Cannabinoid, also called marijuana, is a powerful psychoactive substance in the cannabis plant. Native to Central Asia and the Mexican Subcontinent, the marijuana plant has long been used both as a medicinal and entheogenic plant for hundreds of years. In modern times marijuana is most often used as potpourri and a source of food, although it can be smoked as well. The name marijuana comes from the Latin word “marihuana” meaning beautiful or handsome; referring to the tall cannabis plants that have grown in the United States. Today many people use marijuana for the psychotropic effects, however many people do not realize that marijuana has a legitimate medical use as well. Here are just some of the benefits that marijuana may be able to provide you.
One of the main reasons why people associate marijuana with schizophrenia is because it is believed that the active ingredient in the cannabis plant, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the cause of the psychoactive effects of marijuana. However, there is currently no evidence to support this theory and studies have shown that THC does not bind to the serotonin system in the brain and therefore has no effect on reducing mood or behavior in people who take marijuana. Instead, what research has shown is that THC has a neurogenic effect on the nervous system and may be responsible for the reduction of spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis and other neuropathic pain. Further studies are underway, but the initial results are encouraging.
Another common reason people associate medical marijuana with schizophrenia is because many people equate the drug with being a magic cure, when in fact there is more than just one way to treat the medical condition. While prescription drugs such as Neurontin and Tegretol are FDA approved and may provide some relief for the symptoms of some patients with schizophrenia, it is important to remember that these types of medications are only effective if a patient uses them. If a patient does not use them, then the medications will be ineffective. This means that medical marijuana does not carry any sort of magical reputation and it should not be viewed as the solution to the complex medical conditions that afflict so many people.
A final reason why people link marijuana use to schizophrenia is due to an increased risk of psychosis for those who smoke the drug on a regular basis. There is an increased risk of psychosis among people who consume a large amount of cannabis and also those who start using the drug during their adolescent years. When teens begin using cannabis, they become aware of the various ways to “get high,” and this knowledge comes with them into adulthood, increasing their risk of developing psychotic disorders. However, the research on this is still ongoing, but there is no doubt that the risk of developing a psychotic disorder is greater for people who regularly consume cannabis.
It is unclear what exactly causes people to develop a habit of regularly using marijuana, but it has been demonstrated that marijuana is particularly effective at activating the brain’s reward pathway. This means that marijuana is addictive because it provides users with a sense of pleasure by triggering certain parts of the brain. Over time, this “reward” is reduced as the brain adapts to the presence of the marijuana compound, which leads to users losing control of their actions. This is one of the strongest links between marijuana and schizophrenia that can be found today.
While there are many strong arguments against the idea that cannabis is harmful, the truth is that it is difficult to isolate one particular element that causes individuals to experience negative side effects. The most common element is the psychoactive properties found in the plant. Although scientists are not entirely sure how these properties work or why they cause psychosis, there is strong evidence that points to the fact that cannabis has a positive effect on the brain, leading to the “high” many people feel when using the drug. There is likely some truth to the claim that marijuana is dangerous, but until more research is done, it is impossible to say whether or not it actually makes people more prone to develop psychological problems. Whether or not the psychoactive substance in cannabis is the reason for people suffering from psychosis, it is clear that medical marijuana has helped many who have become severely ill because of it.