Yasmin WilliamsMARIJUANA (GANJA) use is an important issue for discussion as it is used by many people here. It is possible that some of these persons grew up seeing adults smoking after a hard day's work an attempt to relieve fatigue and to relax.
There are many wholesome activities which one can engage in to decrease stress and improve mental and emotional health. However, the truth be told, a
person often craves a quick fix to de-stress. A quick workout at the gym may do it for some, but for others, the usual recourse is 'a drink or two' at the neighbourhood bar or a smoke of
marijuana. The 'healthiness'
of the latter practice should be assessed.
The U.S. National Academy of Sciences has a report on the known medical facts about
marijuana. In August 1997, The Institute of Medicine (IOM), operating under the umbrella of the National Academy of Sciences, undertook a study to investigate specific issues related to marijuana use. The focus, however, was on the medical use of marijuana.
MAIN CHEMICALS
Cannabinoids have been
identified as the main chemicals in marijuana. The cannabinoids may be inhaled or ingested and it is thought that different
cannabinoids may have different effects on the body. Obtaining the cannabinoid directly from the plant source for medicinal use may not be a good idea, as the amount and quality would not be standardised.
Purified cannabinoids, made synthetically, would probably be better for producing needed good cannabinoid effects. Be
reminded that marijuana use can cause unpleasant feelings with decrease in coordination,
physical movement, perception, judgement and memory. It may also be associated with damage and possibly cancer of the lungs, can affect an unborn child and is sometimes associated with mental disorders and possibly depression of the immune system.
An important IOM study
finding was that marijuana was not more addictive than other commonly-used drugs, for
example, diazepam (valium) and dependence was said to be more likely in antisocial persons and persons with conduct disorders. Marijuana use in youngsters was found to occur after the use of tobacco and alcohol (legal drugs) and did precede the use of other illegal drugs.
EASING PAIN
The IOM review of existing data indicated that marijuana was effective for patients who were having severe pain, nausea and poor appetite. The psychological symptoms produced by the marijuana (decreased anxiety and sedation) would be
beneficial in these persons.
The IOM study team
recommended that there be an oversight committee, which would review the recommendation of any physician who prescribed marijuana for a patient, and that the marijuana be given for a short period, say, six months. Some proponents for available access to medical
treatment with marijuana suggest that, realistically, an oversight committee would lengthen the process and they argue that it would be cruel to take the patient off marijuana after six months.
It is thought that research could culminate at a later date in the manufacture of a drug for medical treatment that is rapid in onset and not 'smoked'.
Dr. Yasmin Williams is a family doctor and public health specialist; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
