About Cannabis Use and Addiction
Research over the last 20 years has had a large role in the changes in legislation with a large amount of studies promising benefits like a reduction in epileptic seizures or an increase in appetite – something that is a major advantage for cancer patients. That being said, some of the research has not been as positive. A number of studies are suggesting heavy cannabis use can have serious side effects that could result in, for example, the need for psychiatric care or treatment for cannabis addiction.
Columbia University Medical Centre Study
Researchers at Columbia University Medical centre have suggested that chronic cannabis use is not harmless. Rather, that it can be dangerous and in some cases, permanent. The small-scale study assessed 11 adults between 21 and 40 years of age. All of the adults were considered to be “severely dependent” on cannabis. Most of the participants said they began to use cannabis around the age of 16 and were addicted to marijuana for at least seven years prior to the beginning of the study. Nearly all of those participating in the study smoked every day prior to the study. Once a part of the study, they were required to stop smoking marijuana for one week; afterwhich, they were admitted into the hospital for seven days. Ater this stay, the researchers gave all participants an oral amphetamine. This was meant to trigger a rapid release of dopamine in the brain. Prior to the administration of the oral amphetamine, the participants underwent a PET brain scan. A second brain scan was conducted once they had taken the amphetamine. According to the study’s results, the heavy cannabis use resulted in significantly lower dopamine levels, as well as, the release of dopamine. It also negatively affected learning, behaviour, memory, and attention span. The effects were similar to the way heroin or cocaine addiction affects dopamine levels in the brain.
Surmounting Evidence Around Heavy Cannabis Use
The study conducted by the Columbia University Medical centre, is far from being the only research regarding heavy cannabis use. As early as 1993, there were studies suggesting a decrease in cognitive performance in heavy marijuana users. One of the studies took place over a 20 year period and explained “It was unclear whether this was because cannabis use impaired cognitive performance, people with poorer cognitive functioning were more likely to become regular cannabis users, or some combination of the two.”
Acute Effects Of Marijuana Use
The acute effects of cannabis use are not as serious as those linked to heavy or prolonged use. For example, there is no none deaths from a marijuana overdose (this is not true for synthetic marijuana, known as spice). Marijuana use amongst pregnant women is thought to result in a low birth weight and it may be linked to increasing the risk of a car accident when a driver is under the influence of the drug. Otherwise, the acute effects include anxiety, paranoia, and cognitive impairment. These effects have risen over the last 2 decades, and this may be a result of the increase in the THC content over that time.
Chronic Effects of Marijuana Use
When marijuana is used for a prolonged period of time, and on a regular basis, the effects may be considered more serious. Before noting these effects, it is important to mention that in epidemiological studies, it is unclear whether cause and effect is going on or if there is something going on. The following are some of the known, potential, effects of heavy cannabis use:
- Cannabis Addiction – In around 10 percent of users, a cannabis addiction can develop. In users who began using marijuana during their teens and young adulthood, the number increases to one in six people. It is possible for a cannabis addict to experience withdrawal symptoms including depression, high anxiety, irritability, anger, insomnia, and a decrease in appetite. The withdrawal can be severe enough to warrant the need for a marijuana rehab in Thailand.
- Cognitive Effects – Frequent and long term cannabis use has been linked to adverse cognitive effects such as a hindrance in memory, learning, and attention span. It is not clear whether the cognitive effects continue after the user has discontinued the drug. However, there is preliminary research suggesting that it does.
- The Brain May Be Altered – Although not concluded upon, it is suggested that there are changes within the brain. Particularly the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala. It is unknown whether these changes are reversible, how long they last, or whether they are associated with any behavioural changes.
- The Risk for Psychosis is Increased – There is sufficient research to indicate heavy cannabis use can lead to an increased risk of psychotic symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, confusion, and more.Also known is cannabis induced psychosis, these symptoms can last between a few hours and one month or more. What is not clear is whether causation is a factor and what is causing the psychotic symptoms: cannabis or an underlying mental disorder. Researchers suggest that heavy cannabis use can cause psychosis and early psychotic symptoms might increase the chances of a person turning to cannabis.
- Cannabis May Be Linked to Schizophrenia – Past and ongoing studies have correlated heavy cannabis use to doubling the risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia. Older studies have continuously suggested this connection; however, newer research is able to exhibit a causal relationship between marijuana and schizophrenia.
If your or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to cannabis, rehab may be the right solution to address the potential withdrawal, underlying reasons for use, triggers and harm reduction, and aftercare planning. To learn more about our cannabis rehab in Thailand, call Siam Rehab today.
Sources:
https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/heavy-cannabis-users-have-lower-dopamine-release-brain
