Investigating Cannabis Use and its Psycho-activity in Australian Teens

This report investigates the consumption of cannabis in Australia, focusing on its psychoactive properties and associated risks among teenagers. It details the constituents of cannabis, such as tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, and cannabinol, and their effects on mood, behavior, and cognitive abilities. The report highlights the history of cannabis use, its impact on the body, and the risk factors associated with its consumption, including respiratory disorders, mental health issues, and addiction. It also discusses policies related to controlled cannabis consumption in Australia, including the Drug Misuse Regulation Act 1987 and recent modifications decriminalizing possession for adults in the Australian Capital Territory. The report emphasizes the vulnerability of adolescents aged 12-19 to cannabis use and its potential long-term consequences, such as impaired brain development and increased risk of psychosis. The Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) efforts to prevent cannabis consumption among high-risk adolescents are also mentioned.

Psycho-activity of cannabis among teens

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report investigates the primary issues about the consumption of cannabis in
Australia. It also discusses all the constituents of cannabis along with their psychoactive
properties. By analysing various case studies, it was found that Australian National Council on
Drugs (ANCD) has helped prevent consumption of cannabis by the targeted group of adolescents
that are at high risk.

Table of content
2.0 INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................1
Cannabis and its psychoactive properties....................................................................................1
History about cannabis.................................................................................................................2
Effect of cannabis on the body.....................................................................................................2
Cannabis consumption in Australia.............................................................................................3
Cannabis and its associated risk factors.......................................................................................4
Policies related to controlled consumption of cannabis...............................................................5
3.0 DECRIMINALISATION .........................................................................................................5
4.0 CONCLUSION .........................................................................................................................6
5.0 REFERENCES..........................................................................................................................7
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2.0 INTRODUCTION
This report highlights a brief description about cannabis and its psychoactive effects
along the harms caused by the illicit use of these drugs (Hawke & Henderson, (2021). The main
discussion will also revolve around the group of individuals that are at a high risk in relation to
consumption of these drugs and a policy recommendation that responds to the consumption of
the drug on behalf of the government. Cannabis is a psychoactive drug that belongs to the
Cannabaceae family specifically flowering plants. It is also termed as marijuana and is native to
south and central Asia. A psychoactive drug is basically a chemical substance that have the
potential to make alterations in the nervous system and results in changes in mood swings,
behaviour and cognitive ability Cousijn, Núñez & Filbey, (2018).
Cannabis and its psychoactive properties
The main psychoactive component of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol which have
various mental and physical effects on the body such as euphoria and impaired short term
memory. The consumption of cannabis can be done by smoking, vaporizing or through food. The
effects of marijuana can last for about two-six hours. When consumed at higher doses cannabis
can induce anxiety and hallucinations along with a state of psychosis (Abuhasira, Shbiro, and
Landschaft, 2018). Some of the physical effects of consumption of cannabis can include
increased heart rate, nausea, dry mouth and red eyes. There are certain long term effects that are
associated with prolonged consumption of cannabis such as chronic coughing, decreased mental
stability and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The active chemical constituents of cannabis
are cannabidiol, cannabinol, tetrahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabivarin. Cannabis is
obtained from the fruiting flowers of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Along with the
medicinal uses of cannabis, it is also used for spiritual purposes (Hawke & Henderson, (2021).
Possession and cultivation of cannabis without a valid proof of permission is termed illegal in
most countries. Administration of marijuana enhances the dopaminergic drive which can be
categorized under abuse properties. Short term side effects of cannabis can cause severe
bronchodilation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Along with the side effects, cannabis
is also used for medicinal purposes in treatment of pain, nausea and other symptoms
(Wijarnpreecha, Panjawatanan & Ungprasert, 2018). It helps in treatment of diseases and other
medical conditions. Cannabis is prescribed in the treatment of muscle spasms caused by multiple
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sclerosis and nausea faced by the patient from cancer chemotherapy. Several cases of insomnia
and chronic pain can be treated with administration of cannabis in small amounts. However,
these short term uses increase the risk of major chronic side effects such as memory and
cognitive problems (Cohen, Weizman & Weinstein, (2019)).
History about cannabis
The history of cannabis dates back to neolithic age, indigenously in central Asia.
According to most scholars, the oldest evidence suggests the use of cannabis for ritual
ceremonies for religious purposes (Butelman & et. al., 2021). This was done by the Romanian
Krugans in 3500 BC. This custom eventually spread to the western Eurasia. It was the ancient
Assyrians that discovered the psychoactive properties of the cannabis which was used as a means
to produce smoke and this lead to the origin of the modern world cannabis to achieve trance. In
the 1000 BC, it was used in some parts of China and India for therapeutic use and in foods and
drinks including the bhang. Communities in Ethiopia consumed cannabis through smoking pipes.
Modern day history of the cannabis involves the transport of cannabis to East India company that
provoked the interest of the people in the west about cannabis consumption. In the beginning of
the 19th century, most countries started criminalizing the consumption of cannabis and
restrictions on sale and cultivation of cannabis were employed (Karpov & et. al., 2021). Later on,
the consumption for medicinal and recreational purposes was legalized. In the year 1925, the
international opium convention put a ban on the exportation of hemp for purposes other than
medicinal or scientific. According to the united nations report, cannabis is the world's most
widely trafficked and consumed drug in spite of all restrictions that were instituted (Lal et. al.,
(2021)). The cultivation of cannabis was made legal in Australia for scientific and medical
purposes in 2015. Some of the preparations of cannabis include marijuana, kief, hashish and hash
oil. The concentration of cannabinoids in cannabis have the ability to persist in the body for a
very long period of time (Haines-Saah, Mitchell, Slemon & Jenkins, (2019).
Effect of cannabis on the body
The collection of cannabinoids occurs in the lipid membranes of the neurons. According
to researchers, the most prominent effect of THC is the inhibition of secondary messenger
system which appears to alter the moods and cognition. Maternal use of cannabis can result in
negative outcomes both for baby and the mother. Adolescents from the age group of 12-19 in
Australia are at a higher risk of falling into the trap consuming cannabinoids (Romero & et. al.,
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2020). This contributes to the risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial
infection. There are thousands of organic and inorganic compounds that is contained in cannabis
smoke and the tar generated is similar the one that is found in tobacco smoke. The risk of cancer
is more with cannabis smoke compared to tobacco smoke as cannabis smoke is inhaled more
deeply (Abuhasira, Shbiro & Landschaft, (2018). Cannabis dependence increases the risk of
developing depression and anxiety disorders. Adolescents with poor academic record, family
history of abuse and poor parental relationships are more likely to develop high dependence of
cannabis along with an increased risk of psychosis. Prolonged cannabis exposure educes the
processing efficiency of brain and is associated with downregulation of CB-1 receptors
(Problems with defining cannabis dependence (2020 June 1)). The glutamate metabolites levels
in the brain are also reduced. Upon cessation of use, the withdrawal symptoms are characterized
by irritability, mood disorders, irresistible cravings and insomnia (Fischer & Bullen, 2020).
Cannabis consumption in Australia
According to a research conducted in Australian School Students' Alcohol and Drugs
Survey reported that 36.4% of youth aged 12-19 years are engaged in the consumption of
cannabis on a daily basis. The use of cannabis was the highest followed by cocaine and ecstasy.
However it was observed that the consumption of drugs was the highest in the Northern territory
of Australia. The National drug strategy household survey stated that cannabis is one of the most
commonly used illicit drug and around 36% of the population of Australia have tried it at some
point in their lifetime. The rate of consumption of cannabis was higher among youth. The
feelings of insecurity, hopelessness can get the youth to turn towards the use of drugs.
Sometimes due to the fear of not being accepted or to look cool within a group of friends teens
might use drugs uncontrollably (Miller, 2020). Drug using peers in a social circle can lead to
experimentation which can lead to addiction. The most common risk factor that causes cannabis
abuse is drug addiction in families as genetic predisposition leads to early introduction of the use
of drug to the child. Consumption of a highly addictive drugs such as cannabis or cocaine might
involve presence of mental health disorders and lack of family involvement. A sense of euphoria
and hallucinations tend to make individuals forget about the struggles and problems of real life.
However, serious and continuous use of drugs is associated with school failure, poor cognitive
ability and a high risk of developing a chronic illness in a later stage of life (Karpov & et. al.,
(2021).
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Cannabis and its associated risk factors
The lungs are at a high risk of exposure as marijuana contains greater levels of cancer
causing agents. Respiratory disorders such as asthma, COPD develop at a faster rate compared to
non smokers. Smoking of marijuana causes bronchial injury which is characterized by damage to
the interiors of bronchial cells leading to development of various abnormalities as observed by a
survey conducted anonymously by the Australian federal government in the year 2016 (Rudy,
Barnes, Cobb & Nicksic, 2020). The smoke of cannabis consists of various toxic chemicals such
as ammonia and hydrogen cyanide that can irritate the bronchial pathway, too much of which
can lead to cannabis poisoning. Anxiety attacks and impaired motor ability are some of the
common side effects of THC. The most important constituent of cannabis is THC which is the
root cause of heightening of sense and distorted sense of time. The use of marijuana in low
cumulative doses for medicinal uses is not harmful but excessive use leads to addiction and
cause increased heart rate. Brain development in a child actively continues until the age of 25
and consumption of cannabis can cause harm or halter the development of brain (Smith &
Goniewicz, (2020). Some of the negative side effects include:
 reduced coordination
 difficulty in maintaining coordination
 problems maintaining social life
 issues with memory and learning
 increased risk of developing mental health issues
 addiction potential
The use of cannabis is linked to wide range of mental health problems such as social
anxiety and depression (Obradovic, 2021). There is a high chance of developing temporary
psychosis and chronic illnesses such as schizophrenia. Disorientation and unpleasant thoughts
with long lasting feelings of anxiety and paranoia are observed in a person administering high
doses of cannabis on a daily basis. The various effects of cannabis causes increase in pulse and
heart rate. There is impairment of coordination and concentration. Administration of high doses
of cannabis leads to toxic psychosis. This feeling of paranoia leads to fluctuating emotions
among teens (Ragazzi et. al., (2018)). The effect of THC can wear off in about one to four hours.
The chances of getting clinical depression is very high which is accompanied by loosing touch
with reality. The senses in the body are heightened and can distort the sense of time in daily
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routine. There is chance that THC can hurt the motor skills of the body making it dangerous to
drive on the road (Smith, & Goniewicz, 2020).
Policies related to controlled consumption of cannabis
The drug misuse regulation act 1987 stated that the possession of any schedule drug one
or two is a criminal offence. The selling, distribution, administration and transport of a drug as
dangerous as cannabis is carry maximum penalties of life (Haines-Saah, Mitchell, Slemon, &
Jenkins, 2019). However, in recent times the Australian capital territory modified the law stating
that possession of 50 grams of dry material and 150 grams of wet material for adults above the
age of 18 is decriminalised but this does not exempt individuals below 18 years of age and divert
them to SCON (simple cannabis offence notice). The cultivation of cannabis plant is restricted to
government officials and the use will be restricted to medicinal and recreational use. With each
passing year thousands of youngsters are arrested for the illicit use of cannabis. Failure to
comply with the guidelines can lead to penalty of $20,000 or two years of imprisonment. The
exemption to cultivate two plants of cannabis per individual and 4 plants per household is given
by the government to control the amount of cannabis cultivated and accessed by the public.
There are substantial problems that are associated with offending the laws that criminalize the
possession and cultivation of cannabis (Smith & Goniewicz, 2020). This de criminalisation has
resulted in reduced costs of enforcement and other factors that increase the cost of problems
associated with the use of cannabis. The social costs of cannabis possession are reduced. Policy
implementation have put the country on the right track and helped to increase awareness about
the negative side effects of consumption of cannabis.
3.0 DECRIMINALISATION
The Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) has helped fight the drug problem
by making commendable efforts in strengthening the basis of policy that reduces the supply,
demand of the drug. Reducing heavy smoking and the frequency of smoking can help reduce the
risk of addiction of cannabis (Butelman & et. al., 2021). When cutting down on the consumption
of marijuana it is essential to remember that the circulation of cannabis often have negative
consequences which can lead to breaking of many serious drug trafficking laws. There is
involvement of legal trouble that is associated with flaunting the use of marijuana among friends
(Choi et. al., (2018)). Cannabis intoxication can lead to falling into a serious accident while
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driving that can prove to be lethal for both the parties involved as it impairs motor skills of the
body. There is impairment of control and coordination of the body that is not easy to live with.
Setting goals for oneself and focusing on hobbies such as working out, dancing or spending time
with friends that divert the mind from administration of cannabis. The main focus should be on
regular check-up of lungs to identify build up of tar produced by smoking (Fischer & Bullen,
2020). Adultery in the quality of marijuana can cause a variety of adverse effects such as opioid
overdose which can prove to be lethal and cause death. In depth research and evaluation have
made a significant mark on the domestic drug strategies. This has lead to improved opportunities
for treatment and strategies that reduce the harm associated with people having drug problems
(Obradovic, 2021).
4.0 CONCLUSION
To conclude the above report we can drive that cannabis is mostly used for recreational
purposes and for treatment of pain in multiple sclerosis, nausea, vomiting etc. However, the use
is not limited to medicine as there are a variety of ways by which cannabis is consumed i.e., in
the form of marijuana for inhalation and ingestion. The consumption through ingestion lead to
addiction and other factors that pose a risk to the health of the individual. Several efforts have
been made by the policy makers to implement a regulatory framework that controls the legal
access to medicinal cannabis in Australia to decrease the consumption, selling and cultivation of
cannabis however the laws differ from state to state (Johnson, Hatoum, Deak & et. al., (2021).
The laws governing these principles involve strict punishments to those who are involved in the
illicit use of this drug other than recreational, medicinal and industrial purposes.
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