Cannabis Sativa - Literature review Example

English Essay: Cannabis Sativa Introduction Cannabis is natural occurring substances obtained from cannabis plant and it can act as a relaxant or mind hallucinogenic. Cannabis plant has a long history of medical use dating back in the ancient years across many cultures as people used herbs to treat illness. However, cannabis usage in the modern era has spun many controversies. In the recent years, several studies and research by scientists reveals Cannabis in terms of its effects and use in the medical field especially the mental. Cannabis plant has several species such as cannabis sativa and cannabis indica, where its leaves and flowers are dried commonly referred as grass, marijuana, spliff, and weed among others. Skunk is another species of Cannabis, which is the strongest and widely use because of its active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Various authors ignore the important use of cannabis sativa as a cure. In addition the solutions for illegal sale of cannabis sativa, the need for further research, the harmful effects of alcohol through making a comparison with alcohol have been ignored by various authors (Hall & Solowij 1611). The paper explores various authors’ discussion in the context of different articles relating to cannabis sativa in order to explore various issues that were ignored by the different authors. Discussion What the author ignored The articles ignored the fact that cannabis sativa can be beneficial in terms of medicinal purpose has been ignored by the various author in the articles. Hall and Solowij (1611) “cannabis produces euphoria and relaxation, time distortion” claim on the ways through which the cannabis is being abused by the youth and the need to curb the escalating statistics in relation to the use of cannabis sativa for various other reasons such as recreation. Hence the author ignored the use of cannabis sativa for medicinal purpose and concentrated on the other reasons for use of cannabis sativa. “When used in social setting it may produce infectious laughter and talkativeness”. (Hall and Solowij 1611-1621). This sentiment for the use of cannabis for various reasons was also supported by other authors. According to Fischer et. al. (324) different people use marijuana for varied reason such as for recreational purpose, medical aspects as it is associated with sub merging pain especially among cancer patients and suppress effects of mental illness. Thus, an ignored aspect involves the fact that cannabis can be used purely for medicinal purpose. The articles concentrated more on the adverse health effects of the use of cannabis sativa and ignore the health benefits of the use of cannabis sativa. The articles therefore concentrated on the adverse effects both physical and mental effects of cannabis sativa to the users. Another aspect that was ignored by the authors is the solutions for the illegal sale of cannabis sativa. The authors mainly concentrated on the adverse negative effects of cannabis sativa and ignored the important aspect of finding solutions to the trade of cannabis sativa that is considered as illegal in various parts of the world. According to Fischer et. al., (324) “similarly, current prevention and treatment efforts predominantly aim at abstinence”. The use of cannabis sativa is mainly associated with various health related risks. Therefore the article concentrates more on the guidelines to lower risks of cannabis sativa as opposed to finding various solutions for the illegal trade of cannabis sativa. Fischer et.al., failed to adopt or recommend various approach interventions that can be used to tackle particular health risks just like the alcohol policies are utilized to find solutions (Fischer et.al. 324-327). The articles explore the various policies that need to be implemented in terms of curbing the use and the effects of cannabis sativa. Despite the fact that the authors explored the use of various policies in different states an important aspect was ignored; solutions to the illegal sale of cannabis sativa. According to Gieringer, Dale & Carter, medical cannabis involves the legal use of marijuana in relation to medical purposes that is generally controlled through the use of various measures by a particular state. This article encouraged the prohibition of the use of cannabis as a result of the harmful effects that surpass the medical benefits. However, the author ignored a crucial aspect in terms of the various governments finding a lasting solution for the illegal trade of cannabis sativa. The author emphasized on the adverse effects of the use of cannabis rather that a solution for the use of cannabis (Gieringer et al., 42). The authors ignored the fact that there is need for more research to be conducted in relation to the issue of cannabis. According to Greydanus et.al., (219) the issue of provision of more information in relation to the benefits of cannabis and whether its benefits outweigh its risks was ignored by the authors. The element of research forms an important role as far as cannabis is concerned. The use of generalized assumptions was evident in the various articles as opposed to the use of research in relation to various aspects of cannabis (Greydanus et.al., 210-221). Despite many research being about the use of cannabis, its medical value and adverse effects, negative implications there still wide gaps in relation to exhausting the issue of cannabis sativa. Thus, the authors of these articles ignored the essential gaps in terms of further research that needs to be explored in relation to the risks versus the benefits of cannabis sativa. The gaps in the issue of cannabis sativa need to be filled through the use of relevant research work in the particular issues. Thus, the authors of the various articles ignored the need to conduct further research in the issue of cannabis sativa. The gaps in the issue of cannabis sativa can be filled effectively through the use of further research. This aspect was ignored due to the fact that the authors failed to make any form of recommendations for further research work. “What is well known is that there are many potential medical and psychiatric adverse effects to smoking cannabis and its synthetic derivatives” (225). The author ignored the harmful effects of cannabis through making a comparison with alcohol. According to Greydanus et.al.”marijuana smoke contains toxic chemicals in amounts similar to tobacco” (217) studies carried out by a group of scientists using animals as sample suggests that cannabis has large doses of lethal and pharmacological effects. Active chemical substances found in marijuana gets in the bloodstream of the user and later circulate in the entire body interfering with the functions of brain and lung. The substance takes time to leave the body system causing havoc and health complication. Overlooking complications arising from cannabis indulges, increases public health crisis affecting development and economy growth because substance abuse is additive and weakens body function interfering with productive individual in society. The problem needs prompt addressing with care, ensuring everyone with access to the substance gets warming and consequences about effects as well as dangers associated with Cannabis and establish prompt treatment regime to offer need aid to the users and manage the spread (Nordentoft & Hjorthoj 292-93). The use of cannabis sativa has far reaching harmful effects that cannot be compared to alcohol. Hence, the authors ignored the far reaching implications of the use of cannabis sativa through its comparison to alcohol abuse. Conclusion The various articles by different authors were important in highlighting information in relation to cannabis sativa. The authors discussed the adverse effects of the use of cannabis, the health or mental effects and the prohibition of the drug as illegal. However, the articles ignored various aspects that can be considered as important in the exploration of the issue of cannabis sativa globally. In conclusion, the authors of the different articles despite discussing important points ignored issues pertaining to the use of cannabis sativa for purely medicinal purpose, solutions for the illegal trade of cannabis sativa, the need for further researcher to be done and the harmful effects of cannabis sativa that makes it not to be comparable to alcohol. Hence, it is important to note that these aspects were important to be explored by the authors so as to address the issue of cannabis sativa effectively. Work Cited Benedikt, Fischer, Victoria, Jeffries, Wayne Hall,Robin Room, Elliot Goldner and Jurgen Rehm. “Lower risk cannabis Use Guidelines for Canada (LRCUG): A Narrative Review of Evidence and Recommendations”. Can J Public Health; 102(5):324-27. 2011. Gieringer, Dale & Carter, Gregory. “Marijuana medical handbook: practical guide to the therapeutic uses of marijuana”. Washington: Ed Rosenthal, 2008. Donald, Greydanus, Elizabeth, Hawver, Megan, Greydanus and Joav Merrick. “Cannabis: Effective and safe analgesic?” J Pain Manage 7(3):209-233; 2014. Hall, Wayne; Solowij, Nadia. “Adverse Effects of cannabis”. The Lancet; 352, 9140. November, 1998. Nordentoft, Merete; Hjorthoj, Carsten. “Cannabis use and risk of psychosis in later life”. 370, 9584, August, 2007. ProQuest Research Library. Read More