"Marijuana: The happiness drug?" Essay- Part 1

Some philosophers claim that to achieve happiness should be from a person's natural state. However other philosophers are known for trying substances and using the effects to try to study other philosophical theories. To some marijuana may just be another drug they have heard of but to others it is their source of happiness. Marijuana is a popular drug into today’s culture. 

  Marijuana is known by many terms the most commonly known are “weed,” “pot,” or “cannabis.” This drug is popular for causing relaxation when it is consumed. In the United States the most common method of consumption of marijuana is smoking.  

Marijuana can be smoked through pipes, bongs, rolled in papers, and burned as concentrated oil called "dabs.”  "The psychoactive part of the cannabis plant, tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC, is highly concentrated in the leaves and resinous flowering tops". The smoker will inhale the marijuana and hold it in the lungs as long as possible, in attempt to get the strongest effect of THC. The psychoactive reaction occurs in one to ten minutes and peaks in about ten to thirty minutes, with a total duration of about three to four hours". Marijuana is smoked to give the smoker a sense of calm and reduce stress. It may also be smoked for medical reasons such as relieving pain. Smoking is known to do damage to the lungs. This knowledge is known through the effects of smoking tobacco. Even though tobacco smoke is not the same as marijuana smoke, they do have some similarities. Both have particulate matter and carcinogens. However, marijuana has been studied to minimize carcinogenic effects. The particulate matter, like cigarette smoke, causes an inflammatory response on the pulmonary system. Some evidence suggests that smoking marijuana has adverse effects on the respiratory systems and the bronchodialator effects. 

Researchers in 1990 discovered brain cannabis receptors, that indicates the Central Nervous System contains natural compounds in the brain that are similar to THC. These brain compounds have roles relating to physiological processes such as appetite, memory, and pain. Cannabis triggers the same effects, as well as the release of dopamine. Having the THC in marijuana act as a dopamine agonist and affecting the brain receptors like an opiate would.  Dopamine stimulates pleasure centers in the brain, leading to a craving for more marijuana. 

Marijuana has different effects based on what doses it is consumed. In low doses the effects are restlessness, a sense of well-being, a dreamy relaxation, and hunger, mainly craving sweets. However, in higher doses there is a change in sensory perception which results in vivid senses, also altering thought processes in formation and expression. Thought processes affected are learning, short-term memory, and reaction time. Marijuana has many negative connotations but there are said to be many medical benefits as well.  Some of the beneficial effects have caused states to change their laws making it legal in some circumstances. In part two of this essay I will discuss the surrounding legal issues around this drug and psychology theories as to why it may make people happier. 

It is key to remember happiness can only come from the individual and not a drug. If someone continues to search for happiness in things, substances, or people instead of themselves they will always be chasing a better feeling that may be un-achievable.  

source used: Abadinsky, H.(2014) Drug Use And Abuse : A Comprehensive Introduction. Cengage Learning.