Balancing the ganja scale

THE use of ganja engenders strong feelings on either side of the issue across Jamaica. A dispassionate approach to the issue is therefore needed to evaluate benefits, burdens and risks, with a view to deciding whether a positive benefit/risk ratio exists that would warrant decriminalisation of ganja use in Jamaica.

THE EFFECTS OF GANJA

When smoked, the tetrahydrocannabinoids (THC) found in ganja are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, giving perceptible effects within minutes. When taken by mouth, pharmacological studies show that the peak effect may not occur for hours, but will last much longer that when ganja is smoked. The THC also persists in the brain longer than in the blood, so that psychological effects persist for some time after the level of THC in the blood begins to fall.

The National Commission on Ganja reported that a state of euphoric intoxication is induced in the acute phase of ganja use. There is mild intoxication, a state of relaxation and increased sociability, a heightened sensory perception - which some musicians say is helpful to their work - and an increased appetite. However, according to the World Health Organisation (1997), in higher doses, acute effects can include perceptual changes, the loss of one's sense of identity, and panic.

A single dose of cannabis for an inexperienced user, or an overdose for a habitual user, can sometimes induce a variety of intensely psychic effects, including anxiety, panic, paranoia, and feelings of impending doom. These effects usually persist for a few hours.

A study by Leirer and others carried out on the effects of ganja on aircraft pilot performance showed that cannabis use impaired flight performance at 15 minutes, 4 hours, 8 hours, and 24 hours after smoking. These results suggest that human performance while using complex machinery can be impaired as long as 24 hours after smoking as little as 20mg of THC, and that the user may be unaware of the drug's influence.

Signs of ganja intoxication include bloodshot eyes, lack of coordination, enhanced sensations and perceptions, increased appetite, dry mouth, possible dizziness, and nausea. According to the National Commission on Ganja, intoxication may also lead to a longer-lasting toxic psychosis involving delusions and hallucinations that can be misdiagnosed as schizophrenic illness in some people. This is temporary, and most times clears up within a few days of terminating the use of ganja. However, the WHO reports that it is well established that ganja can exacerbate the symptoms of those already suffering from schizophrenic illness and may worsen the course of the illness.

A number of factors may influence the effects that ganja may have on an individual. These include the potency of the ganja, as the THC content of marijuana varies among different plants, the route of administration, the smoking technique, the dose, and the user's unique biological vulnerability to the effects of the ganja.

EFFECTS ON OTHER ORGAN SYSTEMS

Like cigarette smoking, persistent smoking of ganja over prolonged periods can cause airway injury, lung inflammation and a decreased pulmonary defence against infection. The consequences include chronic bronchitis, emphysema and cancer. Other studies have also shown lowered sperm count and lowered sperm motility in ganja smokers when compared to non-smokers. Motility is the ability of sperm to swim up the vagina, through the womb and into the Fallopian tubes to effect fertilisation.

MEDICINAL USES OF GANJA

Researchers have conducted controlled studies that have shown beneficial uses for ganja. These include reducing nausea and vomiting, stimulating appetite and promoting weight gain (particularly important in patients with advanced cancer), and decreasing high intraocular pressure from glaucoma. Cannabis has also been used in some countries to reduce muscle spasticity caused by spinal injuries and tremors in multiple sclerosis, relief from migraine headaches, depression, seizures, insomnia, and chronic pain. An extract from ganja has also been used to treat asthma in Jamaica.

There is still a need for further research in several important areas, however, including clinical as well as epidemiological research in its effects on human health, its chemistry and pharmacology, and the various possible therapeutic uses for benefit to the general population. WHO has stated that there are still important gaps in our knowledge about the consequences of ganja use on health. Consequently, there needs to be continued objective research and ongoing public education about all aspects of the use of ganja.

In the meantime, our strategy in Jamaica should be to educate people about prevention and the possible consequences of ganja use, without criminalising those otherwise law-abiding citizens who use small amounts of ganja for personal, recreational or religious purposes. Supportive measures in minimising use and limiting access could be done through taxation and banning the herb's use in public spaces, as well as through serious health warnings posted at prominent places. Decriminalisation would thereby become a strategic platform for the reduction of ganja use, rather than total freeing up of its use.

The latter strategies are crucial, given ganja's potential for harm to children and juveniles exposed to it, as well as its potential effects on drivers and pedestrians in causing traffic accidents. These issues are important for both public morality and public health.                  Source"http://smokeeverytimeandeverywhere.blogspot.com/