The taboo around cannabis is receding, and an ardent focus on its medicinal benefits is taking the front seat. With the relaxation of laws on the recreational and medical use of cannabis in some states, young and old alike are eager to experience and reap its healing properties.
Speaking of use among the youth, their mental health as a user of different forms of the herb is a matter of consideration. Let’s find out how it affects the mental health and ways to keep that under control.
Why does the youth love using it
It has to be understood why youth love to indulge in using psychoactive substances, including cannabis. The general assumption is because they feel good and euphoric after consumption. Inhalation, oral intake (edibles), or topical application are a few methods of ingestion. Smoking and vaping methods are likable among youth. These methods require cannabis concentrates like wax, oil, dabs, and shatter.
The youth gravitate more towards it to experience the relaxing benefits and have some fun with friends. Another reason is curiosity, which ignites the urge to explore the herb. Besides loving the way cannabis can give empowerment and a mental elation, people also witness an improvement in their performances. For the youth, it can help them concentrate better, similar to the way caffeine does.
Effects of Cannabis on Mental Health
In every stage of life, we have to go through some mental pressure. The same is the case with youth. The stress to get good grades, perform better, peer pressure, find a good job can take a toll on their health. Smoking cannabis can relieve them from this stress by calming down their bodies. People start self-administering, and that might transform into a habit.
However, cannabis might adversely affect the mental health of those individuals who already have some underlying symptoms. For instance, genetically if your family has a history of depression, anxiety, and other mental illness, probably you are at a higher risk. If not, the moderate and correct use of this herbal medicine can relief you from several health concerns. It can help relieve anxiety and depression in some and alleviate chronic pain, muscle pain, improve appetite, elevate mood, and manage weight.
The problem arises due to ignorance. A recent study highlighted that the probable risks of cannabis use occur when people fail to communicate and understand the effects of dependency.
The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) component of cannabis is what gives it the psychoactive properties. When ingested, it moves to the bloodstream and then reaches the brain to create an effect. But also, there are more than 500 different chemical constituents in the cannabis plant. Now, these interact with receptors in our brain and body known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Varying the dosage of cannabis can have different physiological and psychological effects. In terms of depression, science proves the fact that ECS regulates our mood disorder. It is hard to say that just because of THC, CBD (cannabidiol) or any other single substance use of cannabis leads to mental health troubles among youth.
The following aspects are necessary to comprehend the effect:
- The brain at an early age is still developing and hence is susceptible to the harm.
- The frequency of use
- The potency of cannabis compounds (THC, CBD, THCV, Terpenoids, etc.)
- Hereditary mental health history
- Other factors (time and combinations with other substances like alcohol or other drugs)
How to Stay Safe and Maintain Healthy Balance
If you are a parent concerned about your child’s health, make sure they reach the right age to experience it. Do not restrict them. Educate about the benefits and risks of dependency. Peer pressure influences this section of the generation to indulge in novel activities. Identify their friends and keep a close eye.
If you are a user reading this, keep in mind the following:
- While using, do not rush and wait for a minute or two to see how your body reacts
- Avoid mixing with other forms of drugs
- Do not use it while doing any activity
- Use it along with people you have faith. Keep an eye on each other
- Skip it if you have any activity to do the next day
Occasional consumption will not harm you. To maintain a healthy physical, and psychological balance, stick to regular exercise, a healthy diet, and keep track of sleep patterns. Remember to purchase only from an authentic online dispensary Canada to get quality products with proper labeling of the contents.
Conclusion
Acceptance of cannabis recreational and medicinal use is growing around the world. As for mental health, people using it to escape from painful emotions might worsen situations. They tend to repeat using such mind-altering substances as a therapy to get relief. The only area that needs attention now is clear awareness before consumption on how the different components interact with the human body.
