Table of contentsPhysical healthMental healthSocial healthCriminal activityConclusionMarijuana, or cannabis, is a psychoactive drug that alters the mind. It is a harmful substance that increases perception and affects the mood of individuals due to its main ingredient THC. Recreational cannabis has been legal in Canada since the adoption of the Cannabis Act on June 7, 2018. In addition to this controversial law, there are numerous rules and regulations aimed at limiting the potential dangers of the substance. However, cannabis consumption has greatly increased across Canada since its legalization. There are common signs of cannabis use, such as red eyes and uncoordinated movements, as well as long-term health problems such as heart, lung, and brain complications (Shiel, 2018). Cannabis can also be considered the root cause of many mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, as well as the destruction of confidence in social situations. The devastating effects of marijuana tarnish not only physical health, but also mental and social health. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayPhysical HealthThe human body is made up of a network of highly complex mechanisms that work effectively together to promote healthy functioning. Marijuana, on the other hand, causes the destruction of many physical aspects of the body. Unlike medicinal marijuana, which contains CBD, recreational marijuana is composed of TBC, which makes the drug psychoactive. One of the main problems caused by this substance is the suppression of the body's immune system (Live Science Staff, 2010). This makes cannabis smokers more susceptible to certain cancers and respiratory infections than non-smokers. These side effects are due to the chemical structure of the drugs, which causes the body to release immune system cells. These cells suppress proactive immune cells that usually fight infections. Without essential immune cells, individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and osteoporosis. Because TBC alters the central nervous system (CNS), it significantly affects brain function. Once THC-containing cannabis is inhaled or consumed, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and releases neurotransmitters to the white matter of the brain, where cannabinoid 1 receptors are located (Mandel et al., 2017). These neurotransmitters bind to the receptors, causing serious damage to the entire brain. These events can be so strong that cannabis-induced psychosis can result. Psychosis is a serious illness that affects the normal functioning of the brain and leads to a progressive loss of reality. This can lead to seeing and believing things that are not true. Cannabis abuse is also linked to other brain diseases, such as brain cancer and cognitive impairment. Just like the brain, the cardiovascular system is another body system that is negatively affected by marijuana. Since cannabinoids work by dilating blood vessels and making it harder for the heart to beat, they become one of the leading causes of hypertension (high blood pressure). As inhaling cannabis causes an increase in blood pressure, the risk of cardiac arrest and stroke also increases. It is clear that marijuana causes serious physical harm and should be used withlots of caution in the right circumstances. Mental healthAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as “the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being”. (WHO, 2019, p.1). This means that, in addition to physical health, mental and social health are equally important to overall health. Just like physical health, marijuana also greatly influences mental health. One of the major problems individuals face related to cannabis abuse is addiction. Although cannabis is not extremely addictive like cocaine, data indicates that long-term abuse of marijuana can lead to dependence. About one in ten people will become addicted to marijuana simply from early experimentation with the drug. These figures increase to one in six people if the drug is taken by adolescents. Additionally, attempting to wean yourself off marijuana typically results in cannabis withdrawal syndrome, which results in trouble sleeping, cravings, and anxiety. This syndrome makes withdrawal very difficult and increases the risk of relapse. Added to addiction are many different psychiatric disorders. Other mental disorders include increased substance use, depression and anxiety. Due to the impairment of cognitive functions, marijuana has a significant impact on the education of adolescents. Marijuana significantly reduces cognitive function, not only during intoxication but for several days afterward. More than sixty-five percent of grade 12 high school students across Canada reported using marijuana daily or almost daily. There are also relationships between school dropouts and frequent marijuana use, due to lack of motivation (Williams, 2014). In addition to cognitive functions, long-term marijuana use leads to impaired memory and attention span. The three main factors that affect potential psychiatric disorder diagnoses are quantity of marijuana, age of first use, and genetic vulnerability. Although mental illnesses do not usually result in casualties, they have a significant impact on the lives of those diagnosed and cause many difficulties for them and their loved ones. Social health There is generally confusion between mental health and social health. Mental health refers to the emotional and psychological state while social health refers to how an individual feels and interacts with others (Greenberg, 2004). Communication has always been a primordial need for the proper functioning of societies. With the increase in the rate of marijuana use, the social health of users has declined significantly. For example, marijuana has a detrimental effect on the intimate relationships of others. People in their late 20s who frequently use marijuana report poorer relationship status and intimacy. They are also more likely to get into more hostile arguments and generally break up in their late 20s. Frequent marijuana use clearly illustrates trends toward separation or divorce and worsening social health. Cannabis can affect social health other than in intimate relationships. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a severe and intense phobia of being evaluated, judged, or rejected in public. Symptoms usually appear whenever individuals are targeted or stand out in public. Symptoms include rapid heart rate, sweating, tremors, and dizziness (Buckner et al., 2005). Among those who suffer.