Along with tobacco, alcohol and cocaine, cannabis is one of the most consumed drugs in the world . It is considered that 2% of the population consumes this drug daily. However, in many countries it has been legalized since therapeutic properties have been observed in it. The main qualities attributed to this plant are the reduction of chronic pain Pre rolled cones, muscle relaxation and an anti-inflammatory effect. All of this makes it considered a complementary therapy for those people who undergo chemotherapy, since it helps reduce its side effects.
However, despite its therapeutic properties, there are also many associated negative effects, especially if cannabis consumption is frequent. According to the 2021 Spanish Observatory of Drugs and Addictions report, one in 10 individuals between 15 and 64 years old consumed cannabis or marijuana in the last year and was exposed to the effects of THC. THC is one of the many compounds in cannabis. This chemical substance has psychotropic effects on the person and distorts the perception of reality. Furthermore, it is the substance that causes addiction. Taking all this into account, what are the main effects of cannabis use in the short and long term?
SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF CANNABIS
Loss of psychomotor capacity, which produces slowness and clumsiness of movements.
Reasoning problems.
Memory loss.
Decrease in the power of learning.
Paranoia.
Depressive or fear states.
Increased heart rate.
Hallucinations.
Anxiety.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF CANNABIS
Loss of the ability to concentrate.
Reduction in cognitive capacity and intellectual performance, with no room for recovery.
Aggression and loss of self-control.
Drowsiness.
Loss of neurons and memory.
Psychotic episodes.
Difficulties relating socially with other people.
Their addiction often leads to the need to consume other types of drugs as well.
Cannabis use in adolescence and its harmful effect
Due to its long-term effects, cannabis or marijuana use is especially harmful during adolescence. Repeated and frequent consumption leads to the negative effects mentioned above permanently. In various studies it has been shown that cannabis and its derivatives have effects on memory by altering the synchrony between hippocampal neurons. The hippocampus is a part of the brain related to immediate memory and, therefore, allows us to remember recent events.
In Spain, the debate on the legalization of marijuana (currently only consumption is allowed, but not possession) has led to the development of a proposed law to regulate the use of cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes.