The Nervous System: The Pros and Cons of Marijuana Use for Pain Management - Essay Example

The Pros and Cons of Marijuana Use for Pain Management The nervous system has two main segments, which are the brain and thespinal cord. In the nervous system, there is a collection of complex nerves and other components known as neurons, which are tasked with the responsibility of signal transmission between several body parts. Due to their responsibility of transmitting signals, neurons are formed in the brain and equipped to perform this function. Communication between neurons found in the brain is done through electrical impulses and neurotransmitters. The nervous system is one of the key important elements in human body since it is the driver and the vehicle in which humans gain experiences in life. The nervous system is the server for the sense of touch, feel, think and comprehension so lacking such senses has grave consequences. The natural functioning of the nervous system makes us to function as normal human beings. As mentioned earlier the main function of the nervous system is providing the sense to feel, and comprehend, but the sense of feel and comprehend pain is the main focus of this paper. Pain is one element that no one wishes to experience, but it is necessary since it is meant to make a person avoid it. It is the only signal available for the subconscious mind and the body for preventing danger. Currently, the use of marijuana as the alternate drug to manage pain is the most common and mostly used methodology to reduce and manage pain. Apart from marijuana, there have been other ancient ways of fighting and managing pain before the introduction of marijuana. A famous professor remarks that there is no safe drug, but there is only the safest dosage. Therefore, marijuana can be used to alleviate and manage pain for patients who are chronically ill only if moderately used. Additionally, patients that suffer from physiological nerve injury can also use marijuana to manage the pain if given in moderate dosage. Marijuana originates from a famous plant known as cannabis. Cannabis is a plant with compound or digitate leaves, which are serrated in nature. The leaves from the cannabis plant are subjected to a strange and diagnostic venation pattern which causes confusion for those people who are not familiar with the plant to confuse cannabis with other plants with the same features (Gerdes, 2002, p.222). The origin of the plant (cannabis) is believed to be in the regions bordering the mountainous areas to northwest of the Himalayas. Sometimes the variety of cannabis used for non-drug use is famously known as hemp (ElSohly, 2007, p.212). Notably, cannabis plant produce certain chemicals that are known as cannabinoids, which cause effects in the brain and physical effects when consumed (Gerdes, 2002, p.223). The effects of marijuana are well known and very advantageous if used in a proper manner. These effects range from physical effects, psychological and also spiritual effects. The physical effect of marijuana is producing a relaxed feeling in the system; thus enhancing body fuel or energy. With the use of marijuana, the system experiences a feeling of both relaxation and alertness. On a normal aspect, the body rotates within two modes, which form opposing sides, but the effect of marijuana molecule then integrates the two modes in a simultaneously in that there is no any other factor that does so (Bello, 2008, p. 30). Additionally, Marijuana has positive effects in the brain where it enhances the sides of the brain through its effect on the ANS. With an increased action of sympathy, the left brain perception is enlightened while during the same period, the right brain reception is enhanced. This perception is well known as a physiological aspect. Due to this action, more clean blood is transported to the brain through the fight or flight reaction. This then leads to parasympathetic dilation of the capillaries which explains relaxation and increase in blood supply to the brain. More blood in the brain means that there is adequate supply of oxygen to the brain which leads to clearer thinking (Snyder, 1971, p.453). The natural feeling, which is expanded in correspondence to favourable perceptions, for example, sense of accomplishment is an experience common to everybody. Studies reveal that marijuana is very unique in this instance due to its capability of summoning these states of well-being at will (Bello, 2008, p. 44). A suggestion may arise stating that the millions of people that are subjected to higher life because of the great importance they ascribe of being high. They feel better, happy, more expansive and that is why the feel more tolerant and more compassionate (Bello, 2008, p. 4545). Marijuana has proven effective in relief of pains that come from different types of diseases and conditions. The most common diseases that are relieved by marijuana are cancer, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis. It is noted that nausea experienced by patients suffering from cancer when undergoing chemotherapy is reduced by marijuana. Furthermore, marijuana is also effective in relieving depression, motion sickness and headache (Snyder, 1971, p.473). On the other hand, Marijuana is also associated with certain negative effects that may be harmful to human body making up the cons of using marijuana for pain management. Marijuana may cause chronic and acute bronchitis if smoked. This is because a marijuana cigarette has high levels of tar than a cigarette of tobacco. If somebody smokes around four marijuana cigarettes then he is compared to a person who has smoked more than twenty tobacco cigarettes. Moreover, somebody who smokes marijuana cigarette is prone to cancer risks. Furthermore, the person is also subjected to short term and long term memory loss and additionally impaired judgement and perception (Abel, 1973, p.505). To avoid the adverse effects that are brought by smoking marijuana, then one needs to take THC in a pill form. These pills are on the market and they contain THC from the cannabinoids, the natural plant of marijuana, to avoid the adverse effects of marijuana (Abel, 1973, p.675). Evidently, the discussion about the pros and cons of marijuana reveals that it is an important drug for relief of certain pains from several illnesses such as chronic pains, HIV/AIDS, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis. However, there are some negative effects that arise from the use of marijuana such as chronic diseases. Nevertheless, marijuana for pain need to be administered in moderate dosage, and if the negative effects are experienced then one should use a pill containing THC to fight the effects. References Bello, J. (2008). The benefits of marijuana: physical, psychological, and spiritual (Final ed.). Susquehanna, Pa.: Lifeservices Press ElSohly, M. A. (2007). Marijuana and the cannabinoids. Totowa, N.J: Humana Press Gerdes, L. I. (2002). Marijuana. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press Abel, E. L. (1973). Behavioural & social effects of marijuana;. New York: MSS Information Corp Snyder, S. H. (1971). Uses of marijuana. New York: Oxford University Press Read More