Impact of Cannabis on Mental Health of People

Impact of Cannabis on Mental Health of People [Name of the Student] [Name of the Institution] [Subject] [Date] Introduction Cannabis or marijuana is the most cultivated, trafficked and consumed illegal drug in the world. It estimates that 2.5% of the world population consumes it, compared to 0.2% of other drugs such as cocaine or opioids, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Cannabis or marijuana is obtained from the Cannabis Sativa plant, it produces naturally large concentrations of chemicals, known as cannabinoids, responsible for the psychoactive effects produced by consumption. The cannabinoid receptors (CB 1 and CB 2), which are activated by the interaction of THC and others cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, transmit the signal to different tissues causing the psychoactive effects of consumption and altering the physiological function of the end cannabinoid system (Copeland, Rooke, & Swift, 2013). Throughout history cannabis has had multiple applications; recreational purposes, medicinal, religious, industrial, as currency and even as food, among others. In recent decades the relationship between cannabis and mental health has been the subject of research since the consumption of this drug has experienced a notable increase, mainly among young people, frequently causing negative consequences for mental health. According to the latest European Report on Drugs the prevalence of cannabis use among young people Europeans is the highest among illegal drugs, it is estimated that 1% of the European population Consume cannabis daily. 13.3% of the population between 15 and 34 years old used cannabis in the last year, being the male sex the most consumer (Hall, 2006). In addition, cannabis is the only drug which has shown a clear increase in the number of hospital emergencies and stands out as the third drug related to the greatest number of episodes of urgency in Spain. Cannabis abuse has increased in recent years to become the illegal drug of most frequent use. It is estimated that 2.5% of the population between 14 and 18 years old make a problematic use of cannabis. Currently, the literature reveals an association between mental health and cannabis use. The investigations carried out in recent years reveal the dangers derived from the consumption of this substance include the increased risk of suffering from various mental disorders, the development of disorders psychotic, anxiety disorders, cognitive impairment, antisocial behavior or the risk of suicide. However, while not all consumers of this drug have mental health problems there seems to be a risk in regular users with a certain vulnerability, especially associated with an age of early onset, frequent consumption and genetic predisposition. HE estimates that cannabis use during adolescence increases twice the risk of suffering depression and anxiety in the future. It can also increase the risk of the appearance of schizophrenia in vulnerable people as well as worsen the course of the pathology. The latest data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reveal an increase in the demand for global treatment related to disorders related to the cannabis, especially among young people under 18 years of age (Hall, &Degenhardt, 2009)...