Cannabis plants have one of the longest and most rich histories of any plant throughout the world. There are documented uses of the cannabis plant dating back over 5000 years in central and south Asia. Throughout its long history the cannabis plant has been put to an enormous number of uses, proving itself one of the most versatile plants in the world. Although nowadays the plant is most well known for its use as a drug, the fibre hemp (which is also extracted from the plant) is an incredibly versatile material that for centuries was used to create clothes, ropes, canvases, paper and innumerable other products. As a drug cannabis was used to successfully treat a number of ailments and illnesses. In the early twentieth century however the growth of the cannabis plant, and its use as a recreational drug, was outlawed. There has been a lot of debate about why the plant was outlawed but the official reasons cited were because of the health risks it poses. There are a number of risks tied to the use of the drug which will be outlined below to demonstrate why it's criminalization was adopted throughout the world..

Psychological effects

Cannabis can cause feelings of paranoia, anxiety and depression in its users irrelevant of how experienced the user may be. Although any user could potentially suffer these psychological effects those users that have a family history of mental illness are particularly at risk. Studies have also shown that people who have controlled psychotic illnesses are likely to relapse if they begin using cannabis.

Effects on the heart

Cannabis use increases heart rate and it can cause changes in blood pressure levels. In addition to this the blood of cannabis users has been found to have a considerably lower capacity to carry oxygen. These symptoms combine result in increasing the user's chance of suffering a heart attack by up to four times.

Fertility

Studies have shown that regular cannabis use can have a detrimental effect on the fertility of both males and females. In men, regular cannabis use can cause a decrease in both sperm count and sperm mobility. In female users cannabis can cause ovulation to be suppressed and as such lower fertility levels.

But It's Natural

Many people believe that because cannabis grows naturally it is a lot safer than many manufactured drugs. This is not the case however and, much like tobacco, the cannabis plant is packed full of chemicals which can be harmful to users. The chemicals in cannabis can cause cancer and lung disease, and as it is often smoked in combination with tobacco and without a filter the damage can be exaggerated.

These risks are the official reasons that were cited for outlawing cannabis, although many people believe that there were capitalist motivations that actually drove the illegalisation.