मराठी

Addiction - Cannabis/Cannabinoids

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Estimated time: 18 minutes
CISCE: Class 12

Introduction

Cannabis refers to preparations derived from the plant Cannabis sativa (Indian hemp), used for their narcotic and euphoric properties.
Cannabinoids are the group of chemical compounds present in cannabis responsible for its psychoactive and physiological effects, the chief among them being THC (δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).

CISCE: Class 12

Botanical Source

  • Plant: Cannabis sativa (Indian hemp), a tall, robust annual weed.
  • Native region: Western and Central Asia; now grown across temperate and tropical regions.
  • Cultivation in India: Bengal, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, under strict government supervision.
  • Botanical features: Palmately divided leaves; glandular hairs rich in resin (the resin is the primary source of psychoactive compounds).

A flowering twig of Cannabis sativa

CISCE: Class 12

Forms of Cannabis

Form Plant Part Used Resin Content Mode of Use
Bhang Dried leaves, stems, flowering shoots Low Decoction in water/milk; occasionally smoked
Ganja Young female inflorescences High Smoked; also used in beverages; acts as sedative/hypnotic
Charas (Hashish) Resin exuded from leaves and female inflorescences Very high (pure resin) Collected by rubbing/beating plant; smoked
Marijuana Mixture of leaves, seeds, stem, flowering tops Moderate Smoked in joints/pipes; also taken orally in tea/food
CISCE: Class 12

Active Principle and Mechanism

  • Active compound: δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
  • Mechanism: THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system, disrupting normal neurotransmission.
  • Analogy: THC acts like a "key" that fits into the brain's natural cannabinoid receptor "locks", triggering effects the body's own chemicals would normally regulate in smaller doses.
CISCE: Class 12

Effects of Cannabis Use

Acute (Short-Term) Effects

  • Euphoria, relaxation, sleepiness
  • Reduced defensiveness, spontaneous laughter
  • Increased hunger, dry mouth
  • Vivid visual imagery, keener hearing
  • Physical signs: red eyes, dilated pupils, increased pulse rate

Effects at Higher Doses

  • Short-term memory impairment
  • Difficulty performing complex tasks
  • Confusion between past, present, and future
  • Depersonalization, hallucinations, delusions
  • Paranoid feelings, disorganized thinking, anxiety/panic

Chronic (Long-Term) Effects

  • Apathy and dullness
  • Impaired judgement, concentration, and memory
  • Neglect of personal appearance, hygiene, and diet
CISCE: Class 12

Health Risks

System Affected Effect
Immune system Lowered resistance to infections
Digestive system Reduced stomach acid and antibody production
Respiratory/Cardiac Increased risk of lung cancer and heart disease
Reproductive (males) Impaired fertility
Reproductive (females) Suppressed ovulation, hormonal changes
Offspring of users Small head size, irritability, poor growth, lower birth weight
CISCE: Class 12

Dependence, Withdrawal, and Cannabis Psychosis

  • Cannabis use is classified as abuse and dependence; however, "true addiction" typically does not develop.
  • Withdrawal symptoms: irritability, anxiousness, mood changes, tremors, perspiration, nausea, and sleep disturbances.
  • Cannabis psychosis: Large doses may cause confusion, drowsiness, and irrational behaviour lasting several days due to slow elimination of THC from the body.
CISCE: Class 12

Treatment and Prevention

  • Treatment: Usually managed on an outpatient basis through group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, and educational programmes.
  • Monitoring: Urine testing; THC remains detectable for up to thirty days after last use.
  • Prevention: Health education and value training focused on relapse prevention, helping individuals recognise and avoid high-risk situations.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Cannabis / Cannabinoids

  • Source: Cannabis sativa (Indian hemp)
  • Four forms: Bhang, Ganja, Charas, Marijuana - differ in plant part and resin content
  • Active principle: THC (δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol)
  • Effects: Mood/memory alteration, motor and cognitive impairment
  • Health risks: Immune suppression, lung/heart disease, fertility issues
  • Dependence occurs, but true addiction is rare
  • THC detectable in urine for up to 30 days
  • Treatment: Outpatient therapy + prevention through health education

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