In many cultures, cannabis is believed to have restorative and curative properties. In some cases it is also believed to help improve men’s sexual health. Yet new studies indicate how eventually smoking up results in deteriorated mental health and schizophrenia.
No doubt that some ingredients of cannabis cannabidiol (CBD) – has the potential to dampen down psychotic symptoms, and could form the basis of new treatments yet street cannabis seems to lack the same and is potent with more THC levels.
It is thought that average THC content has risen from 6% to 12% in recent years. Although figures are not kept, it is estimated that as many as 500,000 people in the UK may be dependent on cannabis. The researchers warned that THC and CBD compete with each other biochemically, so a rise in THC levels would blunt any positive impact of CBD.
A King’s College London team gave healthy volunteers the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). They then recorded reduced activity in an area of the brain called the inferior frontal cortex, which keeps inappropriate thoughts and behaviour, such as swearing and paranoia in check.
In a second study, a team from Yale University administered THC intravenously. Even at relatively low doses, they found 50% of healthy volunteers began to show symptoms of psychosis. Volunteers who already had a history of psychotic symptoms appeared to be particularly vulnerable.
Professor Robin Murray of the Institute of Psychiatry is quoted to have said:
If something has an active effect in inducing the symptoms of psychosis after one dose, then it would not be at all surprising if repeated use induced the chronic condition
Therefore, while you might be smoking cannabis for a high instead it might give you a lifelong mental illness. Be warned!
Source: BBC