IndexPhysical healthMental healthMental healthSocial healthCriminal activityConclusionMarijuana, or cannabis, is a psychoactive mind-altering drug. It is a harmful substance that increases perception and affects people's mood thanks to its main ingredient, THC. Recreational cannabis has been legal in Canada since the passage of the Cannabis Act on June 7, 2018. Along with this controversial act comes many rules and regulations to limit the potential dangers of the substance. However, since its legalization, the use of cannabis has increased dramatically across Canada. There are common signs of cannabis use such as red eyes and uncoordinated movements, along with long-term health problems such as heart, lung, and brain complications (Shiel, 2018). Cannabis can also be seen as the root cause of many mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, along with the destruction of confidence in social situations. The devastating effects of marijuana not only put physical health at risk, but also mental and social health. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayPhysical HealthThe human body is made up of a network of highly complex mechanisms that work together efficiently to promote healthy function. Marijuana, on the other hand, causes the destruction of many physical aspects of the body. Unlike medical marijuana, which contains CBD, recreational marijuana is made up 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 some cancers and respiratory infections than non-smokers. These side effects are due to the chemical structure of the drug, 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 TB alters the central nervous system (CNS), it significantly affects brain function. Once THC-containing cannabis is inhaled or consumed, it is absorbed through the bloodstream and releases neurotransmitters into the white matter of the brain, where cannabinoid 1 receptors are located (Mandel et al., 2017). These neurotransmitters bind to receptors causing severe damage to the entire brain. These events can be so strong that they cause cannabis-induced psychosis. Psychosis is a serious condition that affects normal brain function and causes a progressive loss of reality. This can lead to seeing and believing things that are not true. Cannabis abuse is linked to other brain diseases, such as brain cancer and cognitive impairment. Just like the brain, the cardiovascular system is another system in the body that is negatively affected by marijuana. Because cannabinoids work to dilate blood vessels and make it harder for the heart to pump, they become a major cause of hypertension (high blood pressure). Since inhaling cannabis leads to an increase in blood pressure, it also increases the risk of cardiac arrest and stroke. It is clear that marijuana causes serious physical harm and should be used very carefully in the right circumstances. Mental Health According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the definition of health is “the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being” (WHO, 2019, p.1). This means that along with physical health, mental and social healththey are equally important for overall health. Similar to physical health, marijuana also greatly influences mental health. One of the biggest problems people face with cannabis abuse is addiction. While cannabis is not as addictive as cocaine, evidence indicates that long-term marijuana abuse can lead to addiction. Approximately one in ten individuals will become addicted to marijuana simply from early experimentation with the drug. These numbers increase to one in six individuals if the drug is taken by teenagers. Additionally, attempting withdrawal from marijuana usually results in cannabis withdrawal syndrome, which causes sleep disturbances, cravings, and anxiety. This syndrome makes withdrawal very difficult and increases the chance of relapse. Along with addiction comes many different psychiatric disorders. Other mental disorders include increased substance use, depression and anxiety. Due to the deterioration of cognitive functions, marijuana has a great impact on the education of adolescents. Marijuana significantly reduces cognitive function, not only during intoxication, but for several days afterward. Over sixty-five percent of year 12 high school students across Canada reported daily or near-daily use of marijuana. There are also relationships between dropping out of school and frequent marijuana use, due to lack of motivation (Williams, 2014). Along with cognitive function, long-term marijuana use causes memory and attention problems. The three main factors that influence potential diagnoses of psychiatric disorders are amount of marijuana use, age of first use, and genetic vulnerability. Although mental illnesses do not usually cause fatalities, they have a dramatic impact on the lives of those diagnosed and lead to many difficulties for them and their loved ones. Social Health There is usually confusion between mental health and social health. Mental health refers to the emotional and psychological state while social health refers to the way an individual feels and interacts with others (Greenberg, 2004). Communication has always been a primary need for societies to function properly. As marijuana use has increased, users' social health has substantially declined. For example, marijuana has a negative effect on the intimate relationships of others. Individuals in their thirties who frequently use marijuana report poorer relationship status and intimacy. They are also more likely to enter into more hostile arguments and usually separation before their thirties. Frequent marijuana use clearly illustrates tendencies toward separation or divorce and worsened social health. Cannabis can affect social health in ways other than intimate relationships. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a severe and intense phobia of being negatively evaluated, judged, or rejected in public. Symptoms usually begin whenever individuals are targeted or stand out in public. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, sweating, tremors, and dizziness (Buckner et al., 2005). Among those suffering from social anxiety disorder, the prevalence of problematic cannabis use is 29%. This rate of cannabis dependence was highest with social anxiety, compared to any other anxiety disorder, such as general anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD) (Buckner et al., 2005 ). Due to high cannabis consumption, people suffer from social anxiety disorder which seriously harms social health. Additionally, there are less serious social consequences related to marijuana use, such as body odor, la.