- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the chemical in marijuana that produces its psychoactive effects. This chemical has been proven to also be a mild pain reliever and sleep inducer, as well as an antioxidant.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the primary compounds extracted for medical marijuana. CBD has been provent to relieve convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, cough, congestion, and nausea, and it inhibits cancer cell growth.
- Cannabinol (CBN) is thought to inhibit the spread of cancer cells.
- β-caryophyllene is used to reduce inflammation.
- Cannabigerol relieves intraocular pressure of the eye, so it’s used in the treatment of glaucoma.
Side Effects
Researchers believe that regular cannabis use can have neurotoxic effects on maturing brain structures. A 2012 study found that people who started smoking before age 18 showed a greater decline in IQ and cognitive functioning than people who started as adults. Also, heavy teen users—an average of four or more times a week—who continued to smoke as adults experienced an 8-point IQ drop which could not be blamed on alcohol, other drugs, or less education.
READ: Teen Drug Abuse: The 6 Warning Signs
THC has what doctors and researchers know as “biphasic activity.” At low doses it has certain effects, and at high doses it can have opposite effects. In fact, somebody using it to get high with the right dose will be calm, have an appetite, see medical benefits, etc. But, take in too much THC, and a person can become irritable, even psychotic.
In 1937, the federal government passed the Marijuana Tax Act to prevent its recreational use. In the past 10 years, enforcing pot laws has cost taxpayers more than $211 million in the state of Washington alone, according to recent research by the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington State.