplace accidents and higher rates of automobile crashes (Ghose 2).
There are approximately four hundred and eighty-three compounds in marijuana. The scientists hold a belief that the one accountable for the psychoactive effect is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC binds to the cannabinoids receptors in the body; it binds the brain regions responsible for pain, time perception and pleasure. The proper working of the receptors need the positively charged ions, sodium, and potassium. The activation of the receptors by marijuana modifies the state of the neurons. The cations cause depolarization, and the entry of calcium acts differently intracellular cascade (Nance n.p.). The occurrence leads to regulation of some genes or the release of some neurotransmitters. The binding, in turn, triggers the chemical cascade which stimulates the production of the dopamine, a chemical from the brain responsible for the feel good that is part of the body's reward system, this explains the reason why people feel relaxed and euphoric (Koppel 1559-1565).
Source: (Nance N.p).
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the amount of THC in marijuana has grown over the years. In the early 1990s, on average the content in marijuana was at three point seven four percent in the year 2013 it was almost ten percent. Consumption of marijuana affects various parts of the body. For instance, it can impair the short run coordination and thinking while in the long-term, it lowers the intelligence quotient (IQ). The affected individuals in most cases seek for the less intellectually stimulating activities (Koppel 1556- 1559). The lungs are the other hardest hit organs among other body organs as summarized in the figure below:
Source: (Reuters n.p). https://drugsinfonewslineireland.wordpress.com/category/mental-health-depression/page/55/
In conclusion, the issue of medical marijuana is a human health problem as it focuses on the human body of the user. Its legalization for medical reasons got applauded by a number of American citizens inclusive of the members of the Congress and the medical community but issues arose later on its effectiveness as a medicinal plant. There are various pros and cons associated with the medical use of marijuana, however, the cons outweigh the pros. The THC component in marijuana binds to the cannabinoids receptors in the body; it binds the brain regions responsible for pain, time perception and pleasure.
Works Cited
Cerda, Magdalena, et al. "Medical marijuana laws in 50 states: investigating the relationship between state legalization of medical marijuana and marijuana use, abuse and dependence." Drug and alcohol dependence 120.1 (2012): 22-27.
Ghose, Tia. "Marijuana: Facts about Cannabis." Live Science. Live Science, 18 May 2017. Web. 11 June 2017. https://www.livescience.com/24559-marijuana-facts-cannabis.html
Murrell, Dustin. "Federal Government Eases Up on Medical Marijuana, Ends Prohibition." Inquisitr. Dec 17, 2015
Nance, Martin. "Medical Marijuana Therapy-Simplified Clinical Proof." Global Medicine. May 20, 2014.
Koppel, Barbara S., et al. "Systematic review: Efficacy and safety of medical marijuana in selected neurologic disorders Report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology." Neurology 82.17 (2014): 1556-1563.
Reuters. Amsterdam: Dutch Government to Ban Tourists from Cannabis Selling Coffee Shops. May 28, 2017.
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