SCIENCE JOURNAL 2018

T he I mplications of M arijuana Stevie Olarenshaw

Abstract The written paper is in referral to the claim “Is Marijuana Harmless” discussing its implications. The introduction discusses what marijuana is and other facts about the drug. Discussing the short and long term neurobiological effects of cannabis use and the relationship between usage and mental illness. The paper concludes with the social and economical implications on Australian society and an overall statement referring to the research question, what are the implications for Australia society arising from marijuana use? Introduction Cannabis, also known as Marijuana, is a highly popular illicit drug that is commonly used within our society with an estimated 200 million people using the drug between the ages of 15 and 64 worldwide (Daily Telegraph. 2018). It is said that cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance in Australia with 16 percent of students aged between 12 and 17 using the substance with proportions increasing with age (healthcampaignsorange. 2018). According to (National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2018), marijuana is a mixture of dried flowers produced from Cannabis Sativa. Marijuana can be inhaled through various ways, such as hand-rolled joints, water pipes (bongs) and is frequently seen being mixed in to foods such as brownies. Marijuana is considered illegal in most countries around the world, however, there is an ongoing controversy about the effects of marijuana with some suggesting that it is in fact harmless with people reporting various physical and psychological effects and debating the impact it has on society. (Healthline. 2018). Neurobiological Effects of Marijuana Cannabis consists of up to 500 chemicals

that alters the way an individual reacts. The main psychoactive chemical in marijuana, which is responsible for most of the effects, is the chemical Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (National Institute on DrugAbuse. 2018). THC is a hallucinogenic that moves from the lungs to the blood stream into the brain to alter the way an individual sees reality. In our brains, there is a special kind of neurotransmitter called an endocannabinoid. Marijuana plants produce chemical compounds called cannabinoids and according to (Greatist. 2018) “When we experience pain, inflammation, or stress—or have issues related to fear or mood—our body releases [endocannabinoids], which go to our endocannabinoid system and help get rid of those unwanted sensations,” Carlini says. Since the cannabinoids produced in marijuana look and act the exact same as the kind produced in our body, they are able to slip and latch onto the cannabinoid receptors in the brain causing the alternations. The two types of cannabinoids known to researches are CB1 which associates with learning, memory and areas dealing with anxiety and CB2 which is associated with the immune system. As the cannabinoids are transferred to the brain, it causes the usual system to malfunction by boosting certain signals and interfering with others slowing down communication and impairs the working memory (Greatist. 2018). Short term effects of the drug range from feelings of relaxation, being talkative, laughing and experiencing food cravings and in some cases causes sickness, heart rate speed increase, poor concentration, paranoia and anxiety (National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2018). However, long-term, the drug can have severe long term effects on the brain. According to (Neuropsychopharmacology. 2018.) marijuanachanges.

SC J SI

28

Somerset College Journal of Scientific Issues

Year 10