Potential health benefit of TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (THC)

How Does Marijuana Affect the Human Body?

Marijuana, or cannabis, has stirred controversy in many parts of the world. Despite this, there’s an increasing interest in using marijuana to treat numerous medical conditions. This interest has caused a surge in research that’s helping us understand its effect on the human body. In the meantime, what we do know, can help individuals use marijuana responsibly.

cannabis ID membership

Medical Marijuana Cards

Over 3.5 million people have received medical marijuana cards in the U.S. for their qualifying medical conditions. First, you will need to see a marijuana doctor to get approved. Once you are approved you can start purchasing medical cannabis at a dispensary in your designated state. The state of Michigan makes the process simple by allowing patients to be seen virtually online through telemedicine. If you get a Michigan medical card you can also be your own caregiver and grow marijuana in a secured location for your own use or the use of a person you are caregiving for.

According to the United Nations,158.8 million people worldwide use marijuana, more than 3.8% of the planet’s population.

 

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States is marijuana. 48.2 million people, or 18% of Americans, used it one time in 2019
  • 94+ million U.S. citizens have admitted to using it at least one time
  • The number of consumers of cannabis is projected to grow by 4% each year for seven years, reaching around 71 million users in 2030.
  • 55% of cannabis consumers in the US stated that they use it for medical and recreational purposes.  
  • In 2022, this study found that visits to the emergency department and hospitals are 22% higher among individuals who consume cannabis than those who have not taken cannabis before.
  • The US Drug Enforcement Administration reported that many people arrested for crimes tested positive for marijuana. Nationwide, over 40% of adult males tested positive during their arrest.
Marijuana leaf on old rusty plate
  • Amongst adults 26 or older who used marijuana before they turned 15, 62% also went on to use cocaine at some point in their lives as they aged; 9% went on to use heroin at least once; and 54% made use of some nonmedical mind-altering prescription drugs.
  • Alcohol is the most frequently found substance in drivers with fatal automobile crashes. Marijuana comes in the second. 
  • In the next decade, 18 US states have been projected to legalize cannabis. 96% of Americans will be able to access legal cannabis If all these states legalize the plant at this timespan. 
CBD oil receptors

Effects of Marijuana on the Human Body

The most obvious is intoxication or getting high. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) stimulates the brain’s reward system, signaling it to release dopamine, one of the so-called “happy hormones.” This can lead to addiction, being unable to stop consuming marijuana even when it’s causing mental or physical harm. Approximately 10% of adult marijuana users are addicted to it.

Potential Adverse Effects of Cannabis

  • Adverse effects of cannabis include lung inflammation when consumed by smoking joints or blunts.
  • An increase in heart rate by 20-50 heartbeats per minute for up to three hours after consumption. This increase can worsen attention and memory and induce anxiety and paranoia, potentially worsening symptoms in people with mental health diseases like schizophrenia.
  • Marijuana does have positive effects as well. In 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex prescription strength to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. 
  • It helps with chronic pain from nerve damage and arthritis, among others; improves symptoms of multiple sclerosis such as muscle spasms, nerve pain, and sleep disorders; improves focus; and reduces inflammation.
  • It can potentially improve symptoms of irritable bowel disease, reduce nausea; increase appetite (also known as “the munchies”); reduce eye pressure (glaucoma).

Marijuana research

A cross-sectional study on 100 patients that use medical cannabis concluded it’s an effective solution for those suffering from pain, providing substantial relief for most that took the drug. 

 

Most notably, participants reported a 64% relative decrease in pain from an average of 7.8 points (on a 1 to 10 universal pain scale) pre-treatment to 2.8 post-treatment! Other benefits reported by respondents were an improvement in stress and anxiety, insomnia relief, improved appetite, a decrease in nausea, increased focus, and concentration, and an improvement in depression.

 

A major obstacle in cannabis research has been the legal limitations of the drug. In 2022, president Biden signed into law a bill that will make it easier for scientists to obtain government permits to study cannabis. In the future, we might see more significant and well-rounded research on the topic.

The Amount and Potency of THC in Marijuana

The most important factor determining how marijuana affects the human body is the amount of THC present in a particular strain of cannabis. THC is one of the main psychoactive chemicals present in cannabis and is responsible for producing its characteristic “high” feeling. 

 

Different strains of cannabis have different levels of THC, which means that some types will grow more intense physical and mental effects than others. When choosing a strain of cannabis, you should always research its potency so you know what to expect from it.

Cannabis oil-generic portable dispenser

Different Ways Marijuana Is Consumed

There are different methods of consuming marijuana. Each method has unique characteristics that determine how fast you’ll feel the effects and how long they’ll take to wear off. Smoking or vaping is the most common method; the effects are felt immediately, and they’ll wear off faster than other methods like edibles. The latter takes longer to kick in and produces more intense results that last longer.

 

Different strains of cannabis have different levels of THC, which means that some types will grow more intense physical and mental effects than others. When choosing a strain of cannabis, you should always research its potency so you know what to expect from it.

Personal Tolerance Level

There are different methods of consuming marijuana. Each method has unique characteristics that determine how fast you’ll feel the effects and how long they’ll take to wear off. Smoking or vaping is the most common method; the effects are felt immediately, and they’ll wear off faster than other methods like edibles. The latter takes longer to kick in and produces more intense results that last longer.

 

Different strains of cannabis have different levels of THC, which means that some types will grow more intense physical and mental effects than others. When choosing a strain of cannabis, you should always research its potency so you know what to expect from it.

Tolerance Word In Wooden Cube
cannabis bottle product

Cannabis has the potential to be a first-line treatment for chronic pain disorders like fibromyalgia. It has an unparalleled safety record compared to other pain relief medications; there’s no need to worry about adverse effects or overdose.

In conclusion, several factors determine how marijuana affects a person, including the amount and potency of THC present in a particular strain, the method of consumption (smoking/vaping vs. edibles), and the tolerance level.

 

By understanding these factors, individuals can use marijuana responsibly and safely enjoy its potential benefits while avoiding unwanted side effects or health complications.

Article Reviewed by

Dr. Richard Koffler

Richard Koffler, MD
NPI Number 1467557264

  • Dr. Koffler is a Physiatrist, specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 
  • Graduated from the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University in 1993 Dr. Koffler completed a one-year internship in internal medicine at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. 
  • Residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Rusk Institute at NYU Medical Center in New York City. Board certified in 1998. 
  • Trained in acupuncture at Helms Medical Institute at UCLA His medical practice incorporates proven conventional western medicine integrating eastern alternative practices. 
  • Medical Director of several medical clinics in NYC, Stamford CT, and Miami Beach, FL.

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