Learn about the risks and harmful effects of cannabis abuse. Get informed and find support for overcoming cannabis addiction on Meri Sehat.

Dangers Of Cannabis Abuse

Humza Khizer

Introduction

In recent years, the legalization of marijuana has become more common. This is partially due to research showing that the substance does not cause cancer like many had previously thought. However, it has also led some people to believe that cannabis usage is harmless, thus encouraging them to use it more often in adolescence. This might be true for adults as well but studies have shown that young people who consume it might suffer from long-term problems related to memory loss, <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/anxiety">anxiety disorders</a>, and other mental health issues which can be problematic later in life. 
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In Pakistan, the use of the actual leaves itself is not very common due to the high prices. It is a drug that is solely enjoyed by the younger generation of the elite or upper middle class.&nbsp;

The most common way of consumption in Pakistan is through ingestion by making edible items out of the plant like brownies or gummies. However, a much cheaper alternative that contains many of the same components as marijuana is hash.

Hash consumption in Pakistan is rampant in people of all classes due to its low-cost nature and easy availability. Hash is consumed by mixing it with cigarette components; smoking the mixture gives the user a feeling of lightheadedness.&nbsp; 
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Understanding Cannabis Abuse

Recent studies in adolescent cannabis abusers show that their IQ drops with their utilization of marijuana.&nbsp;The usage of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol (the main component in cannabis) causes the reduction of gray matter in the brain as well as certain changes to white matter.&nbsp; This results in an imbalance in neurotransmitters, which leads to memory impairment and poor concentration.&nbsp;These effects worsen when exposure to THC is before 16 years of age. The data, thereby, suggests that the younger the users are, the longer the detrimental effects would last<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>.

This is especially important because the brain continues to develop until age 25, and chronic use of cannabis in young adults might affect its development. Additionally, research shows that adolescents who have a family history of schizophrenia are at an even higher risk when using marijuana before age 16.&nbsp;While the gray matter is directly related to intelligence, there are no reported direct ties of marijuana with low IQ<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>.

Given how marijuana affects intelligence and mental health, parents need to be aware of this information so they make informed decisions about their children&#39;s usage patterns.&nbsp; 
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Consumption of cannabis at a young age could cause social anxiety and depression disorders due to neurobiological reasons<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.&nbsp;

The utilization of THC affects the regulation of serotonin (which is responsible for mood regulation), dopamine (which is responsible for controlling reward and pleasure centers), and norepinephrine (which is responsible for vigilance and concentration)<a href="#accordion">[7]</a>.

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	<h5>Lack Of Motivation To Perform Daily Activities</h5>
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Sometimes, heavy use of THC reduces motivation, due to activation of specific proteins in the brain. This change in motivation makes it more difficult for individuals who abuse it heavily to perform daily tasks and even leads them to drop out of school<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.

One reason why this happens is because THC affects the brain&#39;s reward system, which is responsible for motivation, memory, and learning. THC has been shown to increase dopamine levels (a neurotransmitter involved in reward) by up to 60% after just 1 dose.&nbsp;

However, research also shows that chronic use could decrease dopamine levels by as much as 50%. At first glance, these numbers seem contradictory &mdash; how could someone experience both increases and decreases? It turns out there are ways that cannabis use affects the brain&#39;s reward system differently depending on the person&rsquo;s age as well as the amount of dosage taken<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>.

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	<h5>Decreased Cognitive Learning Ability&nbsp;</h5>
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The ability to plan, organize, solve problems, make decisions, remember, and control emotions and behavior is called executive function. This is a set of skills that allows us to accomplish tasks and achieve goals.

Cannabis use has been proven to impair cognitive functions on a number of levels. The usage of cannabis on a developing brain worsens the impact greatly as compared to its impact on adults. While there is enough evidence that supports the claim of the detrimental effects of cannabis on adolescent brains, the longevity of these effects remains to be elucidated.

Individuals with cannabis-related impairment in executive functions have been found to have trouble learning and applying the skills required for successful recovery, which puts them at increased risk for relapse to cannabis use<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>. 
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Conclusion

To conclude, marijuana abuse is dangerous for adolescents. It affects their cognitive and emotional development in a negative way, as well as impairs their ability to perform daily tasks. While cannabis is beneficial with respect to human health, these benefits are only for adult users consuming it in low doses. Young people should avoid using cannabis or other substances at all costs; it would help them steer clear of problems such as addiction or dependence later on in life.

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Usage of cannabis in adolescents is known to trigger anxiety and depression.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Marijuana abuse in adolescence runs the risk of the individual dropping out from school due to diminished ability to learn and reduce cognitive learning capacity.</li>
	<li>Neurotransmitters like epinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin are greatly imbalanced due to THC use and abuse which might lead the individual towards addiction.</li>
	<li>It is common in individuals who abuse marijuana to easily lose interest in many of the tasks they used to perform. They might even lose the motivation to carry out basic daily life tasks, which is believed to give rise to more addiction. 
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[1] Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M., n.d. Marijuana and depression: What's the link?. [Online]

[2] Emmet Power, S. S. C. H. A. O. N. D. C. a. M. C., 2021. Intelligence quotient decline following frequent or dependent cannabis use in youth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Psychol Med, 51(2), pp. 194-200.

[3] Ileana Pacheco-Colón, M. J. M. L. a. R. G. P., 2019. Non-Acute Effects of Cannabis Use on Motivation and Reward Sensitivity in Humans: A Systematic Review. Psychol Addict Behav..

[4] Michael A P Bloomfield, A. H. A. N. D. V. a. O. D. H., 2017. The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the dopamine system. Nature, p. 369–377.

[5] Nicholas J. Jackson, J. D. I. j. R. K. ,. D. I. C. T. W. G. I. M. M. A. R. a. L. A. B., 2016. Impact of adolescent marijuana use on intelligence: Results from two longitudinal twin studies. PNAS, 113(5), pp. 500-508.

[6] Rebecca D. Crean, P. N. A. C. B. a. B. J. M. P., 2012. An Evidence Based Review of Acute and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis Use on Executive Cognitive Functions. J Addict Med, 5(1), pp. 1-8.