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Understanding Why People Use Cannabis

Cannabis, often referred to as marijuana among other names, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used for medical or recreational purposes. The use of cannabis is widespread, with a significant number of people worldwide, including teenagers, partaking for various reasons.

The Historical and Cultural Background of Cannabis Use

To fully understand why people use cannabis, it's essential to look at its history. Cannabis has been used for thousands of years, not only for its psychoactive effects but also for medicinal, spiritual, and industrial purposes. Ancient texts from India mention its use in religious and medicinal contexts as early as 2000 to 1400 BCE. In many cultures, it has been used in rituals and ceremonies, believed to elevate spiritual experiences.

In more modern times, cannabis gained popularity in the Western world in the 20th century, often associated with the counterculture movements of the 1960s. Today, the legal status of cannabis varies by country, with some areas having decriminalised or legalised it's medical and even recreational use.

Reasons Behind the Usage of Cannabis

Medical Benefits: One of the significant reasons people turn to cannabis is for its medical benefits. Cannabis contains CBD (cannabidiol), a substance that is thought to help manage anxiety, alleviate pain, and reduce seizure occurrences without the psychoactive effects that THC provides. Medical cannabis is prescribed to help with chronic pain, the side effects of chemotherapy, and various neurological and mental health conditions.

Recreational Use: Many people use cannabis for its psychoactive effects, which can include feeling relaxed, euphoric, or altered senses. The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in cannabis is primarily responsible for these effects. Recreational use is often about the enjoyment of these sensations or socialising with friends in settings where cannabis is part of the social fabric.

Mental Health Management: Some individuals use cannabis as a way to manage mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Users often report that cannabis helps to calm their mind, relieve stress, and induce sleep.

Real-Life Impact on Young People

For teenagers, the allure of cannabis can be particularly strong due to peer pressure, curiosity, and the portrayal of cannabis use in media and popular culture. However, the impact on young users can be profound and varied:

• Cognitive Development: Research suggests that the adolescent brain is still developing and that THC can adversely affect this process, potentially leading to issues in memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
• Mental Health: While some young people use cannabis to relieve symptoms of mental health issues, there is evidence to suggest that early and regular use can lead to a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, including psychosis and depression, especially in those predisposed genetically.
• Social and Legal Consequences: Engaging in illegal cannabis use can lead to significant social and legal consequences. Being caught with cannabis can result in penalties such as fines or other legal issues, not to mention potential school-related repercussions like suspension or expulsion.

Strategies for Dealing With Cannabis Use

Whether dealing with personal use or the use by peers, here are some strategies to help manage or mitigate the impact of cannabis:

• Stay Informed: Understanding the effects, laws, and risks associated with cannabis use can empower you to make better decisions. Resources like health services or educational websites can provide this information.
• Seek Support: If you're struggling with cannabis use, consider talking to someone you trust, such as a family member, health professional, or counsellor. Schools also often have resources for students to seek help confidentially.
• Consider the Long-Term: Reflect on how cannabis fits into your life goals and personal health. Considering the future might help put your actions in perspective, especially if you're faced with peer pressure.
• Alternative Coping Strategies: For those using cannabis as a means to manage stress or mental health issues, exploring alternative coping mechanisms like sports, hobbies, or meditation can be beneficial.

Understanding why people use cannabis is the first step towards a broader awareness of its impacts. For young people, navigating this challenging landscape often involves making informed choices and seeking help when needed.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

• Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
• The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.