Is cannabis a drug?

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Cannabis is a drug made from the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant Cannabis Sativa. Young people also call this type of cannabis with names such as "bodhi", "talent" ... and used in the form of smoking (smoking vape, pipe), inhaled or mixed into drinks, food , cigarettes.... for personal use or entertainment. However, marijuana contains compounds that affect the mind, brain and body, thereby harming the health of the user.

1. The addictive substance in marijuana

The main ingredient in cannabis is the active ingredient THC (Tetra Hydro Cannabinol) which is commonly found in the leaves and flowering parts of the cannabis plant. When THC is absorbed into the body, it stimulates the brain, releasing the hormone dopamine, which makes users feel euphoric, euphoric, euphoric and sexual.
How many types of cannabis? Accordingly, cannabis is divided into 3 main types:
Marijuana: made from the leaves and dried flowers of the cannabis plant (Cannabis). It is the form that contains the least THC and is the least effective. Hashish (Hash): made from cannabis resin, dried and pressed into lumps. This form is often mixed with tobacco to smoke or put in food to eat. Hashish Oil: is the oil made from Hash, with the strongest strength and effect. This oil is often applied on the tip of a cigarette or on the cigarette paper to smoke. Mixing and using marijuana with other drugs is extremely dangerous because it will make the effects of marijuana stronger. THC is usually absorbed very quickly, but it takes up to a month for a full dose of THC to be eliminated from the body.
MORE: How does cannabis affect the body?

2. Effects of cannabis on users

Although cannabis is now being spread and crept to many people to serve different purposes, not all users are aware of the effects of marijuana on their own body. . Some serious effects can include:

2.1. Brain and mental effects

If you smoke marijuana for a short time, THC will move from the lungs into the bloodstream, up to the brain, and spread throughout the body. THC activates brain cell receptors leading to "high" symptoms with manifestations such as:
Sensory changes (eg, seeing brighter colors) Changes in perception of time. Mood change. Impaired mobility. Difficulty concentrating and solving problems. Memory decline . Hallucinations, delusions (if high doses are taken). Mental disorders (highest effect). Loss of motivation to work. Memory loss, distraction and lack of concentration, difficulty absorbing new things. Reduced sex drive. Psychological effects (especially those with a history of depressive disorders, schizophrenia...). If using marijuana for a long time will affect brain function and mental health is inevitable:
Some people can develop mental illnesses such as: hallucinations, paranoia, depression think. Increased mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts in adolescents. Compared to synthetic drugs, marijuana has a lower level of dependence and harm, but is the first step to addiction.
MORE: Cannabis negatively affects the human nervous system

2.2. Effects on physical health

In addition, marijuana users may also experience physical health problems such as:
Easy cough and expectoration daily: Increased risk of bronchitis, lung infections and other respiratory diseases . Severe nausea and vomiting. Some people can develop Hyperemesis Cannabinoid syndrome which causes frequent nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Arrhythmia, increased risk of heart attack. Decreased sperm count and quality (for men). Menstrual disorders (for women). However, to date there have been no recorded deaths from cannabis use.

2.3. Affects infant development

The THC found in cannabis has been studied and confirmed to be able to pass from mother to baby through the placenta. If the mother smokes marijuana during pregnancy, there is a high chance that the baby will be born with low birth weight, brain and behavioral problems (impaired memory, attention span, trouble sleeping, etc.). .) due to the influence of drugs.
In general, people who use marijuana for a while will lead to dependence or addiction to marijuana and always tend to find ways to get marijuana to use. It is because of the long-term harms that currently in Vietnam, cannabis is a drug banned from production, transportation, trading, possession and use. If detected, violators may be arrested and handled in accordance with law.

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