Many have considered marijuana a "harmless" hobby for many years. Many researchers have found it to be the same and consider it a "light" drug.
One of the results of this attitude is that the use of marijuana has spread rapidly. Tens of millions of people have tried it and several millions have become regular users. In some social gatherings, it was as mundane as candy.
Recently, however, some researchers have argued that marijuana is not a "soft" drug. They claim that it can do the following: cause brain damage that leads to altered mental processes; damage cell growth by inhibiting the ability of cells to reproduce; Chromosomes and genes damage the vital devices that transmit hereditary traits; weaken the body's resistance to diseases; and lower levels of male sex hormones, resulting in various sexual problems.
On the other hand, there are researchers who question these findings. They say marijuana is not dangerous. In fact, a New Times writer says, “Smoking [marijuana] can be good for you. He said it could "become an unused drug of the future", adding: "[When] used in moderation ... new life".
Why this great conflict of opinions? It depends on several factors. First, there are the preconceived notions of the people involved. A researcher who wishes to verify one opinion or another can often consciously or unconsciously interpret the test results according to their purpose. Another factor is the way a researcher conducts his experiments. When implemented in one way they can produce a wide variety of results, but when implemented in another way they produce a little more. It is also true that in some animal studies, the amount of toxic ingredient in administered marijuana would far exceed the amount that even a heavy user would be exposed to throughout their lifetime. Therefore, conflicting reports are published for several reasons.
Recently, however, other claims have been made that marijuana is dangerous. One of the reasons for this is that more recent studies have not been possible for several years. It is only in recent years that the toxic component of marijuana, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), has been isolated for experimental purposes. But now it is supplied to hundreds of researchers around the world.
HOW MUCH MENTAL DAMAGE?
Does marijuana harm the brain and impair mental function even when the person is not under its direct influence? His supporters say no and cite plenty of evidence to back up his observations.
A difference between those who smoked marijuana and those who did not smoke was repeated in an extensive study. The results were summarized as follows:
“A battery with the most sensitive neuropsychological tests currently available cannot in principle show any difference between moderate and non-marijuana users. These results are in line with those of Mendelson and Meyer, who used similar tests with 10 temporary users and 10 regular users. ""
However, marijuana critics question the validity of many random tests performed by consumers versus non-users. The point is, a better test would be to examine a person's mental state before they start using marijuana, and then test the same person after a long period of marijuana use. They cite the experience of smoking, where harmful effects such as lung cancer and other diseases appear only after prolonged use.
When it comes to the most immediate mental effects, several experiments have shown that the greater the mental capacity and coordination of a task, the less effectively it will be performed by a person under the influence of marijuana. The user may think he is improving. But he's like the person who's had multiple booze drinks and thinks he's more adept at whatever he's looking for, but he's definitely not.
This has been proven in driving tests. People under the influence of marijuana could not start or brake their cars as easily as those who were not under its influence. Sometimes they reacted badly like drunk drivers. They found it difficult to concentrate, their assessment was wrong, and their reaction time was delayed.
Regarding the long-term mental effects of marijuana, Dr. Francis A. Davis, editor of the Private Practice Medical Journal, says:
“Early use is interesting. This gives the illusion of feeling well, so that the user does not experience the onset of loss of mental function.
"In fact, marijuana affects the user's ability to self-assess the loss of their mental abilities."
Chronic and intensive use leads to mental and physical deterioration, which may not be reversible. Some people can even cause "total paranoia." It also warns that “those who smoke less than one [marijuana] cigarette a week have experienced psychological changes.
There is growing evidence that marijuana smokers have memory problems.
“In my work evaluating and restoring cannabis users, I have ample evidence that those who stop using marijuana are surprised by the return of features they did not know about. have lost.
Undesirable psychological effects.
The tragedy is that many of our young people turn to cannabis in response to their personal problems. . .
However, they can not find any of the answers they are looking for and the joy they can get from them is short-lived. In fact, this only serves to confuse them even more. . .
ALCOHOL COMPARISON
Some researchers who support the use of marijuana recognize that it can affect the mind. And that's why you use it more naturally, because it can create a sense of euphoria or well-being, the "cheap" that many refer to. It is also believed that the mental impact of some users is so strong that the user is considered "high".
But marijuana advocates say that although it can affect the mind, it is no more dangerous than alcohol, as alcohol can cause similar states of mind. But many others claim that there is a very real difference between alcohol and alcohol.
It should be noted that alcohol is not stored for a long time in the cells of the body or brain. Of course, drinking too much or too much for too long can damage your body and brain. But with moderate use, it is cleansed from the body within a few hours. However, the toxic substance in marijuana is not transmitted quickly. It must stop and grow like DDT, which is why many people think it is potentially more dangerous than alcohol.
For example, six doctors from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons said in a letter to the editor of the New York Times:
Marijuana contains toxic substances. . . They are stored only in body tissues, including the brain, for several weeks, such as DDT.
The storage capacity of these substances in tissues is enormous, which explains their slow harmful effects in ordinary smokers.
"Anyone who uses these substances more than once a week cannot be drug-free."
Dr Andrew Malcolm from Toronto says: “Brain cells are especially loaded with this fat, so there is a very high concentration of marijuana in these cells. He also said: "There are people who will say that there is nothing wrong with cannabis, but given the current evidence, it is simply irresponsible for them.
Dr. Robert Heath of Tulane University calls the comparison between alcohol and marijuana "ridiculous." He says that alcohol “has a temporary effect. Marijuana is complex with a prolonged high. Therefore, he claims that long-term use of marijuana "damages the brain."
SEXUAL HORMONE LEVELS
The dispute also concerns claims for damages in other areas. For example, some say that using marijuana caused the levels of male sex hormones to drop, causing problems with the male reproductive system.
The New York State Journal of Medicine reports three different observations in this regard. In one case, three men between the ages of 23 and 26 suffered from a dysfunction of their reproductive system. It turned out that they had smoked marijuana in large quantities for long periods of time, six years in one case and two years in another. Doctors believe there was a direct link between their problems and long-term marijuana use.
In a study of 40 men aged 18 to 28, the same medical journal reported that 20 of the men had used marijuana for at least four days a week for at least six months without using any other medication during that time. Period; The other 20 men had never used marijuana before. The publication said that male hormone levels were "significantly lower in cannabis users" and had many serious effects. According to the report, "the data suggests that chronic marijuana use may lead to changes in male reproductive physiology."
But what about another study of 27 men published in the Journal of Medicine that monitored sex hormone levels daily before, during, and after 21 days of using marijuana? In this case, no significant change was observed. Under these conditions, the authors of the test came to the conclusion that there was no connection between the use of marijuana and the level of male sex hormones. But there was a difference. What? The time was short, three weeks, compared to the other two observations of harmful results from much longer periods of marijuana use.
OTHER POSSIBLE DAMAGES
Similar disagreements are evident over claims that marijuana creates less resistance to disease and damages chromosomes and genes.
Consumer Reports reports tests that showed no damage to cell structure. Regarding the disease, a test result from the University of California at Los Angeles is reported: “There is no clinical or epidemiological evidence that chronic marijuana users are more likely to get it. . . [cancerous] or infectious process. “These results come from skin tests.
THE JAMAICAN STUDY
Marijuana advocates cite a study in Jamaica in the Caribbean. Many people in this country have long smoked what is called ganja or marijuana. It was therefore assumed that the observations of the people there would lead to decisive results.
A report based on these studies indicates that no adverse effects have been observed in Jamaicans. The report concludes: “The data clearly shows that marijuana is used for the long term. . . there was no demonstrable intellectual or professional deficit. . . There is no evidence of brain damage in the results. ""
However, this study and its results have been called into question. Professor Hardin B. Jones of the University of California says:
A study into the use of marijuana (ganja) in Jamaica, claiming that it had no harmful effects, was conducted by the totally discredited Dr. John AS Hall, director of the medical department at Kingston Hospital in Jamaica, came to the conclusion that the study selection was wrong.
He "observed" 20% impotence. . . among men who smoked marijuana for five years or more and reported that “marijuana smokers have personality changes. . . is a common object of observation in Jamaica. "Symptoms included apathy, withdrawal from reality, and an inability or unwillingness to prolong concentration."
Dr. Jones admitted that studies seem to refute claims that marijuana is harmful. However, he says, "A point or two is missing from these studies: The effects of marijuana take time to build up, and some groups of substances may not experience the effects felt by most users." The active ingredient THC remains in the body; 40 to 45 percent remain after four days; 30 to 35 percent after seven days, with slow elimination thereafter. Persistent brain loads of THC signify impaired brain function.
An important factor to consider
At this time, the evidence for the harmful effects of marijuana is incomplete. There is so much to do. However, results from some suggest that there are at least serious health threats.
With this in mind, says Dr. Robert L. DuPont, director of the United States National Institute on Drug Abuse: “Based on evidence from studies, there is cause for concern and caution. Animals and some preliminary studies in humans. . . At present, it seems that the potential side effects should make marijuana smokers or potential smokers wonder if it is worth it.
Even an article in Consumer Reports published a month after his article in defense of marijuana use admitted: “Marijuana, like all other drugs, risks being harmful, at least in some way, at least for some. Users of certain levels of marijuana. Dosage conditions.
So beneficial