What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis describes a genus that includes psychotropic plants named Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. It is one of the most widely used medications in the world. It is produced when the blossoms of these plants are collected and dried. Some refer to it as pot, some as weed, and still others as marijuana. Cannabis is referred to as marijuana, in contrast to terminology like "weed" or "pot," which some people connect with its illicit usage. In addition, the word "marijuana" is losing popularity because of its racist connotations.
What Are the Components of Cannabis?
Cannabinoids are the group of molecules that make up cannabis. While the exact functions of each cannabinoid are still unknown, experts do know a fair amount about two of them: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Each type has unique uses and consequences.
-
CBD - Although this is a psychoactive cannabinoid, it does not make one feel intoxicated or euphoric, so they are unlikely to feel "high." It is frequently used to lessen pain and inflammation. Additionally, it might lessen anxiety, seizures, migraines, and nausea. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized Epidiolex, the first and only prescription drug containing CBD. This drug is prescribed to treat specific types of epilepsy.
-
THC - This is the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. THC causes the "high" that most people associate with cannabis.
What Are the Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis?
Short-Term Effects:
There are several immediate impacts of cannabis use. While some are helpful, others raise additional red flags. Among the most preferable immediate outcomes are:
-
Giddiness.
-
Feeling more strongly the sights and noises around, as well as an increased appetite.
-
Altered understanding of events and time.
-
Concentration and innovation.
However, some people may experience serious side effects from cannabis. Possible side effects include
-
Problems with coordination.
-
Delayed response time.
-
Nausea, sluggishness, nervousness, and an elevated heart rate.
-
Lower blood pressure.
-
Apprehension.
Moreover, the way people consume cannabis can affect its short-term effects. The effects of cannabis smoking take effect quickly. If people consume cannabis orally, for example, through a pill or food, it can take a few hours before they experience any effects. Furthermore, cannabis frequently comes in many strains. These are merely broad classifications meant to show the impacts of various cannabis products.
Long-Term Effects:
Researchers are still working to comprehend cannabis use's long-term impacts completely. It will need much more extensive, long-term human research to fully comprehend the long-term impacts of cannabis use.
-
Respiratory Problem: Similar risks apply to smoking cannabis as they do to smoking tobacco. The airways' irritation and inflammation could be the cause of this. Cannabis may increase the chance of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has been linked to bronchitis (an inflammation of the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs). Recent research, though, has not revealed much evidence linking cannabis usage to lung cancer.
-
Brain Development: Compared to those who do not use cannabis in their teens, individuals who begin using it in their teens typically experience higher memory and learning issues. However, it is unknown how long-lasting these impacts are. Adolescent cannabis users may also be more susceptible to mental health problems, such as schizophrenia (chronic brain disorder), in the future.
-
Dependence: Cannabis use can potentially lead to dependence in certain persons. Some even report experiencing mood swings, irritability, and decreased appetite as withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking cannabis. People using cannabis under the age of 18 between four and seven times a day are more likely to develop a problem than those who start later in life, based on the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
How Does Cannabis Affect Eyes?
Cannabis use can affect a patient's eyes and vision in several ways that are acute. The conjunctival hyperemia is the most noticeable symptom. Additionally, reports of cannabis-causing acquired ptosis exist. Cannabis has also been used to treat blepharospasm; however, there have also been studies that indicate cannabis may cause certain individuals to tremble in their eyelids. Reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) is another indicator, while cannabis may not always affect IOP or may slightly increase it in certain situations. However, practitioners of ocular care are aware that any IOP decrease associated with cannabis usage is more transient and less potent when compared to FDA-approved medications.
How Should Ophthalmologists and Optometrists Incorporate Cannabis Usage into Their Patient Evaluations and Treatment Plans?
Eye care specialists should inquire about cannabis use specifically. While some locations may still require patients to disclose this information on intake forms that inquire about "illicit drug" use, not all patients may feel comfortable answering such a question. Furthermore, as cannabis has become more widely legalized, it is no longer regarded as an illegal substance in many jurisdictions. Therefore, it is crucial to inquire specifically about cannabis use.
Subsequently, it can be crucial to inquire about the frequency of usage, dosage, kind, and form (certain forms have considerably higher concentrations, and some forms, such as edibles, have delayed effects). Knowing how recently a patient has used cannabis will be crucial for the more severe effects that can affect the patient's assessment at the time of visit. In a similar vein, doctors might also need to take this information into account when calculating the patient's IOP; if it is somewhat elevated, it might have been significantly higher if cannabis had not been used recently, necessitating an earlier IOP recheck follow-up. Similarly, knowing the potential effects of cannabis usage on the pupil or eyelids might help the clinician determine when and if a differential diagnosis is necessary.
Conclusion
The word "cannabis" is being used more and more to describe marijuana or weed. Cannabis has a variety of immediate and long-term impacts that might be advantageous or detrimental. If so, think about consulting a physician or pharmacist in advance to ensure it will not conflict with any prescription drugs or dietary supplements that are currently used. One can weigh the potential advantages and hazards to health with the assistance of a physician.
