Cannabis: The Good, The Bad, and The Research
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We Have To Talk About Weed
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell
Nov 12, 2024
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Education
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- Cannabis has been demonized for decades but is now being decriminalized globally, including recent legalization in Germany, due to its relatively mild effects compared to alcohol.
- Alcohol is responsible for a significant number of deaths annually, whereas cannabis is considered less harmful, leading to overstated negative effects to justify legal actions.
- The narrative around cannabis has shifted to highlight its benefits, often downplaying its potential negative side effects, a perspective that has been partly influenced by past criminalization hindering scientific research.
- Recent changes have allowed for more comprehensive studies on cannabis, revealing that while it is less harmful than alcohol, it is more addictive than previously thought and can have significant negative effects with long-term use.
- The text advocates for the legalization of cannabis but emphasizes the need to recognize it as a drug with both positive and negative aspects, urging a balanced view based on recent research findings.
Weed is getting stronger and stronger
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active component in cannabis that interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, affecting various functions. It creates a mix of sensations by activating some brain regions and calming others.
- The concentration of THC in cannabis products has more than doubled in recent decades in the US, Canada, and Europe. This increase is due to the breeding of more potent strains and the popularity of products like edibles and concentrates with over 60% THC.
- Products with less than 15% THC are becoming less common, while higher THC doses exacerbate the problems associated with cannabis use. Despite this, cannabis use is increasing, with more people using it daily than alcohol in the US for the first time in 2022.
- In Canada, cannabis use among people aged 16 and older rose from 22% in 2018 to 26%. The increase in cannabis use cannot be solely attributed to legalization, as studies show inconsistent results, and the trend began in the early 1990s, accelerating in the 2000s.
- The current situation is characterized by more people consuming stronger cannabis than ever before in the last century, leading to discussions about addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
Weed Addiction And Withdrawal Symptoms
- Cannabis is often perceived as non-addictive, but this is not entirely true. While most users handle it well, about 20% develop a cannabis use disorder (CUD), characterized by symptoms like inability to stop, using despite negative consequences, and withdrawal.
- CUD is influenced by three major risk factors: the amount of THC consumed, frequency of use, and the age at which cannabis use begins. Higher THC levels, frequent use, and starting at a younger age increase the risk of developing CUD.
- Approximately 10% of cannabis users develop a serious addiction, consuming daily and experiencing significant life impairment. This addiction leads to increased tolerance, requiring higher doses or stronger cannabis.
- Heavy cannabis use is associated with negative effects such as irritability, restlessness, paranoia, anxiety, and depression. Ironically, some users feel they need cannabis to alleviate these symptoms, which in reality, exacerbates them.
- There is a correlation between loneliness and frequent cannabis use. Cannabis may temporarily alleviate feelings of loneliness but can also lead to social withdrawal and increased loneliness, creating a cycle of self-isolation.
- Frequent cannabis use can result in mental numbness, making boredom tolerable but suppressing creativity and learning. This numbness can hinder personal development by dulling emotions and preventing the processing of bad feelings.
- Physical withdrawal symptoms from cannabis include headaches, sweating, chills, decreased appetite, and in severe cases, fever and nausea. These symptoms can lead to sleep disturbances and vivid dreams, but typically subside after a few weeks.
Weed May Damage Your Brain
- The research on cannabis's impact on the brain is contentious, with no clear consensus on long-term effects. THC, the active compound in cannabis, interferes with brain chemistry and may alter brain structure, though these changes might reverse after cessation.
- Heavy cannabis use can lead to significant memory impairment and may affect learning, reasoning, perception, attention span, decision-making, language abilities, and impulse control. While many negative effects diminish over time after quitting, more research is needed to understand the full impact.
- Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of cannabis. Early and heavy use increases the risk of addiction, poor academic performance, and lower life satisfaction. Teens who use cannabis heavily are more likely to develop mental health issues such as psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety later in life.
- High THC doses in potent cannabis products pose additional risks for teenagers, making them more dangerous. The younger the user and the higher the THC content, the greater the risk of adverse effects.
- While cannabis in moderation is generally less harmful than alcohol for most adults, it is particularly risky for teenagers. Legalization offers a chance to address these issues through open and honest discussions about the science of cannabis.
- For those who choose to try cannabis, it is advised to wait until their twenties, as the risks are significantly lower compared to teenage use.
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