Cannabis addiction: hashish and marijuana

By Cristiano Antonino On Apr 26, 2023

Phyto-cannabinoids (hashish, marijuana) are widespread cannabis addiction is now extremely common

Hashish and Marijuana have an intoxication mechanism that is characterised by a sense of euphoria and well-being, followed by disinhibition, increased appetite and sexual activity, impaired cognitive and psychomotor performance.

Depending on the balance between the different active ingredients it may contain (around four), completely different forms of marijuana can be created for the organic and psychological effects it can give (psycho-stimulants, relaxants, psychotropics, hallucinogens, energisers, sedatives, stimulants of sexual activity…).

To date, two types of cannabinoid receptors have been identified: CB1 and CB2

These are very important in the study of the various forms of cannabis dependence if we consider that the effects of phyto-cannabinoids on the body depend on the balance of active ingredients they contain but also on the type of receptor they act on.

The identification of receptors for phyto-cannabinoids, which is essential for understanding hashish and marijuana addiction, came about following the discovery of the existence of endo-cannabinoids (‘anandamide’ and ‘2-AG’ being the most studied), i.e. our ‘natural marijuana’.

Cannabis and human physiology

The ‘endo-cannabinoid’ system is of great importance to the normal functioning of the organism, as it presides over functions such as: appetite regulation, endocrine functions, perception of pain and gratification, motor control, immune modulation, sexual functions, brain development, higher cognitive functions (memory, attention and learning), etc.

Any disruption of the endo-cannabinoid system, e.g. through the use of phyto-cannabinoids, can also dramatically affect the nervous system, especially during development in adolescence.

Hall and his collaborators (1995) described the acute and chronic physical and psychological consequences of cannabinoid abuse.

Acute effects include anxiety, dysphoria, panic, paranoia (especially in untested ‘smokers’ or in subjects receiving THC for therapeutic purposes) and cognitive impairment, especially of memory and attention (short-term memory is impaired and mental associations are loosened).

This detachment from reality makes it difficult to sustain purposeful psychic activity.

The acute effects of hashish and marijuana addiction also include the impairment of psychomotor functions (hence the danger of increased accidents if an intoxicated person drives a vehicle): cannabis affects muscle control, reaction time and the ability to complete simple and complex tasks.

Intuitively, ‘disinhibition’ (another acute effect of hashish and marijuana use) may also play a role in this, involving excessive nonchalance and underestimation of risks.

Possible effects also include the possibility of experiencing psychotic symptoms (mostly by those who are vulnerable due to personal or family history).

Among the chronic effects of cannabis use, the cited authors propose as possible: respiratory diseases, chronic bronchitis, epithelial changes considered precursors of malignant neoplasms.

Cannabis addiction and abuse of hashish and marijuana can also result in impaired organisation and integration of complex information

Possible effects also include: increased risk of malignant tumours of the upper respiratory and digestive tract (oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus) and decline in work ability and school performance in adolescents.

The development of cannabis dependence, characterised by the inability to stop or control the use despite awareness of negative effects of cannabis use and the desire to quit, affects 1 in 10 of those who smoke sporadically, 1 in 3 of those who smoke daily.

The lack of awareness of the problem probably stems from underestimation of its danger.

The person asking for help to detach from cannabis use must be informed that no serious physical problems are encountered when detaching, and that no specific drug therapy is indicated for detoxification.

It is useful, however, for the subject to have psychotherapeutic support to help him or her cope with the need to change habits, a process that will naturally entail specific difficulties, since cessation of use may highlight the specific function performed by the substance in personal functioning (e.g. regulating mood, managing negative emotions, overcoming interpersonal difficulties…).

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