Cannabis is closely linked to youth culture and is consumed at an earlier age than other drugs.
The World Drug Report 2018, shows increasing demands of drugs since 2016 than ever before. The cannabis market is projected to grow from USD 10.3 billion in 2018 to USD 39.4 billion by 2023, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 30.7%.
In 2016, the Middle East, Southwest Asia, North Africa, and Western and Central Europe accounted for 97 percent of all cannabis resin seized worldwide. Commonly known as ‘Weed’, i.e. Cannabis is a general term used for several psychoactive preparations of the plant Cannabis Sativa. The plant’s flowers and leaves contain a chemical compound which is known as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive compound that overwhelms natural activity of the cardiovascular and nervous system in the human body. Also, the function of the brain is affected due to the impact of THC directly on neurotransmitters in the brain.
The market for Cannabis covers almost all countries globally. Approximately 2.5% of the world population consumes weed, as compared with 0.2% consuming cocaine and 0.2% consuming opiates. The Asian market has reported the fastest growth in 2018, for weed consumption, according to the World Drug Report 2018.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has linked the use of cannabis with the youth culture. Young people in the age group of 18-25 years are most under the influence of these drugs.
Cannabis is used in medical applications such as treating seizures, relieving chronic pain, and preventing nausea. The rise in the supply of Cannabis is 16% higher in 10 years (2006-2016) for non-medical utility. Consumption of weed may induce a heart attack, reduce sperm count, and also affect brain development by damaging psycho-motor performance. Regular consumption of Cannabis can lead to mental health problems such as depression, paranoia or hearing voices. Younger people are at more risk of mental illnesses, as the brain in the developing stage can be damaged easily by active ingredients in Cannabis.
This kind of impact demands rules and regulations on cannabis production and market distribution. Every nation has different policies, in a few countries, cannabis is legal, in some it's illegal. There are countries where no regulation policies are adopted yet! Governments need to take initiative to regulate the drug market. This is necessary to reduce health problems caused by Cannabis intake. A limit to the legal production and selling of drugs should be demanded by citizens, for future citizens!
Edited by: Anomitra Dey
Reference:
1. https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/facts/cannabis/en/
2. https://www.unodc.org/wdr2018/
3. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/science-technology/scientists-synthesise-cannabis-like-products-in-lab-64106
4. https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/cannabis-market-201768301.html
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKqNRySpFCA
6. https://www.techexplorist.com/scientists-synthesize-cannabis-like-products-lab/22496/
7. https://www.unodc.org/wdr2018/prelaunch/WDR18_Booklet_3_Cannabis.pdf
8. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/maps-and-graphics/mapped-the-countries-that-smoke-the-most-cannabis/
