Cannabis: Who's More Susceptible to Health Risks?

 Over the past few decades, Cannabis has not only been legalized medically in certain places in the U.S. and other countries but also for recreational use as well. As shown in the article, it can alleviate the negative effects of certain conditions (such as chronic pain and cancer). Even with the benefits associated with the drug, there are also risks that come with taking it as well. This consists of increased risks of mental disorders and cancer (specifically lung cancer). According to a new study, people with certain genes will have an increased likelihood of becoming addicted to cannabis (One-third of users become addicted) along with the health risks stated previously. 

  Cannabis is a drug that's important to many people throughout the world with, for some, it being a major part of their lives. Yet, I never knew about the actual risks that the drug that could come with the use of this drug for certain people. It seemed obvious that lung cancer would be a possible risk but I didn't think the same for mental disorders. As stated by Joel Gelernter (co-author of the study) in the article, researchers will need to continue building on top of this data to understand the risks better. One day, there will be a way to determine who is best suited to be prescribed cannabis.

Links

-      https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03629-8

-      https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-023-01563-z

Hemp May Exceed THC Test Limits Due to Genetics, Not Environmental Stress

    The industry of growing hemp for CBD is a growing business that has seen much increase over the past few years. This compound is useful in treating pain, anxiety, depression, and even easing cancer-related symptoms. When hemp contains more than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that gets you high, state and federal regulations are crossed and therefore the plant is considered marijuana and not hemp- therefore, illegal. A new Cornell study proves that genetics, rather than environment, is the determining factor of THC content and CBD to THC ratios in hemp, according to Larry Smart, senior author of the study and professor in the horticulture section of the School of Integrative Plant Science in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. More research and breeding is required in order to select appropriate genetics that lead to high CBD and low THC. Growers should also be sure they get genetically high-quality CBD-producing seeds as opposed to varieties with THC producing genes. The USDA decision to raise the THC limit for what is considered a ‘negligent crop’ from 0.5% to 1% THC lowers the legal risk for growers. Overall, these recent studies at Cornell show that hemp can have increased percentages of THC as a result of genetics, and not environmental stress.

Link to Study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcbb.12880

Link to Article: https://phys.org/news/2021-07-hemp-hot-due-genetics-environmental.html

The Science of Marijuana: How THC Affects the Brain

https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/31/opinion/what-science-says-about-marijuana.html

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2015/06/marijuana-science-drug-research-legality/

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC is the active ingredient in cannabis. This chemical interacts with a wide range of systems, giving rise to an equally wide range of effects. The “high” is therefore a pretty diverse one, with users reporting everything from euphoria and calm to paranoia and anxiety. When smoking marijuana the THC passes from the lungs to the bloodstream, then it's picked up by two receptors; cannabinoid receptor (CB) 1 and 2. These long, rope-like proteins weave themselves onto the surfaces of cells all over the body, which helps explain increased heart rate, red eyes, pain relief and other effects that are not purely psychological. Most of the action takes place in the central nervous system, where THC is carried by CB1; the compound typically has about two to four hours to toy with a range of neurological functions including, memory formation, appetite, and time perception.

In my opinion Marijuana is a personal choice. If people choose to smoke it, so be it. It's their lives and if they want to enjoy one of earths beautiful creations they should.