What Happens To Your Body When Smoking Weed

The Infographics Show・2 minutes read

Cannabis has over 700 strains globally, with CBD and THC as main active ingredients, affecting the brain and sensory experiences, leading to the "Munchies" effect. The history of marijuana dates back to ancient China for medicinal use, with the USA having a complex relationship with the plant, including a zero-tolerance policy on recreational drug use and spending $51 billion annually on anti-drug efforts.

Insights

  • Cannabis has a rich historical background dating back to ancient times, with THC playing a role in medicinal practices since 2800 BC, showcasing a long-standing relationship between humans and the plant.
  • The debate and policies surrounding marijuana, influenced by political and historical factors, have evolved significantly, leading to a zero-tolerance stance on recreational drug use in the USA, exemplified by President Nixon's "war on drugs" declaration in 1971.

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Recent questions

  • What are the main active ingredients in cannabis?

    CBD and THC

  • How does smoking marijuana affect the brain?

    THC enters bloodstream through lungs

  • What is the historical use of cannabis?

    Dates back to 2800 BC in China

  • How does consuming cannabis through different methods affect the high?

    Duration and intensity vary

  • What is the debate surrounding marijuana legalization influenced by?

    Political, cultural, and historical factors

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Exploring Cannabis: Origins, Effects, and Legalization"

  • Cannabis is a popular plant with over 700 strains available globally, originating from Central and South Asia.
  • Two main active ingredients in cannabis are CBD and THC, with CBD being non-psychoactive and THC causing the high.
  • Smoking marijuana leads to THC entering the bloodstream through the lungs, affecting various brain regions like the amygdala and basal ganglia.
  • THC stimulates neural activity, enhancing sensory experiences like taste and sound, leading to the "Munchies" effect.
  • Consuming cannabis through different methods like smoking or edibles affects the duration and intensity of the high.
  • The complexity of studying marijuana effects lies in the numerous strains, consumption methods, and individual differences.
  • Historical use of cannabis dates back to 2800 BC in China for medicinal purposes, spreading to India, Syria, Greece, and Rome.
  • Modern medical science validates some ancient beliefs, like THC's role in reducing body temperature to counteract fevers.
  • The USA's history with marijuana includes its introduction for medicinal purposes in the 19th century and its early use for industrial purposes.
  • The debate around marijuana legalization is influenced by political, cultural, and historical factors, with varying laws and perceptions globally.

11:25

"History and Impact of Drug Laws"

  • Hashish parlors, where hemp and cannabis were smoked, became fashionable by 1880, with around 500 in New York City alone.
  • Fraud and corruption in the drug industry led to stricter laws, pushing people to seek loopholes.
  • The American government, along with the FDA, aimed to close drug law loopholes, leading to a zero-tolerance policy on recreational drug use.
  • President Nixon declared a "war on drugs" in 1971, focusing on incarceration for drug-related offenses.
  • The USA spends approximately $51 billion annually on its anti-drug efforts, with fear-mongering being a significant part of the campaign.
  • Marijuana does not rot the brain, but there is a contested link between its use and psychosis, with THC being psychoactive.
  • Heavy marijuana use may accelerate the onset of psychotic disorders in individuals predisposed to them, potentially triggering psychotic episodes.
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