Effects of cannabis

 

The effects of cannabis can be classified in to subjective, central and peripheral effects.

 

Subjective effects: feelings of relaxation and wellbeing and sharpened sensory awareness (such as colours and sounds being more intense), as well as the feeling of being less accident prone, despite impaired motor performance.

 

Central effects: short term memory impairment, catalepsy, hypothermia, increased appetite and the desired analgesia and antiemesis.

 

Peripheral effects: tachycardia, bronchodilation and vasodilation around the eyes, giving a “blood shot” appearance.

 

Adverse effects can occur, such as anxiety, paranoia, confusion and hallucination

 

Long term use can lead to depression and reduced motivation. There is also an increased risk of lung cancer due carcinogens present both in cannabis and tobacco (which it is concurrently smoked with). Cannabis can also interfere with concentration and information processing, which can last several weeks after administration.

 

Overdose with cannabis is “safer” than with opioids, causing only drowsiness and confusion.

 

Cannabis is linked with the development of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia if there is already genetic susceptibility. Mutations on the AKT1 gene, which codes protein kinase as part of the DA receptor signalling cascade in the striatum, have been linked to schizophrenia as well as use around age 15 due to the brain still developing.