Marijuana can have depressant, stimulant, and hallucinogenic effects due to its active compounds THC and CBD. THC is the primary psychoactive compound that binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain to produce feelings of euphoria. Regular marijuana use can lead to dependence and negatively impact cognitive functions. Additionally, use during brain development periods like adolescence can impair brain development and connectivity. While legalized in some areas for medical or recreational use, marijuana possession and use without a prescription remains illegal in many states and countries.

1. Dr. Sushma Rathee
Assistant Clinical Psychologist
PGIMER, Chandigarh
Email: sushmaratheecp@gmail.com

2.  Marijuana can be classified as allthree of the following due to the
wide range of effects marijuana can cause:
 Depressant
 Stimulant
 Hallucinogenic
 The enjoyable effects of marijuana include:
 Feelings of euphoria
 Increased sense of wellbeing
 Talkativeness

3. It is a type of substance which has a component known as Delta
9-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
It is the primary psychoactive compound of the cannabis. CBD
(Cannabidiol) is another important cannabinoid molecule which
affects the brain by increasing the level of a natural cannabinoid
in the brain.
Both of these cannabis compounds are related with the effect of
relaxing and anti-anxiety. In cannabis concentration of THC has
been increased more than 12% in last 30 years, which is making
this drug stronger than it used to be.

4. Beyond the THC and CBD compounds, cannabis also refereed
two other types of receptors known as Cannabinoid Receptor
Type 1 (CB1), and Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 (CB2).
These receptors are found as the part of normal
endocannabinoid system (ECS). The CB1 receptors are
scattered in the regions of the brain mainly hippocampus,
prefrontal cortex and other areas those involved in higher
cognitive functions.
So, CB1 has been controls cognition and memory, perception,
and control of motor function etc. The CB2 receptors are found
mainly in cells of the immune system, which effect on pain and
inflammation. Both of the receptors are located in the
presynaptic terminals and they regulate other neurotransmitters

5. 1. Marijuana: It consist the dried flowers, leaves and stems of female
Cannabis plant. It is the most widely consumed form of cannabis and
it contains around 3% to 20% of THC and maximum up-to 33% as per
report in 20131. This is also known as the stock material from which all
other substances of cannabis are derived.
2. Kief: It is a type of powder, which is rich in trichomes and it contains
leaves and flowers of cannabis plants. It has been used either in form of
powder or compressed to produce cakes of hashish.
3. Hashish: It is also known as Charash and produced from Kief. It is varied
in the form of color from black to golden brown, which is basically
depends upon purity, quality and the method from which this has been
obtained. It can be consumed orally or smoked, and is also vaporized, or
'vaped'.
4. Hash oil: This is a resinous matrix type of cannabinoid. Hash oil is
extracted by solvent and formed into a hardened or viscous mass. It has the
most strong and powerful level of psychoactive compound.

10. 1). Dependency: The evidence found in the literature suggests
that use of cannabis for long periods can lead to dependence.
One out of six who used marijuana during teenage and 25% to
50% who smokes it daily will develop dependence. The
dependence of the cannabis depends on many factors.
As per the statistical analysis, around 90% of people who had
used cannabis become dependent on it, as compared to 32%
users of tobacco, 20% users of cocaine users, and 15% users of
alcohol

11. 2. Effect on the Developing brain: It has been reported that,
the growth of brain continue from prenatal period to
approximately 21 years of age.
It has been found that THC exposure during prenatal or
adolescent stages in animals as well as human being appears
as a reward system to other drugs and also impairs axonal
connections between neurons and also developed
asymmetrical in prefrontal cortex .

12. 3. Cognitive Functions: Persistent and heavy use of
cannabis adversely effect on cognitive functions but when
they quit or reduced the use of cannabis they were able to
restore their cognitive functions compare to others.

13.  Marijuanahasbecome much more potent inthelast10 to 15 years
(a500–800% increaseinTHCpotency).Smoking 3 to 5 “joints”or
“blunts”aweek todayis equivalentto 15 to 40 “joints”aweek 10 to
15 years ago.
 Many peopleclaimmarijuanahasno long-term effectson the brain.
 Someone who smokes 3 or more timesper week is NEVER
free from the effectsofmarijuanaactingon the brain
 Changes inmentalfunctioning are so subtle,users oftenrealize
thatthey canno longer work assafelyor efficiently.
 Combining alcoholor other depressants/stimulantswithmarijuana
canproduce aquadruple effect, increasingtheimpairing
consequences ofboth drugs.

14.  Currently (10/2015), marijuana has been legalized for medical
use in 20U.S. states, and it has been legalized for recreational
use in four U.S. states.
 In NEW JERSEY, marijuana is only legal for medical use.
Possession and use of marijuana requiresa prescription.
Possession and use of marijuana without a prescription is
illegal in New Jerseyand can result inarrest.
 In India also agriculture of cannabis has been started in 2017.