The Negative Effects Of Marijuana On Physical, Mental And Social Health
Table of Contents
Physical Health
Mental Health
Mental Well-Being
Criminal Activity
Finally,
Original: In conclusion,
Paraphrased: Ultimately,
Cannabis, or marijuana, is psychoactive and alters your mind. THC is the main ingredient in marijuana, which heightens perceptions and alters moods. Cannabis for recreational purposes is now legalized in Canada following the Cannabis Act, which was passed by Parliament on 7 June 2018. The controversial Cannabis Act is accompanied by a number of rules and regulations designed to limit the possible dangers. Despite this, cannabis use in Canada has increased significantly since it became legal. The use of cannabis is often accompanied by signs such as reddened eyes and uncoordinated movement, along with health problems like lung, heart and brain issues (Shiel, 2017). Cannabis is also the cause of mental disorders like anxiety, depression and the loss of confidence when in social situations. The negative effects of cannabis are not just physical, but affect mental and even social health.
Physical healthThe body is a complex network of mechanisms that work in concert to maintain optimum function. Marijuana causes damage to the physical body. Recreational marijuana contains TBC instead of CBD which is what makes it psychoactive. The main problem that this substance creates is the suppression in the immune systems of the body. Cannabis smokers are therefore more susceptible to respiratory and cancer infections. The chemical structure of the drug causes the body’s immune system to release cells. These cells suppress the proactive immune cells which fight infection. Multiple sclerosis (MS) and osteoporosis are more common in individuals who lack essential immune cell. TBC affects the brain’s function because it alters the CNS. Inhaling or consuming cannabis that contains THC releases neurotransmitters in the white part of the brain (where cannabinoid1 receptors reside) after it has been absorbed. These neurotransmitters are able to bind to receptors and cause severe brain damage. Cannabis-induced psychosis is possible when these events are so severe. The condition of psychosis affects the normal functioning of the brain and leads to a progressive loss in reality. It can cause the person to believe and see things that aren’t true. Cannabis abuse can also lead to brain disorders such as cancer of the brain and cognitive impairment. Cannabis also has a negative effect on the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Because cannabinoids increase blood vessel dilation and heart rate, they are one of many factors that cause hypertension. As inhaling cannabis raises blood pressure, strokes and cardiac arrest are also more likely. Mental healthAccording the World Health Organization, the WHO defines health as “a state of complete mental, physical and social well-being”. (WHO 2019, p.1). According to the World Health Organization, “health” is defined as “a state of complete mental, physical and social wellbeing”. (WHO, 2019, p.1). As with physical health, marijuana has a significant impact on mental and social health. Cannabis abuse can lead to addiction. While cannabis isn’t as addictive as cocaine, there are signs that long-term marijuana use can lead to an addiction. About one in ten people who experiment with marijuana will develop a dependency. This number increases to 1 in 6 if teenagers are taking the drug. This withdrawal can also lead to insomnia, anxiety and cravings. This syndrome can make withdrawal difficult and increase the likelihood of relapse. Addiction is often accompanied by a variety of psychiatric conditions. Substance abuse, anxiety and depression are also mental disorders. Marijuana’s impairment of cognition has a profound impact on adolescents’ education. Marijuana reduces cognitive functions not only while intoxicated, but also for days afterwards. More than 65 percent of Canadian grade 12 high schoolers have admitted to using marijuana daily or almost every day. Williams (2014) has found a link between frequent marijuana consumption and high-school dropouts. Long-term marijuana consumption can also lead to impaired memory and concentration. The three most important factors that influence the possibility of diagnosing psychiatric disorders include the amount and age of the first marijuana use. Mental illnesses don’t usually cause deaths, but they can have a dramatic impact on the lives and well-being of individuals who are diagnosed.
Social HealthThere’s a lot of confusion about mental and social wellbeing. Social health is how an individual interacts and feels with others. Communication is a fundamental need of societies. Due to the rise in marijuana usage, social health has suffered a significant decline. Intimate relationships can be negatively affected by marijuana. Late-twenties marijuana users have a lower relationship status and less intimacy. Also, by the late twenties they tend to be more likely than others to engage in more aggressive arguments. The trend of divorce or separation is evident when marijuana is used frequently. Cannabis has a variety of effects on social health that go beyond intimate relationships. Social anxiety disorder is an intense fear of being judged negatively, rejected or criticized in public. The symptoms usually start when people are singled out or make a big deal in public. These symptoms include rapid heartbeat, sweating and trembling (Buckner, 2005). Social anxiety disorder patients are more likely to use cannabis in a problematic way than other anxiety disorders. Social anxiety was associated with the highest rate of cannabis dependence, compared to other anxiety conditions, including general anxiety disorder and panic disorder. High cannabis consumption is leading to social anxiety disorders that are damaging social health. Marijuana use can also have less serious social effects, including body odor, disapproval by family and close friends, and lack of motivation. Marijuana use is linked to the high rate of high school dropouts. Each individual must maintain a healthy level of communication within the society. In this way, marijuana abuse can be harmful to the social fabric of society.
Criminal activitySince the legalization, crime rates have increased in assaults, homicides, and drunken diving. It was believed that the legalization of marijuana would eradicate violence on the illegal underground market. (Johnson, 2019.) Recent crime data shows a rise in marijuana related homicides across Canada. These statistics are also apparent in areas that favor marijuana use in the United States. Legalization of marijuana has led to a rise in violence. In schools, violence is also on the rise. Teenagers who use cannabis are more likely to engage in violence at school. It is common for the person that has smoked in recent days or is drunk to be the bully. It is likely that both peers will fight if they have recently smoked marijuana. These situations can result in more teens being brought into contact to the law, and even sentenced to detention. Moreover, the rate of driving accidents involving cannabis also increased. According to studies, before the legalization for recreational marijuana in 2018, marijuana-related crashes were under 17 percent. These rates jumped to 24 percent after legalization. In Canada, the total number of deaths from car accidents was around 3000. One-half thousand of the deaths in Canada were due to impaired driving. Since the legalization, car crashes and violence have been on the rise.
ConclusionCannabis abuse destroys everything that is healthy in life. It ultimately ends up ruining the life itself. Its many physical side effects are evidence of this. Marijuana causes progressive degeneration of vital body organs like the lungs and brain. The use of marijuana can also lead to mental illness, which is detrimental to social relationships. Excessive marijuana use can also ruin healthy relationships and motivation. In general marijuana use is linked to increased socioeconomic needs, lower incomes, crime, and reduced satisfaction with life.
