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| Green leaves of Cannabis Sativa |
Weed is also known scientifically as Cannabis sativa. It is a drug of addiction used by people of all ages, races, and gender as a way of satiating their needs for ‘highness’ and recreation.
The intensity of the effects of marijuana on individuals differs with age and sex. If you have been wondering how weed affects the teenage brain, well this article is tailored toward revealing the influence of weed on teenage users.
The consumption of Cannabis among teenagers in the recent past has risen exponentially. Statistics of teens engaging in this plant of addiction grow every ticking second. The vice is no longer a clandestine activity.
Reports indicate that more than 11.8 million adolescents in the United States alone use marijuana and this has been partly contributed by the legalization of the drug as well as some parents taking a whiff of bhang right before their juveniles.
According to investigations and findings on Indian hemp research, the impact of brain damage is severe in victims who start its usage at the early stages of life.
The active component of the weed is a phytochemical called THC (Tetrahdrocannabinol). THC is a psychoactive ingredient responsible for the ‘high’ feeling when weed is introduced into the human body. The CBD (Cannabidiol) is part of Cannabis sativa extracted and infused in drugs for its medical importance.
When marijuana is taken, the psychoactive ingredient THC passes through the alveoli of the lungs (Incase of smoking) or the intestinal mucosa (through edibles) into the general circulatory system.
The chemical is carried by the bloodstream to the brain where it exerts its influence on selected cannabinoid receptors which are saturated in the regions of the brain tasked with thinking, sensory, and time perception, memory, pleasure, and coordination. The hyperactivation of these areas propels the feeling of ‘highness’ people experience after initiating the use of weed.
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| Different faculties of the human brain |
During adolescence, neurodevelopment is not in full swing. The brain at this stage is sensitive and vulnerable to drug exposure. The use of Cannabis dictates the way the brain hemispheres form, function, and interconnect with each other. The brain architecture, shape, and neurotransmission are also altered.
Major developments and restructuring in the brain especially the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) - one of the parts of the brain to attain maturity occurs during the teenage stage.
PFC is associated with advanced functions including decision making, control of impulses, Maintainance of attention, and planning. Prefrontal Cortex also plays a role in establishing personalities and assists in appropriate response and understanding of social situations.
At the neurodevelopment level, the changes that take place are believed to make the brain more efficient and empower the execution of activities such as controlling self emotions.
THC from Cannabis is disruptive to the brain because it binds to neuroreceptors linked with naturally occurring endocannabinoids. These endogenous lipid neurotransmitters help in regulating stress, fear, anxiety, mood, and appetite. They also promote brain growth processes and maturation.
Self synthesized Cannabis by the nerve cells has a pivotal role in wiring the brain both in utero and adolescence. In the course of existence, they control sleep, emotions, and movement. When marijuana is used, these actions are affected.
Brain imaging analysis in incessant weed takers shows altered connectivity between the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere, and poor cognitive development in the central nervous system of teenage users. There is a significant reduction in the size of the structures vital for emotional regulation and memory (amygdala and hippocampus respectively).
Intelligent Quotient is usually stable throughout life. The long-term involvement with marijuana causes an IQ deficit. It slows down the processes associated with the speedy manufacturing of information and working memory. Short-term memory functions are marred substantially. Young marijuana users show inadequate information processing and an inclination to pursue greater rewards in decision-making.
Teen weed takers experience hardships in tracking conversations over time since the information grows in complexity. Marijuana has effects on motivation centers, motor centers, and reality testing. The users are accustomed to doing tasks slowly because time cognizance is impaired. The time interval is approximated poorly.
The effects of marijuana use among young adults are large scale. Critical changes are visible in individuals with a high concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol in the brain. This sends a red flag to parents and guardians of adolescents with an appetite for weed. Caregivers should take imperative actions against the menace to curtail the increasing juvenile delinquency.
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