What are the health effects of Hashish use?
Hashish is extracted mainly from the flowers (as well as leaves and stems) of the Cannabis plant. Because Hashish and related products are produced from Cannabis, many accredited organisations, such as the American Psychiatric Association, consider Hashish and Marijuana as psychotic drugs that are capable of facilitating the development of a condition known as Cannabis Use Disorder. While most of them believe that Hashish is safe because it’s not addictive and does not pose potential health hazards, there is evidence to the contrary.
People who inhale THC products such as Hashish often have the same respiratory problems as cigarette smokers. These individuals may face cough and phlegm related problems on a daily basis and symptoms of chronic bronchitis. They are prone to frequent chest colds and lung infections like pneumonia. Hashish smoke may contain some of the same cancer-causing chemicals found in cigarette smoke (toxins and tar). Also, alterations in heart rate and blood pressure may occur.
Short-term effects of using Hashish
Problems with memory and learning include the short-term effects of Hashish use. Cognitive disabilities like distorted perception (sights, sounds, time, touch); difficulty in thinking and problem solving; loss of coordination; and increased heart rate, anxiety, and panic attacks may also appear in people with heavy Hashish use. High concentration of THC found in Hashish may be the reason for more intense effects.
Other short-term effects include
- A feeling of Relaxation.
- Euphoria
- A feeling of well-being or happiness.
- Increased emotional experiences.
- Vivid sensual experiences including vision, hearing, and taste.
- Sensory distortion
- A feeling of passiveness.
- Feelings of emotional closeness and sociability
- A reduction in fear and behavioural inhibitions.
Generally, THC related to Cannabis use can be detected in urine of the users for days after their consumption because Cannabis concentrate is strongly absorbed by the fatty tissues of various organs in the body of the users. In case of Hashish consumption, traces could be detected weeks after consumption due to the heavy concentration of THC than the standard Marijuana. According to samples tested by the DEA, the percentage of THC in Hashish has gone from approximately 4% in 1998 to over 15.5% in 2018.
Long-term effects of using Hashish
Studies indicate that marijuana use from a young age can affect brain development and IQ levels. Research has indicated that regular consumption of Hashish among children and adolescents may cause damage to areas within the white matter of the brain, which can negatively affect learning and memory.
Long-term use of Hashish has also been associated with the arising of a number of mental health issues including the development of psychosis in few individuals. Especially if these individuals have been using cannabis products as adolescents and young adults.
Long term use of Hashish results in co-occurring disorders. For example, studies have it that individuals who use cannabis products for a long time have high rates of alcohol use disorders (greater than 50% concordance) and tobacco use disorders (greater than 50%). The American Psychiatric Association reports that rates of other substance use disorders are also high among individuals who chronically use cannabis products.
Side-effects of using Hashish
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps
- Significant loss of motor coordination
- Sensory distortions
- Issues in respiration
- Increased heartbeat and blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular issues
- Increased sleepiness
- Increased chances to be involved in accidents due to the loss of motor coordination and poor decision-making
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Depression
- Anxiety, panic attacks, confusion and a sense of a loss of control
However bad the addiction may be, there is always a hope in the form of therapeutic assistance in rehabs. Freedom from sickness is just a call away.
