Native to Central and South Asia, Cannabis has been around for a very long time. Several records, as well as archeological evidences, link the plant to many religious rituals, often functioning as a hallucinogen that induces euphoric sensation in people. Nowadays, cannabis is slowly finding a place in modern medicine, being used as a general pain reliever, a muscle relaxant, a hunger stimulant, and even as a nausea reliever.
However, despite its newfound uses in medical practice, cannabis still remains to be a very controversial substance because of its historical uses and unwanted side effects. In general, Cannabis side effects can be classified into two categories. Based on duration, there are long-term and short-term side effects. Although the actual duration of cannabis intoxication depends on several factors such as potency of preparation, the amount taken and the individual’s metabolism, the average for short-term side effects lies somewhere between three to four hours. Check out this list of effects of Cannabis , which show how many ways you can be effected by smoking or consuming cannabis.
If the effects persist for more than this period and symptoms are recurring, they may be considered as long-term already. Short-term side Cannabis side effects include increase in heart rate, constriction of blood vessels in the eye and even drying of the mouth (somatic effects). They can also affect behavior and perception (psychoactive effects) as well as brain activity and nerve function (neurological effects). Other literatures include memory loss, attention deficiency, immune system disorders, and even chest colds, bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma.
Cannabinoids, the active compound in Cannabis, is basically the one responsible for most Cannabis side effects. This chemical component, as well as its many derivatives, affects the body, brain and nerves by attaching themselves to certain receptors in the body. By doing so, they not only block these receptors but also trigger chemical as well as neurological responses that are responsible for the high and altered state of consciousness that most Cannabis users experience.
Long-term Cannabis side effects, unfortunately, are not as well-studied as the short term effects. Several laws prohibit research on the long term effects of the use of Cannabis, so the data on this is not as extensive or as conclusive as the data for short-term. However, there are some countries that have a number of cases that provide certain connections between Cannabis and certain disorders. The few data collected on long term effects suggest a significant correlation between long term use of Cannabis and the development of anxiety, psychosis and even depression. In fact, in one particular analysis, it is even suspected to cause schizophrenia. Remember to see the full list of the effects of Cannabis.