Before weed destroys your mind garden....

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 According to The National Crime Report Bauru 2019 reports, India is one of those countries with the highest cultivation and production of cannabis. The study was done by AIIMS in 2019 states that about 7.2 million people in India consume bhang. Of late, there has been an increase in the consumption of cannabis in Indian youth, especially among teens. Recently the world observed the international day against illicit drug abuse and trafficking, the theme this year was 'Share Drug Facts to Save Lives'. So, here is an effort to share the facts about cannabis. 

What is cannabis? 

Cannabis is a group of psychoactive substances. Various forms of cannabis are ganja (weed/joint), bhang, hashish, charas. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient that is responsible for most psychological problems. These chemical affects a person's memory, thinking, perception, behavior.

The recent surge in cannabis usage…

There are various reasons why cannabis is in vogue again. One important reason we are pointing out here is a recent trend in the entertainment sector. Movies and songs are not just sources of entertainment but have a huge influence on youth. It is both surprising and disappointing to see the glorification of weed, joints in music albums, and movie songs off late.  

As a teen, there is high influence by peers. Peer pressure can influence teens negatively or positively. Peer pressure can be the reason to participate in such habits to fit in or to be accepted in the group.


What are the effects of cannabis?

Cannabis is a drug that is responsible for making you feel happy and anxious at the same time. It also affects the mood and behaviors of a person. Many researchers found that there is a link between cannabis and developing mental health problems like anxiety, depression and also cause serious conditions like psychosis. 

Cannabis can be too harsh on the teenagers developing brain because the teenage brain is tender and vulnerable to long-term effects. The use of cannabis in teens can impair higher mental functioning and develop a problem with memory, learning, attention, loss of motor coordination, problem-solving, distorted perception(hallucinations), increase in anxiety and depression, lack of motivation, and social skills. Cannabis abuse in long term can increase the risk of developing psychosis which can induce delusions and hallucinations.

What is the treatment available?

There are various treatment options for cannabis addiction, which include medications and counseling. But as the old saying goes… Prevention is better than cure. So, act before weed destroys the garden of your mind.  

Dr.Bheemsain Tekkalaki

Consultant Psychiatrist

Aishwarya Patil

Counseling Psychologist 

Sumana Psychiatry Center 

Belagavi






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