Cannabis was first used in central Asia or western China in 2800 BC. Cannabis was first used to treat a variety of different health problems. According to The University of Sydney, these health problems included arthritis, depression, amenorrhea, inflammation, pain, lack of appetite, and asthma. Before marijuana was only seen as a remedy but “In 2021, 35.4% of young adults aged 18 to 25 (11.8 million people) reported using marijuana in the past year.” Most of these people also don’t have the right mindset or have good intentions when using these illegal drugs.

Marijuana has both short-term and long-term effects on the brain. When a person smokes marijuana, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, THC quickly passes from lungs into the bloodstream. The blood carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. A person feels the effects after 30 minutes to one hour. Some people like and use cannabis due to the benefits of it but don’t know that they can be hurting their lungs, their heart, and brain as much as they would think or want.

Some of the benefits of using cannabis are lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, preventing relapse in drug and alcohol addiction, treating anxiety disorders, preventing seizures, and fighting cancer. Smoking marijuana in hand-rolled cigarettes (joints), or in pipes or water pipes (bongs), blunts, vaporizers, etc. cause many health problems as well and isn’t as safe as liked to advertise. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, “Cannabis (marijuana) is one of the most used drugs in the United States, and its use is widespread among young people.”

These health problems include breathing problems, problems with child development during and after pregnancy, increased heart rate, intense nausea and vomiting, temporary hallucinations, temporary paranoia and loss of IQ. Some people think that nothing bad can happen when using marijuana or any other type of drug until they are really stuck on that drug and can’t function without it because they convince their brains and even themselves that they can do more and better under the influence of a drug.

There are different types of cannabis and uses for them. The main types of cannabis are Sativa, Indica, Hybrid, and Ruderalis. According to Healthline, Sativa and Indica are the more commonly used. Sativa has an energizing effect while Indica has a relaxing effect which can help you sleep better. These drugs are more craved by people. “Although cannabis use is often associated with potential benefits, it can also produce unwanted side effects.” People then sometimes make the mistake of not knowing the disadvantages and just get carried away by promising things instead of the safer things.

Cindy Estrada, a science teacher, noted some of the benefits she knows and a disadvantage.  She said, “Many people take it as medicinal. I know some people take it as a sleep aid or for anxiety, if they are trying to calm themselves. A disadvantage would be cannabis is a recreational drug.”