Effects on Brain
Once inhaled, THC rapidly passes from the lungs to bloodstream through which it gets dispersed throughout the body. When it reaches brain, it gets attached to receptors named cannaboid on nerve endings and stimulates the activity of these cells. Areas of brain like hypothalamus, cerebellum that controls the activities like memory, coordinated body movements, pleasure, concentration, thoughts. The initial short term effects that found after inhaling Cannabis sativa are distorted perception, loss of memory, lack of reasoning. Besides short term effects, there are long terms effects as with any prolong drug abuse. If the subject is chronically exposed to THC, then its withdrawal stimulates stress response system. It disrupts the function of dopamine present in the nerve cells which is responsible for regulation of motivation.
Effects on Lungs
Rare abusers experience burning sensation in mouth combined with nasal congestion and cough. Someone who is a regular abuser can have many respiratory problems. The effects are characterized by increased cough, frequent acute chest pain, lung infections. Inhaling Cannabis sativa increases the risk of carcinogenic effects. TCH produces 60% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than those of tobacco. It also activates and initiates enzyme changes which lead to production of malignant cells that are highly responsible for cancer. In simple words, it is much more harmful with Cannabis sativa than with tobacco.
Effects on Heart
As intake of Cannabis sativa decreases the oxygen carrying capacity of blood, there is an adverse effect on heart rate and blood pressure. Studies have shown that the abusers carry much greater risk of heart attack.
Other Effects
In human body, an immune system is present to fight against antibodies, diseases. Cannabis sativa is known to impair this system thus increases the risk to other infections and diseases. In social behavior, problems like anxiety, depression are attached with chronic smoking of this drug. Generally, the abuser loses his ability to grasp, learn the things. The chronic users have serious shifting in their concentration, ability to organize.
If Cannabis sativa is inhaled regularly during pregnancy, then babies born have altered neurological responses. Research has revealed that such children exhibit lapses in memory, problem solving skill characterized with less attention. There are also adverse effects on reproductive systems of male and female. In males it carries risk of lessening the sperm count and even degenerate them. Female counter parts can experience in suppression of ovulation process, disruption of menstruation cycles and even damage to egg. It can cause abnormalities like fatal alcohol symptoms.
Long term abuser can lead to addiction. People trying to quit this habit usually experience sleeplessness, irritability, increased aggression and feelings. The adverse effects are so many and easily outnumber its few medicinal uses!
