By Onyiyechi Roseline Agwu
Cannabis also known marijuana is very popular among the young adult population and in recent times is becoming more popular.
Known as weed in slang, marijuana is used mainly for recreational purposes by young people.
It’s active component tetrahydrocannabinol is lipid in nature and its concentration determines the potency of this substance.
Indian hemp, another variant is also used in the beauty industry as an active ingredient for hair products.
FORMS
It can be taken in different forms such as:
- Smoking it
- Cooking with it
- Using a vaporizer
- Drinking it
- In capsules (less common and an attempt to use it medically)
EFFECTS
Some the effects marijuana induces include:
- Euphoria- a heightened sense of pleasure
- Psychosis-an altered state of perception
- Heightened senses
- Increased appetite etc.
These effects are one of the main reasons they are used for recreational purposes. They make the user feel high.
Marijuana is a favourite choice young people use to relieve tension or temporarily deal with depression. They rely on the momentary satisfaction they get before they face reality again.
Marijuana users are hard to manage by psychologists because most of them do not see the need to. Unlike other substances that are abused, the health side effects take a longer time to appear added that there are no withdrawal symptoms.
HEALTH SIDE EFFECTS
Marijuana can precipitate pyschotic behaviours and is not advisable for people who already have mental health concerns.
It also causes a decrease in mental function and can affect educational performance.
It affects the respiratory system and users are prone to acquiring infectious diseases due to a low immune system.
It is not advisable for pregnant women as it can interfere with fetal growth causing anomalies, stunted growth or even death.
Marijuana is rarely taken purely without the addition of other substances therefore endangering the user to the harmful side effects of the added substance.
RESPONSE
Most people who use marijuana have their personal reasons.
I have had conversations with people who use it and most of the times they try so hard to convince me why it is a good idea and how I needed to loosen up. However, I am not interested in trying it because I do not appreciate addictive substances.
-Rose try it. It will make you feel high (laughter)
-I am high on God (laughter)
-You are trying to make me stop using it.
-Because it is not good for your health…..
(my conversations with them often in this cycle)
Just like people who take caffeine find it hard to function properly without their usual dose of coffee, marijuana users depend on it to often feel better causing them to avoid dealing with present conflicts.
Certain countries in the western world have legalized the use with South Africa being one of the countries to legalize it in Africa.
Even though it is not top priority in most African countries, a day may come when the battle to make it legal will be but for now it is still illegal. However this does not stop its use among among the young adult population in African countries.
What are your thoughts on Cannabis use?
Share with us in the comment section.
