Assessment 2 Report Length 2500 words

Assessment 2 Report Length 2500 words

Learning Outcomes

Examine key issues relating to licit and illicit substance use in Australian society

Demonstrate knowledge of the various factors that inform the drug debate and shape drug policy, such as historical, health, political and societal influences

Examinetheassociationbetweensubstanceuseandanti-socialbehaviours, including criminal offending

Analyse attempts by authorities to prevent or reduce substance use and abuse and the difficulties encountered by authorities when attempting to do so

Assessment Details and Instructions

Task: Choose one of the following substances:

Alcohol

Cannabis

Heroin

Methamphetamine

Prescription opiates.

Focusing on one of the illicit drugs listed above, write a report 2500 words (+/-10%) in length that examines the nature, history and use of the chosen substance, and ultimately a policy recommendation on how to respond to its use. Your discussion should focus on Australia. The report must provide:

A brief description of the chosen drug, including its psychoactive effects

A brief history of the drug, including its initial use (i.e. what it was designed for)

A brief examination of which groups in Australian society are considered most at risk in relation to the chosen drug

A brief discussion of the harms (individual/social) caused by the drug, and if these warrant the current response (i.e. regulation/criminalisation)

A policy recommendation on how to respond to the drug (i.e. decriminalisation/legalisation/continued criminalisation).

Also include a brief introduction outlining the aims of the report and a conclusion summarising the report, including the policy recommendations you have reached.

A minimum of 12 valid references must be integrated throughout your report. Ensure all citations conform to the APA 7 style of referencing.

Subheading, policy between regulation criminalisation or decriminalisation? (Focused in Australia

Contents

TOC o "1-3" h z u 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY12.0 INTRODUCTION1Cannabis and its psychoactive properties1 HYPERLINK l "__RefHeading__2401_223169566"History about cannabis2

Effect of cannabis on the body3Cannabis consumption in Australia3Cannabis and its associated risk factors4Policies related to controlled consumption of cannabis53.0 DECRIMINALISATION 64.0 CONCLUSION 65.0 REFERENCES7

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report investigates the primary issues about the consumption of cannabis in Australia. It also discusses all the constituents of cannabis along with their psychoactive properties. By analysing various case studies, it was found that Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) has helped prevent consumption of cannabis by the targeted group of adolescents that are at high risk.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

This report highlights a brief description about cannabis and its psychoactive effects along the harms caused by the illicit use of these drugs (Hawke & Henderson, (2021). The main discussion will also revolve around the group of individuals that are at a high risk in relation to consumption of these drugs and a policy recommendation that responds to the consumption of the drug on behalf of the government. Cannabis is a psychoactive drug that belongs to the Cannabaceae family specifically flowering plants. It is also termed as marijuana and is native to south and central Asia. A psychoactive drug is basically a chemical substance that have the potential to make alterations in the nervous system and results in changes in mood swings, behaviour and cognitive ability Cousijn, Nunez & Filbey, (2018).

Cannabis and its psychoactive properties

The main psychoactive component of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol which have various mental and physical effects on the body such as euphoria and impaired short term memory. The consumption of cannabis can be done by smoking, vaporizing or through food. The effects of marijuana can last for about two-six hours. When consumed at higher doses cannabis can induce anxiety and hallucinations along with a state of psychosis (Abuhasira, Shbiro, & Landschaft, 2018). Some of the physical effects of consumption of cannabis can include increased heart rate, nausea, dry mouth and red eyes. There are certain long term effects that are associated with prolonged consumption of cannabis such as chronic coughing, decreased mental stability and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The active chemical constituents of cannabis are cannabidiol, cannabinol, tetrahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabivarin. Cannabis is obtained from the fruiting

flowers of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Along with the medicinal uses of cannabis, it is also used for spiritual purposes (Hawke & Henderson, 2021). Possession and cultivation of cannabis without a valid proof of permission is termed illegal in most countries. Administration of marijuana enhances the dopaminergic drive which can be categorized under abuse properties. Short term side effects of cannabis can cause severe bronchodilation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Along with the side effects, cannabis is also used for medicinal purposes in treatment of pain, nausea and other symptoms (Wijarnpreecha, Panjawatanan & Ungprasert, 2018). It helps in treatment of diseases and other medical conditions. Cannabis is prescribed in the treatment of muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis and nausea faced by the patient from cancer chemotherapy. Several cases of insomnia and chronic pain can be treated with administration of cannabis in small amounts. However, these short term uses increase the risk of major chronic side effects such as memory and cognitive problems.

Cannabis and its psychoactive properties

The main psychoactive component of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol which have various mental and physical effects on the body such as euphoria and impaired short term memory. The consumption of cannabis can be done by smoking, vaporizing or through food. The effects of marijuana can last for about two-six hours. When consumed at higher doses cannabis can induce anxiety and hallucinations along with a state of psychosis (Abuhasira, Shbiro, and Landschaft, 2018). Some of the physical effects of consumption of cannabis can include increased heart rate, nausea, dry mouth and red eyes. There are certain long term effects that are associated with prolonged consumption of cannabis such as chronic coughing, decreased mental stability and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The active chemical constituents of cannabis are cannabidiol, cannabinol, tetrahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabivarin. Cannabis is obtained from the fruiting flowers of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Along with the medicinal uses of cannabis, it is also used for spiritual purposes (Hawke & Henderson, (2021). Possession and cultivation of cannabis without a valid proof of permission is termed illegal in most countries. Administration of marijuana enhances the dopaminergic drive which can be categorized under abuse properties. Short term side effects of cannabis can cause severe bronchodilation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Along with the side effects, cannabis is also used for medicinal purposes in treatment of pain, nausea and other symptoms (Wijarnpreecha, Panjawatanan & Ungprasert, 2018). It helps in treatment of diseases and other medical conditions. Cannabis is prescribed in the treatment of muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis and nausea faced by the patient from cancer chemotherapy. Several cases of insomnia and chronic pain can be treated with administration of cannabis in small amounts. However, these short term uses increase the risk of major chronic side effects such as memory and cognitive problems.

History about cannabis

The history of cannabis dates back to Neolithic age, indigenously in central Asia. According to most scholars, the oldest evidence suggests the use of cannabis for ritual ceremonies for religious purposes (Butelman & et. al., 2021). This was done by the Romanian Krugans in 3500 BC. This custom eventually spread to the western Eurasia. It was the ancient Assyrians that discovered the psychoactive properties of the cannabis which was used as a means to produce smoke and this lead to the origin of the modern world cannabis to achieve trance. In the 1000 BC, it was used in some parts of China and India for therapeutic use and in foods and drinks including the bhang. Communities in Ethiopia consumed cannabis through smoking pipes. Modern day history of the cannabis involves the transport of cannabis to East India company that provoked the interest of the people in the west about cannabis consumption. In the beginning of the 19th century, most countries started criminalizing the consumption of cannabis and restrictions on sale and cultivation of cannabis were employed (Karpov & et. al., 2021). Later on, the consumption for medicinal and recreational purposes was legalized. In the year 1925, the international opium convention put a ban on the exportation of hemp for purposes other than medicinal or scientific. According to the united nations report, cannabis is the world's most widely trafficked and consumed drug in spite of all restrictions that were instituted. The cultivation of cannabis was made legal in Australia for scientific and medical purposes in 2015. Some of the preparations of cannabis include marijuana, kief, hashish and hash oil. The concentration of cannabinoids in cannabis have the ability to persist in the body for a very long period of time (Haines-Saah, Mitchell, Slemon & Jenkins, 2019).

Effect of cannabis on the body

The collection of cannabinoids occurs in the lipid membranes of the neurons. According to researchers, the most prominent effect of THC is the inhibition of secondary messenger system which appears to alter the moods and cognition. Maternal use of cannabis can result in negative outcomes both for baby and the mother. Adolescents from the age group of 12-19 in Australia are at a higher risk of falling into the trap consuming cannabinoids (Romero & et. al., 2020). This contributes to the risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infection. There are thousands of organic and inorganic compounds that is contained in cannabis smoke and the tar generated is similar the one that is found in tobacco smoke. The risk of cancer is more with cannabis smoke compared to tobacco smoke as cannabis smoke is inhaled more deeply (Abuhasira, Shbiro & Landschaft, (2018). Cannabis dependence increases the risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders. Adolescents with poor academic record, family history of abuse and poor parental relationships are more likely to develop high dependence of cannabis along with an increased risk of psychosis. Prolonged cannabis exposure educes the processing efficiency of brain and is associated with downregulation of CB-1 receptors (Problems with defining cannabis dependence. 2020 June 1). The glutamate metabolites levels in the brain are also reduced. Upon cessation of use, the withdrawal symptoms are characterized by irritability, mood disorders, irresistible cravings and insomnia (Fischer & Bullen, 2020).

Cannabis consumption in Australia

According to a research conducted in Australian School Students' Alcohol and Drugs Survey reported that 36.4% of youth aged 12-19 years are engaged in the consumption of cannabis on a daily basis. The use of cannabis was the highest followed by cocaine and ecstasy. However it was observed that the consumption of drugs was the highest in the Northern territory of Australia. The National drug strategy household survey stated that cannabis is one of the most commonly used illicit drug and around 36% of the population of Australia have tried it at some point in their lifetime. The rate of consumption of cannabis was higher among youth. The feelings of insecurity, hopelessness can get the youth to turn towards the use of drugs. Sometimes due to the fear of not being accepted or to look cool within a group of friends teens might use drugs uncontrollably (Miller, 2020). Drug using peers in a social circle can lead to experimentation which can lead to addiction. The most common risk factor that causes cannabis abuse is drug addiction in families as genetic predisposition leads to early introduction of the use of drug to the child. Consumption of a highly addictive drugs such as cannabis or cocaine might involve presence of mental health disorders and lack of family involvement. A sense of euphoria and hallucinations tend to make individuals forget about the struggles and problems of real life. However, serious and continuous use of drugs is associated with school failure, poor cognitive ability and a high risk of developing a chronic illness in a later stage of life (Karpov & et. al., (2021).

Cannabis and its associated risk factors

The lungs are at a high risk of exposure as marijuana contains greater levels of cancer causing agents. Respiratory disorders such as asthma, COPD develop at a faster rate compared to non-smokers. Smoking of marijuana causes bronchial injury which is characterized by damage to the interiors of bronchial cells leading to development of various abnormalities as observed by a survey conducted anonymously by the Australian federal government in the year 2016 (Rudy, Barnes, Cobb & Nicksic, 2020). The smoke of cannabis consists of various toxic chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen cyanide that can irritate the bronchial pathway, too much of which can lead to cannabis poisoning. Anxiety attacks and impaired motor ability are some of the common side effects of THC. The most important constituent of cannabis is THC which is the root cause of heightening of sense and distorted sense of time. The use of marijuana in low cumulative doses for medicinal uses is not harmful but excessive use leads to addiction and cause increased heart rate. Brain development in a child actively continues until the age of 25 and consumption of cannabis can cause harm or halter the development of brain (Smith & Goniewicz, 2020). Some of the negative side effects include:

Reduced coordination

Difficulty in maintaining coordination

Droblems maintaining social life

Issues with memory and learning

Increased risk of developing mental health issues

Addiction potential

The use of cannabis is linked to wide range of mental health problems such as social anxiety and depression (Obradovic, 2021). There is a high chance of developing temporary psychosis and chronic illnesses such as schizophrenia. Disorientation and unpleasant thoughts with long lasting feelings of anxiety and paranoia are observed in a person administering high doses of cannabis on a daily basis. The various effects of cannabis causes increase in pulse and heart rate. There is impairment of coordination and concentration. Administration of high doses of cannabis leads to toxic psychosis. This feeling of paranoia leads to fluctuating emotions among teens. The effect of THC can wear off in about one to four hours. The chances of getting clinical depression is very high which is accompanied by losing touch with reality. The senses in the body are heightened and can distort the sense of time in daily routine. There is chance that THC can hurt the motor skills of the body making it dangerous to drive on the road (Smith, & Goniewicz, 2020).

Policies related to controlled consumption of cannabis

The drug misuse regulation act 1987 stated that the possession of any schedule drug one or two is a criminal offence. The selling, distribution, administration and transport of a drug as dangerous as cannabis is carry maximum penalties of life (Haines-Saah, Mitchell, Slemon, & Jenkins, 2019). However, in recent times the Australian capital territory modified the law stating that possession of 50 grams of dry material and 150 grams of wet material for adults above the age of 18 is decriminalised but this does not exempt individuals below 18 years of age and divert them to SCON (simple cannabis offence notice). The cultivation of cannabis plant is restricted to government officials and the use will be restricted to medicinal and recreational use. With each passing year thousands of youngsters are arrested for the illicit use of cannabis. Failure to comply with the guidelines can lead to penalty of $20,000 or two years of imprisonment. The exemption to cultivate two plants of cannabis per individual and 4 plants per household is given by the government to control the amount of cannabis cultivated and accessed by the public. There are substantial problems that are associated with offending the laws that criminalize the possession and cultivation of cannabis (Smith & Goniewicz, 2020). This de criminalisation has resulted in reduced costs of enforcement and other factors that increase the cost of problems associated with the use of cannabis. The social costs of cannabis possession are reduced. Policy implementation have put the country on the right track and helped to increase awareness about the negative side effects of consumption of cannabis.

4.0 CONCLUSION

To conclude the above report we can derive that cannabis is mostly used for recreational purposes and for treatment of pain in multiple sclerosis, nausea, vomiting etc. However, the use is not limited to medicine as there are a variety of ways by which cannabis is consumed i.e., in the form of marijuana for inhalation and ingestion. The consumption through ingestion lead to addiction and other factors that pose a risk to the health of the individual. Several efforts have been made by the policy makers to implement a regulatory framework that controls the legal access to medicinal cannabis in Australia to decrease the consumption, selling and cultivation of cannabis however the laws differ from state to state (Johnson, Hatoum, Deak & et. al., 2021). The laws governing these principles involve strict punishments to those who are involved in the illicit use of this drug other than recreational, medicinal and industrial purposes.

5.0 REFERENCES

Books and Journals:

Abuhasira, R., Shbiro, L., & Landschaft, Y. (2018). Medical use of cannabis and cannabinoids containing productsRegulations in Europe and North America.European journal of internal medicine,49, 2-6.

Butelman & et. al., (2021). Age of onset of heaviest use of cannabis or alcohol in persons with severe opioid or cocaine use disorders.Drug and Alcohol Dependence,226, 108834.

Cousijn, J., Nez, A. E., & Filbey, F. M. (2018). Time to acknowledge the mixed effects of cannabis on health: a summary and critical review of the NASEM 2017 report on the health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids.Addiction.

Fischer, B., & Bullen, C. (2020). Emerging prospects for non-medical cannabis legalisation in New Zealand: An initial view and contextualization.International Journal of Drug Policy,76, 102632.

Haines-Saah, R. J., Mitchell, S., Slemon, A., & Jenkins, E. K. (2019). Parents are the best prevention? Troubling assumptions in cannabis policy and prevention discourses in the context of legalization in Canada.International Journal of Drug Policy,68, 132-138.

Hawke, L. D., & Henderson, J. (2021). Legalization of cannabis use in Canada: Impacts on the cannabis use profiles of youth seeking services for substance use.Journal of substance abuse treatment,126, 108340.

Karpov & et. al., (2021). Cognitive functioning and cannabis use in first-episode psychosis.Nordic journal of psychiatry, 1-8.

Miller, H. T. (2020).Narrative politics in public policy: Legalizing cannabis. Springer Nature.

Obradovic, I. (2021). From prohibition to regulation: A comparative analysis of the emergence and related outcomes of new legal cannabis policy models (Colorado, Washington State and Uruguay).International Journal of Drug Policy,91, 102590.

Romero & et. al., (2020). Comprehending and improving cannabis specialized metabolism in the systems biology era.Plant Science,298, 110571.

Rudy, A. K., Barnes, A. J., Cobb, C. O., & Nicksic, N. E. (2021). Attitudes about and correlates of cannabis legalization policy among US young adults.Journal of American College Health,69(8), 889-896.

Smith, D. M., & Goniewicz, M. L. (2020). The role of policy in the EVALI outbreak: solution or contributor?.The Lancet Respiratory Medicine,8(4), 343-344.

Wijarnpreecha, K., Panjawatanan, P., & Ungprasert, P. (2018). Use of cannabis and risk of advanced liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: A systematic review and metaanalysis.Journal of EvidenceBased Medicine,11(4), 272-277.

Zarhin, D., Negev, M., Vulfsons, S., & Sznitman, S. R. (2018). Rhetorical and regulatory boundary-work: The case of medical cannabis policy-making in Israel.Social Science & Medicine,217, 1-9.

Johnson, E. C., Hatoum, A. S., Deak & et. al., (2021). The relationship between cannabis and schizophrenia: a genetically informed perspective.Addiction,116(11), 3227-3234.

Online:

Problems with defining cannabis dependence, (2020 June 1) [Online] Available through < https://journals.lww.com/co-psychiatry/Abstract/2020/01000/Problems_with_defining_cannabis_dependence.4.aspx >

Please follow all the requirements and Referencing example and link

Referencing example

Hardy, K. (2017, October 8). Mindfulness is plentiful in The post-traumatic insomnia workbook. Veterans Training Support Center. http://bit.ly/2D6ux8UHashim, H. A., & Zainol, N. A. (2015). Changes in emotional distress, short term memory, and sustained attention following 6 and 12 sessions of progressive muscle relaxation training in 1011 years old primary school children. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 20(5), 623628. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2014.1002851Holden-Lund, C. (1988). Effects of relaxation with guided imagery on surgical stress and wound healing. Research in Nursing & Health, 11(4), 235244. http://doi.org/dztcdfJacobson, E. (1938). Progressive relaxation (2nd ed.). University of Chicago Press.

Lange, S. (1982, August 2327). A realistic look at guided fantasy [Paper presentation]. American Psychological Association 90th Annual Convention, Washington, DC.

Referencing books in APA7: https://libguides.navitas.com/apa7/books

In-text citationsfor direct quotes: https://libguides.navitas.com/apa7/quotations