Firdaus Khan
New Delhi. Cannabis or 'bhang' can cause psychosis, increase heart rate and BP and also harm brain of the fetus if taken during pregnancy. Celebrate Holi without bhang said Dr K K Aggarwal, President, Heart Care Foundation of India.
The acute side-effects caused by cannabis or 'bhang' are mainly related to psyche and cognition and to circulation. Euphoria, anxiety, changes in sensory perception, impairment of memory and psychomotor performance are common effects after a dose is taken, that exceeds an individually variable threshold.
Cannabis consumption may increase heart rate and change blood pressure, which may have serious consequences in people with heart disease. Effects of chronic use may be induction of psychosis and development of dependency to the drug. The effects on cognitive abilities seem to be reversible after abstinence, except possibly in very heavy users.
Cannabis exposure in utero may have negative consequences on brain development of the fetus with subtle impairment of cognitive abilities in later life. Consequences of cannabis smoking may be similar to those of tobacco smoking and should be avoided. Cannabis use in young people has more detrimental effects than use by adults.
Some facts
The heavy use of cannabis is known to be associated with some adverse consequences, such as the occurrence of acute psychotic episodes and development of chronic schizophrenia in some people even after its use has been stopped.
Cannabis use may precipitate psychosis among vulnerable individuals, increase the risk of relapse among those who have already developed the disorder, and may be more likely to lead to dependence in persons with schizophrenia.
Cannabis is an independent risk factor, both for psychosis and the development of psychotic symptoms.
Many cases have been described, where long–term abuse of 'bhang', the mildest of cannabis preparations, has been found to be responsible for causing a schizophrenia–like psychosis. Disturbance in thinking and perception occurs in a state of clear consciousness with little disturbance in memory.
'Bhang', similar to alcohol can impair driving skills.
Alcohol, smoking and 'bhang' are often consumed with each other.
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