Cannabis Use and Mental Health Issues - Essay Example

CANNABIS USE AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES By (Name) The Name of the Class (Course) Professor (Tutor) The Name of the School (University) The City and State where it is located The Date Cannabis is a drug often extracted from the Cannabissativa plant. Due to its differential effects on the body after consumption, marijuana is classified under different drug categories, as a stimulant, narcotic, hallucinogen and depressant. As such, its usage remains a significant public health concern. According to Poweret al. (2014), cannabis is the most frequently used illicit drug worldwide with the initial initiation at the adolescence stage and the peak at the early adulthood (Copeland, Rooke & Swift 2013: 282). Based on the 2015’s report by the National Drug Strategy, nearly 11.3% of Britons aged 14 years and above had used marijuana in the past 12 months. In a group of three youths, at least one had at one point had an experience with this drug (Power et al. 2014). Appalling still is the fact that recurrent use of cannabis is almost twice as likely amongst the UK young populaces, and approximately 5.2 million 15-25 year-olds used the drug in the last year, 2016.This a clear indication of how prevalent cannabis usage is among the youths. However, the question is about the proportion of the people who use it but rather the bearings it has on the lives of the users. In spite of media and government warnings on health risks of this drug, many people perceive it as an anodyne substance that helps one to relax and 'chill.' Unlike alcohol and cigarettes, cannabis is seen as good for mental and physical health. However, no sufficient scientific or empirical evidence have been collected to affirm this misconception. Indeed, numerous researchers in the same subject link cannabis use to frequent occurrences of mental health issues among the chronic users. Lev-Ran et al. (2014), for instance, note that heavy cannabis use increases the risk for emergence of depressive disorders. Copeland, Rooke, and Swift, (2013), on the other hands, contend that cannabis use leads to several changes in brain structure altering a person’s way of thinking or perception. These changes mark the onset of mental health problems or disorder. Definitively, mental health concerns often embody situations in which an individual is subject to disorganized thinking, jumbled speech, paranoia, hallucination, and delusion. The mind loses contact with reality. The result is that such people often show lack of motivation, difficulty in concentrating, decreased talking, reduced ability to generate or accept new ideas not forgetting the difficulty to express emotion (Degenhardt et al. 2013). However, it is vital to note that there is scant scientific literature linking cannabis use to mental health issues.  Numerous compelling data and arguments have been brought forth to indicate that individuals with predisposing factors for mental disorders can easily aggravate those symptoms when they use cannabis. However, some vital questions remain. Explicitly, if cannabis use directly links to mental disorders, it should, then follow that the frequency of diagnoses of specific mental concerns should escalate with the growing pervasiveness of cannabis use in society. Apart from scientific literature, there are some theories that try to explain the connection between mental illness and cannabis use. As a brief overview, these theories include the vulnerability theory, contributing cause theory and the self-medication theory. The vulnerability theory holds that cannabis use results in the development of mental illness in people with a family history embodying episodes of mental health issues. The contributing cause theory, on the other hands, maintains that cannabis use is one of the primary causes of mental health problems. With the self-medication theory, however, contradicts the contributory cause notion. The theory holds that those with mental disorders often use cannabis to self-medicate themselves before the actual diagnosis is conducted. Converging the contentions of all these three theoretical perspectives, it is crystal clear that cannabis use, in a way (s), connects to mental health issues. Mental health concerns commonly associated with the usage of this drug include but not limited to bipolar disorder, psychosis (schizophrenia), anxiety and depression. These diseases manifest differently on individuals although their impacts are almost similar. The impacts may range from social withdrawal, inability to concentrate, poor overall health, trouble breathing, prolonged sadness, racing thoughts, racing speech, heightened mood, delusions to hallucinations. Analyses of empirical evidence on how each of these disorders relates to cannabis use will be done in later sections of this paper. For now, it is important to look at the basic constituents of cannabis. Constituents of Cannabis: The psychotropic aspects of cannabis have been acknowledged since time immemorial. However, whether cannabis use comes with detrimental effects on mental health has for long remained a matter of debate. According to Bhattacharyya et al. (2010), cannabis’ chemical structure is made up two psychoactive ingredients that make it highly definitive of an individual’s psychological reactions or manifestations when used. These elements include Cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC). Of these, THC is the most psychoactive component is often responsible for the augmented risk of developing schizophrenia among the chronic cannabis users. Cannabidiol, in contrast, shows antipsychotic effects and, thus, work in the opposite direction to THC. Recent studies on the effects of these two cannabis constituents on brain activation also confirm that they are, indeed, contrasting. A functional neuro-imaging as reported in Bhattacharyya et al. (2010: 770), for instance, shows that cannabidiol and THC activate brain regions differently. Cannabidiol in particular prevents the severe induction of psychotic symptoms by THC. As a result, numerous subsequent studies have focused on the possibility of developing cannabidiol into an antipsychotic agent (Leweke et al. 2012: 94), with positive therapeutic effects on psychotic conditions of cannabis. Cannabis Alterations in Brain Morphometry: The human brain is structured to work in a specific manner within which is considered normal. With its basic components in play, cannabis, if used chronically, can lead to severe changes in human brain structure predisposing one to austere mental complications. THC which is the principal psychoactive element in cannabis the primary causative agent of changes in the human brain when marijuana is used. The element (THC) binds itself to cannabinoid receptors of the brain which are responsible for such physiological processes aspain-sensation, appetite, mood, and memory. A result of this exposure to THC, numerous long-lasting neural changes occur interfering with diverse cognitive processes and neural architecture (Lorenzetti et al. 2010). However, up to date, these alterations resulting from cannabis use remain oblique. Numerous functional variations have been extensively unearthed across cognitive domains in cannabis users (Lev-Ran et al. 2014), structural changes linked to this drug use have been inconsistent. Some studies report reductions in such regional brain volumes as the striatum, hippocampus, amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex. Others studies, on the contrary, contend that cannabis use lead to increases in the volumes of amygdala, cerebellar and nucleus accumbens (Copeland, Rooke & Swift 2013).These discrepancies, however, can be ascribed to methodological dissimilarities across studies, age, and sex of subjects, the severity of marijuana use, comorbidity with other substance abuse. With a clear understanding of effects of cannabis of brain functionality, it is then important to evaluate how these brain restructurings relate with mental health issues. In relation, evaluating the various cannabis associated mental disorders is paramount. These ailments include psychosis, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. Cannabis and Depression: Depression denotes a situation in which one develops a feeling of severe despondency and dejection. According to Degenhardt et al. (2013), depression often manifest through the consistent mental state of sadness and worthlessness. There is a persistent lack of desire to take part in formerly enjoyable activities. Many people especially the adolescents and adults often resort to cannabis as a way to relieve themselves of these situations. However, one question always remains as to whether Cannabis is an effective treatment for depression. Evidently, this question has for long centered a numerous medical debates regarding the effects cannabis use on one’s mental state. According to a study by the Buffalo University scientists, there is likely that cannabis use can help treat depressive disorders resulting from chronic stress conditions (Wilde 2015). However, to come to this conclusion, the researchers based their arguments on the findings that stress causes a diminution in cannabis-like bits naturally presents in the brain, translating into behavior that mimicks depression. Therefore, THC if administered in low doses, can work as an antidepressant by enhancing serotonin (chemical that control human’s moods) levels (Wilde 2015). In high dosages, however, THC decreases serotonin levels, thus, worsening the state of depression. The implication is that chronic cannabis users stand a greater risk of developing a depressive disorder. However, these findings prove what is has been in the mouth many cannabis users that the drug helps improve one’s mood. The reason is that cannabis use often results in calmness, euphoria, and sociability although in some cases, it results in bad dreams and undesirable feelings. Based on the findings, therefore, the impact cannabis use on depression is two sided. Both positive and negative. According to Copeland, Rooke and Swift (2013), a body of evidence indicates that the cannabis use is often associated with a rise in the risk of major suicidal behaviors and depression. Significant subsequent studies, on the same subject, parallel the increase in this risk to increased consumption of cannabis. Consequently, it can be concluded depression deepens at the adolescence and early adulthood stages which embody increased usage of cannabis. There is, however, need to conduct more studies to solidify the allegations or empirical evidence that relate depression, a mental health problem, to cannabis use. Cannabis and Anxiety Disorder Closely related to depression is the mental health concern of anxiety. Anxiety disorder according to Lev-Ran et al. (2014:798), involves a feeling of fear and worry about the future events or outcomes of current activities or situations. The result of these feelings may include such physical symptoms as shakiness and fast heart rate. Panic disorder, specific phobia, agoraphobia, separation anxiety and social anxiety disorder are some of the commonly reported mental anxiety disorders. Although causes of these disorders are thought to encompass combinations of both environmental and genetic factors, cannabis use ranks as one major predisposing factorfor such mental conditions. The nature and scope of the relationship between cannabis use and the prevalent mental health concerns of anxiety top the lists of the growing research efforts and public health interests. In this regard, cross-sectional studies have always unearthed elevated rates of mental anxiety disorders among individuals who use cannabis. However, these associations have been inconsistent. There are plenty rumors suggesting that cannabis use may help reduce anxiety. The calming and relaxing effects often associated cannabis use with it makes people believe it is effective in relieving anxiety. Based on the available data regarding these effects, cannabis use can only “courtly” reduce anxiety in short-term use. However, though the makeshift effects may be relaxing, the enduring effects rarely have an impact in affecting anxiety. Instead, prolonged or persistent use of cannabis can result in cognitive impairment and memory loss (Filbey et al. 2014). These symptoms mark the onset of anxiety among the cannabis users. Regardless of the differing explanations of the relationship between cannabis use and mental states of anxiety, Degenhardt et al. (2013), in their study, have been able to discount two important explanations of the connection between cannabis use and depression and anxiety. Firstly, the proposition that cannabis users subject to a high risk of such social adversities, as a marital disconnect, which translates into the mental disturbance, is refuted. No such association for serious depressive episodes exhibits in this study. Again, the general conception that the activity of the lower hypothalamic–pituitary– adrenal (HPA) axis is the sole cause of anxiety is also objected as under-aroused HPA axis does not relate to anxiety. Cannabis use, therefore, directly contribute rise in the feeling of fear and worry among the users, especially, if used for a long-term. Cannabis and psychosis: Many empirical studies and theoretical link cannabis use to such psychotic disorders as schizophrenia. However, the strongest indication that cannabis use often holds a contributory relation to psychotic disorders stems from longitudinal studies involving large populations. The 1987 study by Andreasson et al. (1987) which included 50, 000 conscripts was the earliest of such studies. From the analysis, the researchers established that participants who had had experienced with cannabis use by the age of 18 years, were 2.5 times more likely to suffer from the psychotic disorder. Given a period of 15 years afterward, the researchers found out that probability of such individuals who constantly applied cannabis increased to 6 times (Andreasson et al. 1987) compared to the previous level of 2.5 times. Other subsequent studies including Lorenzetti et al. 2010, Pacek et al. 2013,Parakh and Basu 2013:283, have also come similar contention; that continuous use of cannabis increase one chances of developing psychotic ailments. However, a question remains as to whether is cannabis use can suffice root cause of schizophrenia. Most empirical studies have for long remained silent on this course. A possible explanation for this relationship is that cannabis use serves as a consequence, and not as a cause, of such psychotic disorders as schizophrenia (Sewell, Ranganathan, & D'Souza 2009:154). Marijuana is believed to aggravate adverse and depressive symptoms although it is sometimes used to self-medicate effects of schizophrenia (Power et al. 2014). Consequently, it is unsurprising to find that cannabis users account for the greatest percentage of mental health-related hospitalizations. Although there exist a clear evidence that continuous use of cannabis aggravates one’s risk of psychotic disorders, the vastmajority of people who use cannabis rarely develop any psychotic symptoms. Several reasons underlie this fact. They are based on the congenial factors that influence the development of psychotic symptoms after the usage of this drug. According to Leweke et al. (2012), one of these factors is the duration and amount of cannabis used. Heavy usage of cannabis for an extended period enhances dose-response, thus, leading to the development of development of psychotic systems. Another important factor is one’s time of exposure to cannabis. Early exposure to cannabis, commonly witnessed with the adolescents, heightens the risk of psychosis (Parakh & Basu 2013: 286). A possible explanation is that the adolescence stage involves active remodeling and adjustment in human’s brain systems as one grows to maturity. Induction of cannabis, thus, hampers the neuro-developmental progressions in the brain by distracting the endocannabinoid network which is key to neurogenesis (Lorenzetti et al. 2010). The result is reduced functionality of a mature brain increasing the liability for psychosis. Further, it is true that cannabis users often show differential sensitivity to THC components of the drug. While some are more profound to psychogenetic impacts of cannabis, others are less sensitive because of environmental or genetic factors ((Parakh & Basu 2013: 284). Nonexistence of these essential factors, cannabis use, may cause psychosis.Apart from sensitivity to THC, time of exposure, and duration of usage, genetic and environment factors also play a substantial role in determining the development psychosis among the cannabis users. Those with afamily history of psychosis are more likely to develop psychotic symptoms when they use cannabis. Cannabis use, therefore, directly relate to mental health issues. Increased and persistent usage of this drug aggravate the development and severity of such mental disorders as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. A few studies, however, disagrees with this contention by holding that cannabis use helps one find relief from convulsion, depression, and anxiety. From the analysis, it is clear that literature or studies are affirming the connection between cannabis use and deterioration one’s mental health are limited. More research that is specifically targeting this topic needs to be done to ensure a balanced conception among learners, researchers and medical experts. References Andréasson, S., Engström, A., Allebeck, P. and Rydberg, U., 1987. Cannabis and schizophrenia A longitudinal study of swedish conscripts. The Lancet, 330(8574), pp.1483-1486. Bhattacharyya, S., Morrison, P.D., Fusar-Poli, P., Martin-Santos, R., Borgwardt, S., Winton-Brown, T., Nosarti, C., MO'Carroll, C., Seal, M., Allen, P. and Mehta, M.A., 2010. Opposite effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on human brain function and psychopathology. Neuropsychopharmacology, 35(3), pp.764-774. Copeland, J., Rooke, S. and Swift, W., 2013. Changes in cannabis use among young people: impact on mental health. Current opinion in psychiatry, 26(4), pp.325-329. Degenhardt, L., Coffey, C., Romaniuk, H., Swift, W., Carlin, J.B., Hall, W.D. and Patton, G.C., 2013. The persistence of the association between adolescent cannabis use and common mental disorders into young adulthood. Addiction, 108(1), pp.124-133. Filbey, F.M., Aslan, S., Calhoun, V.D., Spence, J.S., Damaraju, E., Caprihan, A. and Segall, J., 2014. Long-term effects of marijuana use on the brain. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(47), pp.16913-16918. Lev-Ran, S., Roerecke, M., Le Foll, B., George, T.P., McKenzie, K. and Rehm, J., 2014. The association between cannabis use and depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Psychological medicine, 44(04), pp.797-810. Leweke, F.M., Piomelli, D., Pahlisch, F., Muhl, D., Gerth, C.W., Hoyer, C., Klosterkötter, J., Hellmich, M. and Koethe, D., 2012. Cannabidiol enhances anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. Translational psychiatry, 2(3), p.e94. Lorenzetti, V., Lubman, D.I., Whittle, S., Solowij, N. and Yücel, M., 2010. Structural MRI findings in long-term cannabis users: what do we know?. Substance use & misuse, 45(11), pp.1787-1808. Pacek, Lauren R., Silvia S. Martins, and Rosa M. Crum. "The bidirectional relationships between alcohol, cannabis, co-occurring alcohol and cannabis use disorders with major depressive disorder: results from a national sample." Journal of affective disorders 148, no. 2 (2013): 188-195. Parakh, P. and Basu, D., 2013. Cannabis and psychosis: Have we found the missing links?. Asian journal of psychiatry, 6(4), pp.281-287. Power, R.A., Verweij, K.J., Zuhair, M., Montgomery, G.W., Henders, A.K., Heath, A.C., Madden, P.A., Medland, S.E., Wray, N.R. and Martin, N.G., 2014. Genetic predisposition to schizophrenia associated with increased use of cannabis. Molecular psychiatry, 19(11), pp.1201-1204. Sewell, R.A., Ranganathan, M. and D'Souza, D.C., 2009. Cannabinoids and psychosis. International Review of Psychiatry, 21(2), pp.152-162. Wilde.C., 2015.Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) neuroscience study points to possible use of medical marijuana for depression. A study by Buffalo University, New York Read More

Copeland, Rooke, and Swift, (2013), on the other hands, contend that cannabis use leads to several changes in brain structure altering a person’s way of thinking or perception. These changes mark the onset of mental health problems or disorder. Definitively, mental health concerns often embody situations in which an individual is subject to disorganized thinking, jumbled speech, paranoia, hallucination, and delusion. The mind loses contact with reality. The result is that such people often show lack of motivation, difficulty in concentrating, decreased talking, reduced ability to generate or accept new ideas not forgetting the difficulty to express emotion (Degenhardt et al. 2013). However, it is vital to note that there is scant scientific literature linking cannabis use to mental health issues.

 Numerous compelling data and arguments have been brought forth to indicate that individuals with predisposing factors for mental disorders can easily aggravate those symptoms when they use cannabis. However, some vital questions remain. Explicitly, if cannabis use directly links to mental disorders, it should, then follow that the frequency of diagnoses of specific mental concerns should escalate with the growing pervasiveness of cannabis use in society. Apart from scientific literature, there are some theories that try to explain the connection between mental illness and cannabis use.

As a brief overview, these theories include the vulnerability theory, contributing cause theory and the self-medication theory. The vulnerability theory holds that cannabis use results in the development of mental illness in people with a family history embodying episodes of mental health issues. The contributing cause theory, on the other hands, maintains that cannabis use is one of the primary causes of mental health problems. With the self-medication theory, however, contradicts the contributory cause notion.

The theory holds that those with mental disorders often use cannabis to self-medicate themselves before the actual diagnosis is conducted. Converging the contentions of all these three theoretical perspectives, it is crystal clear that cannabis use, in a way (s), connects to mental health issues. Mental health concerns commonly associated with the usage of this drug include but not limited to bipolar disorder, psychosis (schizophrenia), anxiety and depression. These diseases manifest differently on individuals although their impacts are almost similar.

The impacts may range from social withdrawal, inability to concentrate, poor overall health, trouble breathing, prolonged sadness, racing thoughts, racing speech, heightened mood, delusions to hallucinations. Analyses of empirical evidence on how each of these disorders relates to cannabis use will be done in later sections of this paper. For now, it is important to look at the basic constituents of cannabis. Constituents of Cannabis: The psychotropic aspects of cannabis have been acknowledged since time immemorial.

However, whether cannabis use comes with detrimental effects on mental health has for long remained a matter of debate. According to Bhattacharyya et al. (2010), cannabis’ chemical structure is made up two psychoactive ingredients that make it highly definitive of an individual’s psychological reactions or manifestations when used. These elements include Cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC). Of these, THC is the most psychoactive component is often responsible for the augmented risk of developing schizophrenia among the chronic cannabis users.

Cannabidiol, in contrast, shows antipsychotic effects and, thus, work in the opposite direction to THC. Recent studies on the effects of these two cannabis constituents on brain activation also confirm that they are, indeed, contrasting. A functional neuro-imaging as reported in Bhattacharyya et al. (2010: 770), for instance, shows that cannabidiol and THC activate brain regions differently. Cannabidiol in particular prevents the severe induction of psychotic symptoms by THC.

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