The term psychoactive refers to substances that have an effect on the central nervous system and can therefore change perception, thinking, mood or behavior. In the context of cannabis, psychoactive primarily refers to the effect of the active ingredients contained in the plant, in particular delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is the main active ingredient responsible for the typical intoxicating effects of cannabis. These effects can include euphoria, relaxation, altered sensory perceptions, but also impaired concentration and memory. Cannabis therefore has a clear psychoactive effect, which harbors both opportunities and risks.
Critical view
The psychoactive effects of cannabis are often the cause of controversial discussions. On the one hand, cannabis is increasingly recognized in medicine as a therapeutic agent, for example for pain treatment or chronic illnesses. On the other hand, the psychoactive effect is not without side effects or risks. Acute impairments such as anxiety, paranoia or psychotic symptoms can occur – especially in sensitive individuals or with high THC concentrations.
In the long term, studies also show indications of possible negative effects on the mental development of young people if cannabis is consumed regularly. The risk of addiction or the transition to other substances is also being discussed. Despite increasing legalization and social acceptance, the psychoactive effect of cannabis remains a factor that must be viewed responsibly and critically.
The simple classification of cannabis as a “harmless natural product” does not do justice to the complex mode of action of psychoactive substances. Mind-altering effects can be both positive and harmful, and their effects depend heavily on dosage, individual disposition and environment. It is therefore important that users as well as politics and medicine take a differentiated view of the psychoactive effects of cannabis and shape education and regulation accordingly.
The term psychoactive refers to substances that have an effect on the central nervous system and can therefore change perception, thinking, mood or behavior. In the context of cannabis, psychoactive primarily refers to the effect of the active ingredients contained in the plant, in particular delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is the main active ingredient responsible for the typical intoxicating effects of cannabis. These effects can include euphoria, relaxation, altered sensory perceptions, but also impaired concentration and memory. Cannabis therefore has a clear psychoactive effect, which harbors both opportunities and risks.
Critical view
The psychoactive effects of cannabis are often the cause of controversial discussions. On the one hand, cannabis is increasingly recognized in medicine as a therapeutic agent, for example for pain treatment or chronic illnesses. On the other hand, the psychoactive effect is not without side effects or risks. Acute impairments such as anxiety, paranoia or psychotic symptoms can occur – especially in sensitive individuals or with high THC concentrations.
In the long term, studies also show indications of possible negative effects on the mental development of young people if cannabis is consumed regularly. The risk of addiction or the transition to other substances is also being discussed. Despite increasing legalization and social acceptance, the psychoactive effect of cannabis remains a factor that must be viewed responsibly and critically.
The simple classification of cannabis as a “harmless natural product” does not do justice to the complex mode of action of psychoactive substances. Mind-altering effects can be both positive and harmful, and their effects depend heavily on dosage, individual disposition and environment. It is therefore important that users as well as politics and medicine take a differentiated view of the psychoactive effects of cannabis and shape education and regulation accordingly.