In the previous paper, we have already cogitated about the ambivalent character of the issue of cannabis and its usage. The fact is that along with some obvious harmful effects produced on the organism by the usage of cannabis, there is the tendency to outline the beneficial effect that it could also have on a person. That is why, resting on these facts, it is possible to say that there is a great possibility for various debates connected with the issue of the given substance and perspectives connected with it. Besides, the situation is also complicated by the fact that various countries have different approaches to the usage of cannabis and its impact on the state of health of a person. That is why, the focused research of the given question could provide some extra information.
It should also be said that the special interest towards the given issue is attracted by the possible usage of cannabis in the medical sphere for certain purposes. It is a well-known fact that some diseases like glaucoma or depression could be treated with the help of cannabis prescribed by a physician. Taking into account the fact that the specialist is not able to prescribe the medicine or a sort of treatment if he/she is not sure in the positive effect it might have on the health of the patient, it is possible to make a conclusion that there are some qualities that make cannabis useful and which could be taken as the evidence of the necessity of reconsideration of the attitude towards the cannabis and its influence on the health of a person.
With this in mind, it is possible to say that the main purpose of the given focused research paper is to determine the mechanism of the functioning of cannabis and the way in which it produces its effects on the person, both negative and positive ones. Moreover, taking into account the fact that it could be used for the treatment of depression or glaucoma, it is important to understand how the usage of cannabis could help patients, who suffer from them, and what substances, which appear in the course of using of cannabis, promote the improvement of the state of health. Finally, it is important to determine whether the positive effect which cannabis could have on a person is worth using this substance or the negative effects prevail.
With this in mind, it is possible to say that the structure of the given paper is determined by the main goals of the research. The detailed description of the main pattern in accordance with which cannabis influences the organism of a person is given. Moreover, the bodys reaction to this influence is also described. Finally, the attempt to determine the character of the given influence and state whether it is positive or negative is also made. At the end of the work conclusion is given and all main points are recapped.
First of all, analyzing the way in which cannabis influences the body of a person, it is vital to determine the main substances and elements which take part in this process. The fact is that herbal cannabis contains over 400 compounds with about 60 cannabinoids, which are unique to the given plant (Ashton 101). The most important agent of the given substance is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and it plays the significant role in the creation of a certain effect. Being a very active ingredient, THC binds to specific cannabinoid receptors which are situated in the parts of the brain that control memory, though, concentration, movement and a great number of other functions (Ashton 103). Affecting these receptors, THC changes the pattern of their normal functioning by adding some new peculiarities to their structure and altering some traditional processes.
Moreover, THC could also affect the functioning of the thalamus and some areas in the cerebral cortex that are responsible for sense perception (“Mechanism of Action” para. 3).
That is why, having investigated all changes which appear under the influence of the usage of cannabis and the effect which THC has on the organism of a person, scientists came to the conclusion that it could really help people who suffer from glaucoma. The fact is that affecting some areas in the brain, THC reduces ocular tension, which is the main reason for the development of glaucoma (Ashton 104). However, it is obvious, that this is not about the full recovery, as it does not remove the cause of the illness, however, it helps people to slow down the development of glaucoma. Talking about the treatment of depression, it is possible to say that the mechanism of action is almost the same. The impact of THC leads to the activation of the endocannabinoid system and, as a result, a person feels happier and relaxed, avoiding the negative influence of various stress factors.
With this in mind, it is possible to state the fact that cannabis and its most active component THC could really help people suffering from glaucoma or depression by activating some process in the brain and altering the traditional pattern of the functioning of some receptors. Thus, at the same time, scientists warn people that the effect is not so positive as it could be expected and the brain is not the only place where the changes occur. The fact is that there are many other organs which are affected by cannabis and these changes are not so beneficial. People, who use cannabis, could suffer from the problems with the short memory, as it influences the areas in the brain which are responsible for it functioning, coordination of movements, feelings of sense prospection and some other important functions o the body (Ashton 105). That is why, it is possible to agree with the idea that cannabis has the negative impact on the health of any person. However, it still could be used by people who suffer from some disease as they might benefit from some changes in the functioning of the body caused by cannabis.
With this in mind, it is possible to make a certain conclusion. It should be said that the issue of cannabis is rather ambivalent and contradictory. On the rebound of the appeals to reconsider the effect produced by this substance, it is possible to say that it still could be taken as rather dangerous and harmful to the health of a person. Having analyzed the mechanism of the action of cannabis, we can state the fact that people suffering from glaucoma or depression could benefit from its usage, however, they choose the lesser of two evils as there is no other option for them.
References
Ashton, Heather. “Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: a brief review.”The British Journal of Psychiatry. 178.2 (2001):101-106. Web.
Mechanism of Action. n.d. Web.
The mechanism of action of cannabis. n.d. Web.