Weed goes by many names, such as cannabis, which is the scientific name, marijuana, ganja, pot, grass and hemp. It was well established in many cultures for both ritual and recreational use. Weed as been labeled an illegal drug for over a century. In fact, Greece and Turkey made its use illegal from as far back as 1890.
Today, its psychoactive properties make it popular with people from many walks of life, from college students to musicians. It has been well documented however that using marijuana can have an adverse effect on the health. In fact this goes beyond the most obvious risk of lung cancer from inhalation of the smoke. The reverse however is the many studies and reports of its medicinal properties including pain relief associated with many serious illnesses.
The effects of this drug or medicine depending on which side of the fence you stand are highly debated. Because of the highly controversial nature of the discussions it is important to show views from both sides.
Positive Effects of Smoking Weed
There is little doubt that weed has medicinal value. In Jamaica, the highly effective glaucoma drug, Canasol is derived from weed. In many countries medicinal marijuana has been approved for use for various ailments for pain control. It is also used in killing brain tumor cells helping to make surgery and treatment more effective and improving the prognosis for patients.
Impact on Brain Activity
There is research which shows that ganja positively impacts alpha wave activity in the brain which is responsible in part for a relaxed state. Researchers from Queen Mary, University of London in the UK have also found that the same chemicals in cannabis that alter mood can also be used to control seizures and pain.
In Cancer Care
Some studies have proven that ganja helps to alleviate or lessen nausea for persons with cancer and in those having chemotherapy.
Negative Effects of Smoking Weed
For those persons on the other end of the spectrum, smoking weed has numerous unhealthy side effects. The main ones cited are:
Weeds Effect On The Mental State
This is the main reason why most people use weed. The ‘high’ can incorporate many feelings and sensations. Marijuana has been shown to have not only a mind altering effect, but also to change ones mood. The experience of some users has even bordered on the spiritual. There is concern in many circles that in this state, weed smokers can be a danger to themselves and to others and should seek marijuana rehab.
Hormonal Effects of Smoking Weed
While this is still being hotly debated, most studies suggest a link between long term use and the body’s production of certain hormones. According to the Brown University website, excessive weed use can lead to erectile problems and lower sperm count. Women’s monthly cycles can also be affected by marijuana use. It should be noted that marijuana use has not been shown to cause complete infertility.
Effect on Short Term Memory
Both those for and against the use of the weed agree that excessive use can affect short term memory.
Impact on fetuses
There have been a few studies which suggest that smoking weed during pregnancy can affect the neurological development of children.
One thing is certain, the debate as to the effect of weed will continue for a very long time. Like anything else that can be abused, marijuana use can be good or bad, it all depends on the purposes for which it is used. There is no denying the great potential that this embattled drug has for treating various ailments. Sadly, the level of research needed to fully expose the benefits of the “holy herb” is not where it should be. This is possibly a result of researchers not wanting to get caught up in the debate about the risks associated with its use.
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March 17th, 2010 at 10:44 am
Yeah im in school right now boredom of doing homework or class work i should say but yeah smoking weed is the best and people say u can get addicted to it but i really dought that because ive been smoking sense 6th grade and im in 9th now but i never am addicted to it yeah i need a smoke now and then but no relaly seriouse addiction and i know i will never get addicted to it….
March 16th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
WEED IS THE BEST SHIT IN THE WORLD
March 15th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
I LOVE SMOKING WEED!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 15th, 2010 at 11:39 am
i f**king love weed man its the best
March 15th, 2010 at 11:10 am
WEED IS GOOD
March 15th, 2010 at 11:09 am
you guys are gay
March 15th, 2010 at 9:48 am
im 13 n i love smoking weed its healthy itz helpz u wen ur stress out mad or sick itz healthy i tell u n itz wonderful
March 14th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
hey
im not trying to be mean but why cant you actually deal with lifes problmes instead of covering it up with weed?
your not growing at all, learning how to deal with problems, or helping yourself
its bad…and illegal
it wont make you feel better when you are 70 and have cancer
March 14th, 2010 at 7:03 am
my friend has been smokin weed 4 lyk 4-5 times a month…….wanna get him out of this habit……….can u suggest sum solution 2 help him out…………..
March 13th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
i believe weed has a different effect on everybody.
to me its fun and i can relax and just chill out.
i like to smoke it b4 i go to bed it helps me sleep alot better. i concentrate more wehn i smoke it and it gets rid of headaches. i go to college and make good grades, i have a full time job that i work hard at, i go to the gym almost daily…i have a good relationship with my friends and family. nothing bad has come out of my smoking so why not?