Marijuana can be found in a variety of forms and products. Some forms are edible, such as butter and baked goods. In India, the plant is used to make the alcoholic beverage bhang. Tinctures of the plant, sometimes called green dragons, are also sold. The plant has a range of effects, including short-term and long-term effects. Some studies show that it is not harmful for children when consumed in moderation. It found by Cannabis.
Cannabinoids
Cannabis is a plant rich in cannabinoids, a group of chemicals that interact with the human endocannabinoid system. The most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol, which is responsible for the high a recreational marijuana user experiences. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is another cannabinoid found in some cannabis plants.
Cannabinoids work in the body by interfering with receptors on cells. These interactions alter the release of chemicals in the brain, which have a variety of physiological effects.
Short-term effects
There is still considerable debate about the long-term effects of marijuana. Most countries have made the drug illegal, so clinical research is difficult. As a result, little evidence exists to draw conclusive conclusions. But recent studies show that cannabis can have both positive and negative effects on human health. These studies are encouraging, but the research challenges remain.
Marijuana affects the brain and the body in different ways. For example, it can make people feel happy, and increase their heart rate. They may also experience distorted perceptions of time and have problems concentrating. In rare cases, marijuana can lead to psychosis. This can occur when a person consumes a high enough amount. The effects of marijuana can last anywhere from four to eight hours, and they differ from person to person.
Legalization
The legalization of marijuana is expected to create a wealth of new jobs and tax revenue for state and federal governments. While marijuana use remains illegal at the federal level under the federal Controlled Substances Act, several states are taking steps to legalize it. In November, ballot measures in New Jersey, South Dakota, Montana, Illinois, and Mississippi passed.
Although federal law still prohibits the use and possession of marijuana, most states have decriminalized the possession of a small amount for personal use. Small amounts of marijuana can be shared between adults 21 and older, but they cannot be sold. Additionally, it is still illegal to possess more than an ounce of marijuana and to smoke it in public. It is also illegal to consume marijuana while driving or on school grounds. Moreover, manufacturing marijuana concentrates is still illegal.
Placental transmission
The potential to transmit marijuana to the fetus is well documented, yet little is known about its effects on placental development. One study has found that pregnant women exposed to the narcotic, D9-tetrahydrocannabinol, developed a higher risk of labyrinth-specific vascular defects and symmetrical fetal growth restriction.
Despite this, the fetus’s central nervous system contains cannabinoid receptor type 1 – the same receptors present in humans. These receptors play a pivotal role in the fetus’s development, as they contribute to the development of the brain. Moreover, marijuana affects the transport and status of the placenta, which affects the fetal development. In addition, short-term exposure to cannabidiol, or CBD, can increase the permeability of the placental barrier and increase the risk of fetal harm.
Health risks
Although the health risks of marijuana use are often debated, the evidence does point to a variety of possible consequences. Heavy and frequent use of marijuana is linked to increased risk of substance dependence and psychological deficits. The risks of these effects are greater for people with certain genetic profiles. Heavy and frequent use of marijuana is particularly harmful, particularly in young users, during critical periods of brain development and calibration.
Regular marijuana use is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. It is also linked to an increased heart rate, which may increase the risk of heart attack. Marijuana is not physically addictive, but it can cause a level of dependence that is twice as high as that of alcohol.
