The paradox of marijuana: in the midst of legalization fever, we are increasingly clear that smoking it is harmful

0
34
The paradox of marijuana: in the midst of legalization fever, we are increasingly clear that smoking it is harmful
the paradox of marijuana: in the midst of legalization fever,

That smoking is not good for health is something we have known for years. But when we say this, we are usually talking about tobacco, a substance that not only affects our lungs but also our cardiovascular health. Now a new study has found that the main active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may also be linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. It also opens the . The first is an epidemiological study conducted using data from 500,000 participants in the UK, of whom 11,000 smoked more than once a month. This study allowed to control for factors such as age, sex and other factors related to cardiovascular health. He found a positive relationship between cannabis use and cardiovascular problems.

But correlation does not imply cause. Although other factors have been controlled, the study is not able to determine with certainty if there is a direct causal relationship, which is why it classifies cannabis use as a risk factor. One consideration to keep in mind is that most of the consumption of this substance is done by smoking it. This makes it difficult to distinguish between the effects of the substance itself and those of the form of consumption.

The secret may lie in the cells of our veins and arteries. The second part of the analysis was biochemical. The team discovered that THC causes inflammation of the cells that line the inside of blood vessels, the endothelial cells; as well as the accumulation of fats and other substances in the walls of the arteries or atherosclerosis. At least in mice.

SEE ALSO  After trying the main radar applications, I am clear that I do not need one: Waze gives them a thousand thoughts

This second analysis is the one that contains the good news, and that is that genistein, a molecule present in some legumes such as beans or soybeans, can prevent this inflammation. Furthermore, genistein does not reach our brain in sufficient quantities to prevent THC from having effects such as relieving pain and nausea or stimulating appetite.

The legalization of cannabis continues to gain momentum in Spain.
Precisely these three are key factors mentioned in the previous paragraph in the medicinal use of cannabis. Since mid-2021, the Congress of Deputies has had a subcommittee that seeks to analyze experiences with the regulation of cannabis for medicinal use. This is an issue that has been on the legislative agenda for some time, but the social debate goes further and also includes the legalization of its recreational use.

Spain would not be the first country to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, and it should be remembered that its use is currently decriminalized. There are strong socioeconomic arguments in favor of legalization. In the first place, since it would mean different economic benefits, higher tax collection, new jobs and the emergence of a part of the now submerged economy.

The promises of legalization.
In Canada, this translated into an increase in GDP of 34.3 billion dollars (US) according to the estimate made by the consulting firm Deloitte. The income for the state coffers was, also according to Deloitte, 11.9 billion dollars. The import of the Canadian model is a possibility that would imply figures that are perhaps a little more modest, since the Canadian GDP is around 30% higher than the Spanish, although there are many factors that would affect the figure, tourism being perhaps one of the most important.

SEE ALSO  After years using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, I am clear about which system for the car is best

Not everything is money, and there are social reasons for the legalization of recreational use. This would imply, for example, easier control of cases in which use becomes abuse, it would imply less stigma linked to the risk of social exclusion in some individuals, and it would mean the elimination of a source of income in gangs dedicated to drug trafficking. and a drop in crime.

And its drawbacks.
In any case, cannabis is not a harmless substance for health. The legalization of recreational marijuana has been accompanied by problems such as a temporary increase in traffic accidents. These policies can also be expected to have a negative effect on long-term cardiorespiratory health. The liberalizing trend in marijuana contrasts with the greater control of substances that are already legal, such as alcohol and tobacco.

And how does this study affect the debate on the legalization of cannabis?
When considering the medical use of cannabis little. Cannabis treatments do not imply the need to smoke the product, so part of the irritating effects would not occur. Secondly, it should be clarified that medical cannabis does not necessarily involve the use of THC either, since components such as CBD can also be used in this context. Medical cannabis can be used in palliative care, in which case the possible long-term side effects are of little relevance.

It should also be noted that the use of medical cannabis is done under medical supervision. In this sense, it can be considered that the study implies good news, since there are already genistein food supplements, although all and therefore more “irritating”. In addition, in recreational use it is more common for the substance to be added, so the negative effects would be expected to be greater. On the other hand, it is worth referring to the use of the term “risk factor” since it implies that many other unobserved factors are related to these factors, including socioeconomic factors linked to the clandestine use of marijuana.

SEE ALSO  Gemini increasingly integrated into Android: the assistant can create events in the Calendar app

Image | Eduardo Verdugo/AP