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The Treatment of Mood Disorders Using Marijuana

In: Philosophy and Psychology

Submitted By bises
Words 1858
Pages 8
INTRODUCTION

Many studies have been suggested that marijuana is the root cause of many mental disorders. In spite of government warnings about health risks, many people see it as a harmless substance that helps you to relax and ‘chill’ – a drug that, unlike alcohol and cigarettes, might even be good for your physical and mental health. On the other hand, recent research has suggested that it can be a major cause of psychotic illnesses in those who are genetically vulnerable. This paper looks at the research on mood disorders and the use of cannabis for its treatment. It will brief on the types of mood disorders, their symptoms, and treatment and finally discuss both positive and negative effects of using marijuana as a ‘cure’ for mood disorders.

WHAT ARE MOOD DISORDERS?

Mood disorders, or affective disorders, are mental health problems such as all types of depression, bipolar disorder, and mania (Klasco, 2011). The disorders in this category include those where the primary symptom is a disturbance in mood; in other words, inappropriate, exaggerated, or limited range of feelings. There are chemicals in the brain, called endorphins, which are responsible for positive moods. Other chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, regulate endorphins. Most likely, depression (and other mood disorders) is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain (The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center). Life events (such as unwanted changes in life) may also contribute to a depressed mood.

WHAT IS MARIJUANA?

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug made from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant (cannabis sativa), (The Institute of Medicine, 1999). Scientists have learned a great deal about how TetraHydroCannabinol (THC) acts in the brain to produce its many effects. It has been proven that the cannabis plant contains active ingredients with therapeutic

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