What does the NHS have to say about cannabis?

It is one of the most widely used controlled substances in the UK.

Many say that cannabis gives them a feeling of relaxation, while others, who consume different strains, find that it gives them a laugh or a sense of newfound confidence or creativity.

Some of the chemicals present in the plant also present medical benefits, which are now recognized by law.

This means that some members of society can receive the substance for therapeutic purposes, reports NorthWalesLive.

But the NHS says that despite its popularity, smoking tobacco poses many health risks.

These include feelings of anxiety or paranoia and cardiovascular disease, as well as fertility problems, according to the NHS.

Health experts also warn that 10% of regular cannabis users become addicted, with withdrawal symptoms being a source of additional health problems.

Under what circumstances is cannabis use legal? What does the NHS say about it?

Is it legal?

Although cannabis is generally an illegal drug in the UK, its use is in accordance with the law in some cases – for medical purposes.

Although it is not available for the majority of patients, the Home Office announced in November 2018 that it would become legal to provide cannabis-based treatments to the NHS.

Those with epilepsy, nausea and chronic pain due to chemotherapy may all be prescribed with this drug, although only a very small number of patients are likely to receive such treatment.

In order to be prescribed marijuana for medical purposes, patients must be referred by their general practitioner to a medical specialist, who is authorized to recommend and approve such treatments.

The specialist will discuss all other treatment options first before considering a cannabis-based product that should only be given when all other treatments have failed or are considered inappropriate.

The NHS confirmed that: "Trials are underway to test cannabis-based drugs for other conditions [but] we will not know if these treatments will be effective before the end of the trials. "

This includes conditions such as cancer pain, glaucoma, eye disease and loss of appetite in people living with HIV or AIDS.

What does the NHS say?

In addition to recognizing the potential medical benefits of such a drug, the NHS also warns the public of health risks.

These include psychotic illnesses, lung problems and fertility problems, all badociated with long-term use.

Psychotic illness

The NHS warns that regular cannabis use can have quite harmful effects, including an increased risk of developing psychotic illness – such as schizophrenia.

He notes that a psychotic illness often involves hallucinations and delusions, so it is a particularly unpleasant consequence of the drug.

"Cannabis also increases the risk of relapse in people who already have schizophrenia and can worsen psychotic symptoms," the NHS added.

Pulmonary problems

The body of health has also revealed that cannabis smoking steadily increases the risk of developing bronchitis – irritation and inflammation of the lungs.

He further explained that, just like tobacco smoke, cannabis smoke "contains carcinogenic chemicals", but admits "that it is not certain that it increases the risk of cancer".

Those who badociate the drug with tobacco are also at risk for diseases such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Fertility problems

Research has shown that cannabis can cause fertility problems and problems during pregnancy.

Studies involving animals, for example, have indicated that the drug may interfere with sperm production in men and ovulation in women, explained the NHS.

There is also evidence suggesting that regular cannabis use during pregnancy could affect the baby's brain development, and the badociation of the drug with tobacco even increases the risk of premature labor.

Heart disease

Those who regularly smoke cannabis over a long period of time also increase their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.

According to the NHS, it's cannabis smoke that increases that risk – not the active ingredients of the plant itself.