Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a plant that is popularly used because of its psychoactive component that gives a relaxing “high” sensation. Studies have shown that it can give relief to chronic physical pain and symptoms of mental illness. Its dried leaves, stems and flowers are usually shredded and rolled and smoked like tobacco. Some also use its derivatives and infuse it with a variety of food like pastries and beverages.
Tobacco and Marijuana
Tobacco has always been the subject of much discussion regarding the dangers of secondhand smoke. It has affected millions of people over the years it was prevalent in society, but for the past decades, we have mitigated the effects by discouraging smokers and putting up designated places to smoke away from children and those with respiratory conditions. Recently, with the rise of marijuana consumption, there’s been an increasing trend of secondhand smoke affecting children. Across the states, there’s a legal age and conditions for a person to consume marijuana and children should not be exposed to this type of substance.
Second-hand Smoke Effects
In Colorado, with the increasing availability of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes, the cases of accidental ingestion and secondhand smoke of marijuana by children have also increased. From 2014 to 2016 the exposure of children to marijuana consumption has increased by 150% and a large part of this comes from legal marijuana consumption. The top lawyers from M. Trent Trani & Associates, P.C. advise that the legality of marijuana still entails restrictions that safeguard the citizens that do not or should not partake in marijuana consumption. Just like tobacco is legal there’s still a need to protect children even from legal marijuana consumption.
Short-time Effects
Marijuana has THC, an active ingredient that gives the high sensation and causes the user to feel the relaxing effect of the compounds. Intoxication from smoking marijuana can take place in 5-10 minutes and the effects will remain for a couple of hours. Ingestion will take a longer time to take effect, about 1-4 hours, but the effect will last longer.
Effects when Intoxicated
THC is connected with receptors on our nerve cells in a number of parts in the brain. It affects cognitive capacity, memory, focus, and body coordination. In adults and worse in children, it has the adverse effects of:
- Difficulty in cognition and problem solving
Marijuana and its derivatives affect your brain chemistry and the “high” effect may cause a feeling of being euphoric or too relaxed.
- It affects memory, thus dampens learning.
Because it lowers cognitive ability it affects your memory and consequently your ability to absorb new information.
- It decreases bodily coordination.
Body movement, including balance is dependent on the condition of the brain and just like strong painkillers marijuana affects your balance as you feel dizzy.
- It affects the senses and alters perception
Because of the change in brain chemistry it affects your senses and may cause you to alter your perception. This is manifested in the state of complete stillness or being “stoned” it also causes giggling in the most mundane things or events.
Post-Intoxication Effects
Although the effects are temporary, if these effects are manifested by children, then it’s not appropriate for their development. They may also experience side effects after taking in amounts of marijuana:
- Increased appetite
This is what is commonly referred to as the “munchies”. THC may increase ghrelin, a hormone linked to hunger.
- Lightheadedness
Just like being intoxicated by alcohol or other drugs the after-effects may include dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Limited inhibitions
The effects of marijuana are linked to your feelings and this is usually contentment and relaxation which dampers your reaction.
Long-term effects
Studies show that prolonged and continued exposure to these substances can have permanent or long-term effects.
- Brain Chemistry
The effects on the brain of marijuana consumption will affect our ability to focus, remember and perform at an optimum level. When suffered by children these effects will definitely affect their future prospects.
- Respiratory Problems
When children are continually exposed to marijuana it may affect their respiratory system and may manifest symptoms like chronic coughing and bronchitis.
- Emotional Issues
Some people who use a lot of marijuana report that they are experiencing depression or anxiety. A person with a condition like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, the use of marijuana can aggravate these symptoms.
- Affects Immunity
In adults, marijuana usage can decrease immunity and this is indicative that it may be worse for children to ward off infections if they are exposed to marijuana and its effects.
Responsible Consumption of Marijuana
If unable to avoid or stop using marijuana, especially for those who take for medical purposes, there are some ways to do it responsibly. This will avoid exposure to your children from marijuana and its effects.
- Don’t drive
This is very important. As marijuana can decrease your focus and can cause drowsiness it is imperative and legally sanctioned that you don’t drive while under the influence, especially when there’s a child in your car.
- Don’t expose your children
Don’t smoke around your children. If you have food infused with marijuana derivatives, keep it away from them.
- Select a suitable place to consume marijuana
The smoke lingers. Don’t smoke where your children will later occupy like in the living room or in the car. The smoke and the substances will adhere to curtains and furniture and it will expose the children when they come in contact with these objects.
- Clean yourself and surroundings
Change your clothes after you smoke and clean the place where you smoke too.
Even with the legality of marijuana, there are still dangers it imposes on children. Parents should take the necessary measure to educate themselves and their children about the effects of marijuana.
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