SCIENCE JOURNAL 2018

B ehind the M arijuana S moke S creen James Guy

The drug marijuana comes from leaves of the plant Cannabis sativa. “Marijuana plants produce chemical compounds called cannabinoids” (Eisinger, 2016). The most psychoactive compound in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Smoking marijuana causes THC to enter the bloodstream and effect the brain. Here, THC “acts on specific receptors in the brain, called cannabinoid receptors” (Anderson, 2017). Cannabinoid receptors are all around the body, however are most numerous in particular parts of the brain. The cerebellum (controlling co-ordination), basal ganglia (reaction time) and limbic system (memory and behaviour) are heavily concentrated with these cannabinoid receptors (Scholastic, 2011).

Abstract With marijuana use in Australia becoming more and more widespread, the implications for society are becoming more prevalent. The drug affects parts of the brain crucial for body functions and performance, by interfering with communication between the brain’s neurons. Use of the drug is posing a threat to society, with marijuana-induced violence, hospitalisations and dangerous driving some of the impacts. In the long term, mental health issues are becoming more common, with the increasing risk of marijuana use. Use and legalisation of the drug in Australia is influenced by social and economic factors, however overall, the severe implications of this drug’s use makes it extremely harmful to society. Use of the illicit drug cannabis (marijuana) has severe implications for users’ health and society as a whole. Nevertheless, the use of marijuana has become very widespread around Australia, with “16 per cent of students aged between 12 and 17 years ever using cannabis” (Australian Government, 2017). This is posing a threat not only to the mental and physical health of users, but also to broader society. As marijuana use has become more common, there has been a dramatic increase in hospitalisations, violence and long-term mental health illnesses in society. The implications of marijuana use makes the substance extremely harmful for the individual and Australian society.

Diagram 1: Brain with labels of parts with a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors. Sourced from: (Bonsor & Gerbis, 2001)

The impact smoking marijuana has on the brain is interpreted by the user as a ‘high’ feeling, while THC also “increases dopamine levels, creating that sense of euphoria” (Eisinger, 2016). However, this is extremely harmful to the brain and body. Diagram 1 displays the parts of the brain heavily concentrated with cannabinoid receptors. They are all located in either the hindbrain or midbrain, thus meaning damage

SC J SI

10

Somerset College Journal of Scientific Issues

Year 10