Report on Marijuana: Effects, Legalization, and Public Health Concerns

This report provides an overview of marijuana, its chemical composition, and the ongoing debate surrounding its legalization. It explores both the negative effects, such as impaired cognitive function, respiratory issues, and mental health concerns, and the potential positive effects, including its use in medical treatments for conditions like cancer, chronic pain, and glaucoma. The report compares different viewpoints, considering the potential impact on public health and the need for regulated use, particularly for medicinal purposes. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the full scope of marijuana's effects to inform policy and public health decisions, advocating for controlled legalization for medical use while discouraging casual consumption due to its potential harms.

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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................5
REFERENCE...................................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION
Marijuana are the dried leaves or plants which contains the chemical THC and other
similar compounds. It is a grey or green mixture of dried leaves, shredded flowers and leaves of
the hemp plant. Specifically, laws in most states deem it illegal to engage in possession of
marijuana, either for the purpose of your own use or for the purpose of distributing it to others.
Legalization of marijuana for medical use or adult recreational use in a growing number of states
may affect these views (Anderson and Rees, 2014). Its scientific name is Cannabis sativa. It is
most commonly abused illegal substances worldwide. It is also used as illegal drug in many
countries. This report will explain that whether marijuana has to be legalised or not. It will also
explain the comparison of views of different people with the positive and negative effects of the
marijuana.
MAIN BODY
As discussed above, Marijuana is a drug which is consumed by people for several
purposes and is very harmful for the human body. But at the same time, it is a useful ingredient
for overcoming various diseases and is used in medical by the doctors. The country is still in
deli-ma whether to legalised the use of Marijuana or not because it has several positive and
negative effects on human body (Anderson, Rees and Sabia, 2014).
Negative effects of Marijuana
When person consumes marijuana in form of smoke then THC rapidly passes to the
bloodstream from the lungs. The blood carries the chemical to the brain and other organs
throughout the entire body. In such cases the effect of Marijuana starts after 30 to 60 min of
consumption when THC acts on particular brain cell receptor which ordinarily reacts to natural
THC in form of chemicals. And this causes, altered senses, changes in mood, impaired memory,
dilutions, psychosis, etc.
It also affects the development of brain when its is used by the teenagers. It causes impair
thinking, problem in learning functions, etc. which affects the brain development connections
between the various areas which are required for this connection (Johnson and. et. al., 2016).
Apart from this, it has a major effect on mental and physical health of the human body.
Marijuana when consumed in form of smoke then it irritates lungs and creates a severe breathing
problems. These problems includes daily cough, phlegm, lungs illness, higher risk of lung
infections, etc. It also increases the heart rate for up to three hours after its consumption which

maximises the chances of heart attack. It also creates a greater problem in women before and
during the pregnancy. If a pregnant women consumes marijuana then it can adversely affect the
developing parts of fetus brain.
Also, when a person regularly consumes the marijuana then it can lead to Cannabinoid
Hyperemesis Syndrome which leads to vomiting and dehydration. It also affects the mental
health of the individuals leading to depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, etc. Those who uses
marijuana on regular basis faces lower satisfaction of life, more problems in relationships and
mental and physical health gets affected badly (Pacula and. et. al., 2014).
Positive effects of marijuana
As the marijuana has several negative effects but it also has positive impacts on human
life. When a person consumes this, it provides them with the feeling of relaxation, euphoria,
laughter, talkativeness, etc. It is also useful in various medical uses for various medical
treatments like minimisation of inner eye pressure, reduction of pain, appetite stimulation, etc.
Furthermore, the weed is also used in treatment of cancer, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis,
glaucoma (Selvanathan, 2017). In treating cancer, the oral cannabinoids are effective against
nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Marijuana can be used in treatment of eyes by protecting it from eye disease glaucoma
which maximises pressure in the eye ball and damages the optic nerve by causing loss of vision.
It minimises the pressure inside the eye. It also helps in controlling epileptic seizures. It contains
a strong chemical which prevents cancer from spreading to the different parts of the body. It is
also not as bad as people think for the lungs and it has improved the functioning of the lungs
among the smokers of the marijuana. It is also useful in the treatment of the individuals who are
suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases. Furthermore, this alleviates pain, minimises
inflammation and ensures sleep among the people which may help in relieving pain and
discomfort for people. Some chemicals of the marijuana has a calming effect on the immune
system which helps in dealing with symptoms of Lupus (Salvy and. et. al., 2014). It also protects
the brain after the stroke by minimising the size of the area affected by the stroke in rats, mice
and monkeys. This is also helpful in protecting the mind from various chronic diseases as well.
For people, who are suffering from various serious nightmares particularly PTSD, marijuana is
very helpful by interrupting REM sleep, it protects the individuals from facing nightmares. This
also helps people in minimising the use of alcohol.

CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been concluded that Marijuana is a plant leaves, stem or
weeds which are highly consumed by people for different purposes. The majority of the people
who consume this are teenagers. It has various negative effects on health of the individuals
which can severely impact the person. But at the same time it also has various positive impacts
on individuals who are suffering from several serious diseases. It must be legalised for the
medication purposes in the country because it is highly useful in treatment of cancer which is
increasing at an tremendous rate among the people. But, it must be legalised only for the purpose
of medication and not for the individual or casual use because it is harmful for human body.

REFERENCE
Books and Journals
Anderson, D.M. and Rees, D.I., 2014. The legalization of recreational marijuana: how likely is
the worst-case scenario. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management.33(1). pp.221-232.
Anderson, D.M., Rees, D.I. and Sabia, J.J., 2014. Medical marijuana laws and suicides by
gender and age. American journal of public health.104(12). pp.2369-2376.
Johnson and. et. al., 2016. Usual modes of marijuana consumption among high school students
in Colorado. Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs.77(4). pp.580-588.
Pacula and. et. al., 2014. Developing public health regulations for marijuana: lessons from
alcohol and tobacco. American Journal of Public Health.104(6). pp.1021-1028.
Salvy and. et. al., 2014. Proximal and distal social influence on alcohol consumption and
marijuana use among middle school adolescents. Drug and alcohol dependence.144.
pp.93-101.
Selvanathan, S., 2017. The demand for alcohol, tobacco and marijuana: International evidence.
Routledge.