The Use of Marijuana
The use of Marijuana is linked to recreational purposes as well as medicinal purposes making it a great deal in the values it adds to human beings. However, the substance can be fatal causing a slow body damaging process or the mind. For instance, it makes its users lose their normal states of living to an adverse state if not controlled. The highness associated with the substance comes from the chemical known as the Tetrahydrocannabinol. The chemical, THC, reacts in the brain with receptors known as canniboid receptors. Our body system functions in the similar reaction as the chemical, hence, the THC acts as co-opt to the natural brain system, thus, the effects of the chemical surpass the natural condition. Based on the uses in the medical field, marijuana's importance has been considered as it allows for the enhancement of disease treatment.
Negative Effects, (Why It Should Not Be Legalized)
The substance has the following negative effects; first of all, it blocks the memory formation. According to scientific research, the active ingredient of marijuana alters the processing of information and also the formation of memory. This is actively operated in the hippocampus (part of the brain) and the effects are even adverse during the early stages of life, that is, below the age of 21. Moreover, the consequences involved are the consistent loss of brain cells, which is linked to the disease known as the Alzheimer. The cognitive impairment during the maturity age is also caused due to the blockage of memory cells (Kilmer et al. 93). In addition, the main chemical substance messes the human balance system. Most of the parts destroyed in the brain are basal ganglia or the cerebellum, which are responsible for the body coordination, regulating the balance, posture, and integration of the brain system. For this reason, the affected people are likely to be disturbed by brain torture. The people eventually get a hard time in talking or walking appropriately beside having low moods. Their ability of the people using the drug to work on conditions such as driving is also affected.
Notably, the rate of depression has been reported to increase with the use of cannabis. People with genetic vulnerability are at a very high risk of depression in the event they of using the substance. According to Compton et al., the extensive smoke of the cannabis increases the symptoms of depression subjective to the special gene known as the serotonin (209). The gene is linked to the increased depression rates. In addition, the substance causes some common side effects, which can be very severe, for instance, the substance causes intense fear, distrust, panic, anxiety, among many other side effects. This is especially common for a percentage of active users of the substance who show signs of increased anxiety causing panic among the people related to them (Welsh). Furthermore, the marijuana users are likely to experience the psychosis conditions and are experienced especially by those who are taking large dosing. The problems associated with the condition include delusions, the feeling of losing personal identification, as well as hallucinations. In as much as they may be distinct, the episodes are very real in the cannabis world.
Positive Effects, (Why It Should Be Legalized)
Although marijuana can be seen to possess negative effects, it has its unique benefits, especially for the medicinal use. The chemical substance makes people feel good. The release of the brain cells dopamine, which results from the THC reaction with the brain receptors, is responsible for the good feeling. Besides, the system is known as the body reward system, which ensures that people get some good feeling when doing the activities they like, for example, while having sex or eating. The feeling of euphoria is created when the brain is overexcited.
Another positive effect of the use of cannabis is in the treatment of epileptic seizures. In a research conducted in 2003 under the Virginia Commonwealth University program, results showed that the use of THC could regulate the epileptic condition. The epileptic rats were used as the specimen for this purpose then injected with synthetic marijuana and marijuana extract (Choo 166). In an approximation of 10 hours, the seizures were completely ridden off. The findings are available for practical observation published in pharmacological books (Welsh). The Cannabinoids is specifically used in this area where it is binding with the brain cells. The relaxation is; therefore, controlled, as well as the excitability.
The Marijuana use treats the inflammatory diseases such as the Crohn's and the ulcerative. In 2010, the University of Nottingham researched on this matter concluding that the chemicals found in the substance, that is, the cannabidiol and the THC, are critical players in the immune functionality and the gut system. The THC chemical works in a similar fashion with the body reactors increasing the intestines permeability, hence, allowing bacteria to get in (Compton et al. 211). However, the cannabinoids prevent this process increasing the bonding of the intestinal cells. Moreover, the substance is associated with the slow response of the Alzheimer disease. In 2006, the Scripps Research Institute led by Kim Janda found out about the positive idea. The THC is responsible for the slow growth of the amyloid plaques through a blocking system, hindering the brain enzyme that accelerates their formation. The plaques kill the brain cells leading to the memory loss or Alzheimer.
In addition, one of the deadliest diseases in the world, that is cancer, was found to be contained by marijuana. In a research conducted by the California Pacific Medical Center, the chemical, cannabidiol in marijuana was found effective by its turning off the Id-1 gene. The Id-1 is replicated by the cancer cells, which increases their spread in the body. The cannabidiol, in this case, acts as an inhibitor of the gene. The lab test conducted in the lab by the breast cancer showed that the levels of Id-1 were treated using the chemical, making them less aggressive in the end. The latter can increase the life of the cancerous patients in a natural remedy.
Argument/Conclusion
Following the elaboration of the detailed marijuana use, the question can be answered judging from the value it adds to the society rather than diminish. For this purpose, the substance should be used and planted globally for its medicinal purposes. The doctors would recommend the correct amount of dosage, which can be taken to solve the problematic diseases associated with its use. Besides, the negative effects of its use only depict due to the extensive use or without the consent of the doctors. Hence, the reactions are more severe compared to the application of appropriate dosage. The governments should, therefore, encourage the plantation of the substance or have it planted in controlled locations, which can then be used for medicinal purposes. Otherwise, the other usages can be limited for the purpose of protecting the health and behaviors of the citizens. Therefore, the positive effects are more valuable than the negative effects; hence, the governments should legalize the application of marijuana for its treatment.
Works Cited
Choo, Esther K., et al. "The impact of state medical marijuana legislation on adolescent marijuana use." Journal of Adolescent Health 55.2 (2014): 160-166.
Compton, Wilson M., et al. "Use of marijuana for medical purposes among adults in the United States." Jama 317.2 (2017): 209-211.
Kilmer, Beau, et al. Altered state?: assessing how marijuana legalization in California could influence marijuana consumption and public budgets. Santa Monica, CA: RAND, 2010.
Welsh, Jennifer. The Positives And Negatives: How Marijuana Affects Your Brain And Body. Last updated Jan 11, 2014 www.thejournal.ie/marijuan-health-effects-legalised-medical-negative-positive-1256236-Jan2014/ accessed May 2, 2018
