Cannabis sativa role beyond drug production.

 The Dual role of cannabis sativa including medicinal value and drugs production:

Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous flowering plant. It has been cultivated throughout recorded history and used as a source of industrial fiber, seed oil, food, and medicine. It is also used as a recreational drug and for religious and spiritual purposes

Hemp and marijuna two of its species are same. But hemp contain 0.3 percent or less THC while marijuna contains more than 0.3 percent THC. CBD is derived from both hemp and marijuna. One of its species hemp in used in production of biodegradable plastic and also medicinal value and other variety marijuana is used for drug production. THC is major integrert in most of the drugs. 

Some medicinal uses:

Many people use cannabis and cannabis products as a treatment for chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and mental health conditions.

The medical benefits of cannabis most commonly come from cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

These are two compounds found in Cannabis sativa plants.

Lowering blood pressure

It was found in some researches that CBD lowered the blood pressure of human participants. It reduced their resting blood pressure as well as their blood pressure after stress tests including mental arithmetic, isometric exercise, and the cold pressor test.

Reducing inflammation

CBD has been proven to help reduce inflammation and the neuropathic pain. 

Treating anxiety disorders

Anxiety is perhaps the most common affliction that people have used CBD for, and a preclinical study found that CBD could be effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Fighting cancer

Not only has CBD been used to help alleviate the effects of chemotherapy, but studies have also found it can prevent cell growth and induce cell death in cervical cancer cell lines and it has numerous anti-cancer effects that can help prevent a variety of cancers, treat tumors, and benefit the immune system.

Nutritional Supplements

• Omega Fatty Acids: Hemp seeds and oil are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.

• Protein Source: Hemp seeds are a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids, making them a valuable addition to diet in some countries.

Marijuna role in drug production

Marijuana, hashish, charas and ganja are produced from the flower tops, leaves and the resin of cannabis plants. Cannabinoids interact with the cannabinoid receptors present in the brain. These drugs affect the cardiovascular system of the body.

Marijuana use can lead to a substance use disorder, which can develop into an addiction in severe cases.

Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant.

The plant contains the mind- altering chemical THC and other related compounds.

People use marijuana by smoking, eating, drinking, or inhaling it.

movement Smoking and vaping THC-rich extracts from the marijuana plant (a practice called dabbing) is on the rise.

 THC overactivates certain brain cell receptors, resulting in effects such as:

altered senses. 

changes in mood. 

 impaired body movement and loss of senses. 

It also result in apitite loss and heart problem. Some other problems are poor breathing. Due to intake of marijuna. Regular use lead to severe addiction. And various health consequences. 

Due to its misuse for drugs production and lack of knowledge about its medicinal value its cultivation was banned in Pakistan.

In Pakistan, the cultivation of marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is illegal. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1997 governs the control and regulation of narcotic drugs, including marijuana. Cultivating, producing, or distributing marijuana is prohibited, and violations can lead to severe legal consequences. The focus of the law is on controlling substances that have potential for abuse and ensuring public safety.

Pakistan has set up a Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA) after passing an ordinance in February, 2024  to manage and control the cultivation and trade of cannabis. It is due to discovery about its medicinal value which can lead to economic benefits. 

Everything in the nature has some positive uses and some negative uses it totally depends upon human wether they use it for their benefits or misuse it which not only damage their health but also affect the environment. And the social value of the society.