Marijuana Risks and Adverse Effects
Though many will not believe these assertions, the science of Marijuana Risk is further elaborated below. Marijuana and THC use is not without its potential dangers. Negative adverse effects reported with acute cannabis use include impaired coordination and performance, anxiety, suicidal ideations or tendencies, and psychotic symptoms, whereas chronic effects may include mood disturbances, exacerbation of psychotic disorders, withdrawal syndrome, neurocognitive impairments, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory conditions(impotence). Once you start developing a "tolerance", you've already begun to alter your physiology.
The science explained by DrAbs:
THC elicits a response at the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in which activation decreases its own receptor density. THC's effectiveness for opiod dependence is because it co-activates the mu opiod receptor. Cb1 receptor downregulation though lowers the amount of opiod receptor activation and increases chronic pain. Not only pain but memory recall and impotence issues occur in those who are unable to recover their CB1 receptor density(more on that next paragraph). So THC is effective short term at decreasing pain however longterm increases chronic pain as a standalone drug. While pain and frustration is increased so does the desire for use increase; at this point you'd notice tolerance and ineffectiveness with continued use. This lack of efficacy is what can turn people towards opiods to stimulate their mu-opiod receptors and decrease built up pain and frustration. This is why Marijuana is a Gateway Drug. Think Sativas with their high THC content.
The good news and the other half of the story:
Cannabidiol and the CB2 Receptor
If you are unhealthy, do not fret, CBD has activity on the CB2 receptor which limits the negative side effects of THC. This is because the CB2 receptor limits the downregulation of the CB1 receptor. If the body were healthy it would naturally produce endocannabinoids and a decrease in THC tolerence and elevation of CB1 receptor density would be seen within a week. Though this doesn't seem to be the case in those with an inclination towards Marijuana use. They do not naturally recover their cb1 receptor densities without the addition proper nutirion or at the very least CBD. Therefore if you do choose to smoke or ingest pot, be sure to include Mixed/Indica strains to avoid unwanted side effects. Ie: Reefer Madness. For medicinal purposes, CBD increases pain threshold(lower chronic pain), increases memory recall, and help to reverse impotence and circulation issues caused by THC and CB1 receptor downregulation. This downregulation at CB1 can also be caused by anandamide(natural endocannabinoid produced from omega 6- arachidonic acid).
People keep promoting cbd oil and rick sampson oil because CBD increases CB1 receptor density and prevents the decrease in receptors caused by THC use. CBD makes THC more effective as a treatment. If you are looking for CBD, look for Hemp leaves. By weight hemp leaves can contain 1-6% CBD which can mean more than 13 grams in 1 lb of edible hemp leaves. 13 grams is Much more than the 500mg-2 grams generally provided in a 40-100 dollar extraction of cbd oil.
Health
To those unfamiliar, Marijuana is touted for its medicinal applicability in many chronic conditions such as Cancer, Chronic Pain, Anorexia, Migraine, Fibromyalgia, Irritable bowel syndrome, Schizophrenia, Multiple sclerosis (MS), Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease among others most notable of which is Opiod Addiction. As pot becomes less stigmatized its true effectiveness in treating these debilitating conditions will come to light. Currently 60% of Americans are in favor of legalization and It seems like politicians are begining to notice.
Some references for additional knowledge:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24001294/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312634/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16806307
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14977366
Additional Post: https://steemit.com/science/@drabs/legalization-of-marijuana-process-underway