Prohibition panders to political opportunism and makes hypocrites of governments who support legal and unhealthy alcohol and tobacco industries. Prohibition hypocrisy and black market profitability invite corruption in the police force, judicial system, customs and other authority areas.
In the majority of US states that approved medical cannabis, use by teenagers decreased due to a diminished “forbidden fruit” effect and decreased access. The unregulated streets have no age requirements. In licensed dispensaries you need to be 21 to purchase cannabis.
Cannabis today is the same plant that has been cultivated and used for thousands of years. However, due to the large number of varieties, the level of THC (the main neuroactive ingredient) differs widely.
Hemp seeds have become known as a ‘superfood’ thanks to their dense nutritional profile. They contain 30% fat, 80% of which is the ‘good’ kind – polyunsaturated.
Even after years of frequent use, cannabis smoking is not associated with any permanent lung harms, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), emphysema or reduced lung function.
There is no compelling evidence that cannabis causes some psychiatric disorders in otherwise healthy individuals. Most tellingly, rates of schizophrenia and other psychiatric illnesses have remained flat even during periods when cannabis use rates increased.
For many seriously ill people, cannabis is the only medicine that relieves pain and suffering, or treats the symptoms of their medical condition, without debilitating side effects.
Most people who try cannabis never go on to use any other illicit substance, and the vast majority of those who do, don’t become dependent or go on to have any associated problems.
Some short-term effects may include immediate changes in thoughts, perceptions and information processing. There’s no convincing evidence even heavy, long-term cannabis use by adults permanently impairs memory or other cognitive functions.
