“It is only a herb” “It is all natural””
It is not addictive” “ It is being legalized across the world now”
“Even Lord Shiva is said to have used it always” These are some of the
justifications I hear from people who use or are addicted to using the
products of the innocuous plant Cannabis also called, pot ,hash weed,
marijuana etc. “I have an emotional connect with pot , Charlie(cocaine) I
can do without, but not pot“ said one of our clients . This clearly
indicates how it had him in its grip .People who wish to justify its use
like to compare its effects with the harmful effects of alcohol and
other drugs.The effects of marijuana are multifarious . It is a
psychoactive drug, currently illegal in India .It is seen that a lot of
teens from the age of even as low as 13 start using them, many well into
their adulthood . Weed is said to be a gateway drug to other drugs as
it is seen to enhance the effects of some of the other drugs
especially opioids . Using one drug also enhances the curiosity and
willingness to try other drugs.
Methods of consumption –
as rolled up joints , in blunts ( in emptied cigars) , dabbing (Pure
THC in wax form called budded, dab where it is placed on a cool and
heated by a butane lighter and inhale the fumes).The effects of
marijuana are more psychological than physical.Out of the over 400
chemicals in weed the most potent is delta-9 THC. Which is psychoactive .
More the content of THC as in skunk, the more the damage and addictive
potential. In teens whose brains are still being developed weed usage
causes impairment in recall, listing things, short term memory, long
term cognitive impairment. One in 6 people who try weed get addicted to
it. Possibilities of addiction to it are higher when usage is begun in
the teen adolescent years. It is also seen to reduce the IQ by an
average of 8 points when used in adolescence.We had a client who smoked
so many joints a day that he had stopped going to college, had lost all
interest in anything , including personal hygiene, upkeep, was apathetic
to his surroundings and and severe mood swings as a
consequence.Immediately after use it increases the heart rate . Some
people experience a sense of calm . however, depending on the extent of
use and strength of weed some users experience anxiety, fear, distrust,
or panic.In initial stages of limited usage it reduces anxiety . As
duration and extent of usage increases it creates anxiety, it causes
paranoia, at times hyper acuity of sounds which can be mistaken for
auditory hallucinations, hallucinations etc. The effect of marijuana
usually lasts from 1-3 hours . if consumed in the form of cookies its
effects last for several more hours. THC can be detected in the urine
for even 6 weeks after stoppage of ue.Short term memory is affected.
There is an apathy that develops to everything .Amotivational syndrome
surfaces wherein the person loses motivation to do anything constructive
. This usually happens when weed is smoked in a substantial quantity
for a substantial duration of time.Cannabis psychosis -heavy use of
cannabis over a long period of time can result in psychoses.Driving
after using cannabis has been seen to cause more fatal car crashes than
alcohol as it impairs judgment, motor coordination and reaction time .
On discontinuing weed there can be withdrawals – Common symptoms include:
Anxiety,Depression ,Changes in mood,
Irritability, Stomach pains, Loss of appetite, Nausea,Headaches,
Sweating, Chills, Cravings,Restlessness
