Since the legalization of marijuana farming in Zimbabwe by the government through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, there has been a lot of debate generated around this subject. In my last article I put forward the medicinal benefits of legalizing marijuana however it will be unwise not to bring to light its negative effects so that when people debate, they do so from an informed point of view.
By Setfree.N.Mafukidze (RGN)
Marijuana is known to contain a chemical known as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other compounds, these chemicals cause alterations to any users thought process.
Tetrahydrocannabinol passes through the lungs of a smoker into the bloodstream, the blood carries tetrahydrocannabinol throughout the body to the various body organs such as the heart, liver, the brain etc.
In the brain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) acts on specific brain cell receptors that normally react to natural tetrahydrocannabinol like chemicals, these chemicals play an important part in normal brain development and brain function. Marijuana tends to over activate parts of the brain containing the highest number of the said receptors, this then causes the “high” marijuana smokers or users feel after marijuana use. As a result marijuana affects the Central Nervous System particularly the brain by altering senses, the sense of time and change in moods. Body movement also becomes compromised or impaired, memory is affected as well as difficulty with thinking and solving problems.
In cases in which overuse of marijuana is notable the mental effects become highly likely, an overdose of marijuana may lead to temporary hallucinations and temporary paranoia, delusions as well as psychosis.
Effects of marijuana on teenagers
Teenagers who start smoking marijuana early may develop suicidal thoughts while generally other mental health conditions may develop such as depression, anxiety disorder as well as schizophrenia which can worsen in patients already with the condition. So in general marijuana affects brain development particularly in teenagers.
The negative effects of marijuana use are not limited to the mental being of a person as it has negative effects on the physical being of users.
It has been noted through research that most marijuana smokers are exposed to respiratory system disorders as it causes lung irritation similar to that felt by tobacco smokers leading to daily cough, phlegm and lung infection. However it should be noted that no research has linked marijuana smoking to lung cancer.
People with heart problems or heart related diseases as well as elderly people are strongly discouraged from consuming marijuana as it increases the heart rate for at least 3 hours after smoking as this may lead to heart attack.
Effects of Marijuana on Pregnant Women
Pregnant women who smoke marijuana or in any other form have been noted to deliver underweight babies, such babies tend to have brain development problems as well as behavioural problems. The fetus’s brain is affected during pregnancy this leads to problems of attention, memory and problem solving. In cases where a mother smokes after giving birth while breastfeeding the babies may get tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) through breast milk and still gets the same effects as those for an unborn child.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome a syndrome which presents with nausea, vomiting as well as dehydration develops most commonly develops in people who over use marijuana.
Lowering Testosterone Levels and Sperm Count
Heavy use of marijuana in men may lead to lowering testosterone levels, sperm count and sperm quality making it very possible to have a low libido and possibly infertility may develop.
Addiction to the drug is common, 10 percent of marijuana users become dependent on the drug which also tends to increase the risk of bleeding as well as lowering blood sugar and blood pressure.
So far more research is being done to ensure that marijuana and its properties are clearly understood. It is such research that Zimbabwe should embark on to get a better understanding of the drug.
Setfree.N.Mafukidze is a Registered General Nurse and a Health Promoter
