Indian hemp, also known as Cannabis, Igbo or Marijuana, is a controversial substance with potential health risks and benefits. The effects of Indian hemp can vary depending on the individual, the method of consumption, and the dosage. Listed below are some of the potential risks and benefits:

A. Risks:

1. Addiction Potential: Indian hemp contains compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), that can be addictive for some individuals. Regular and heavy use of Indian hemp can lead to dependency, making it difficult to quit.

2. Impaired Cognitive Function: Heavy and prolonged use of Indian hemp can affect memory, attention, and cognitive abilities, particularly in young individuals whose brains are still developing.

3. Mental Health Concerns: Some studies suggest that heavy cannabis use, especially in those with a predisposition to mental health conditions, may increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis (referred to by the medically untrained as madness).

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4. Respiratory Issues: Smoking Indian hemp can lead to respiratory problems, similar to those associated with tobacco smoking, such as chronic bronchitis and lung damage.

B. Potential Benefits:

1. Pain Relief: Some individuals use Indian hemp to alleviate chronic pain, including pain associated with conditions such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis. Certain components of cannabis have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

2. Nausea and Vomiting: Indian hemp can be used to alleviate symptoms of nausea and vomiting, particularly in individuals undergoing chemotherapy or those with conditions such as HIV/AIDS.

3. Appetite Stimulation: In cases of certain medical conditions where appetite has been compromised, Indian hemp can help stimulate appetite.

4. Epilepsy: Evidence suggests that a specific cannabis-derived medication called Epidiolex can be effective in treating certain forms of epilepsy in children.

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5. Reduction of anxiety: A chemical found in hemp works by lowering autonomic and emotional reactions to stress and interfering with the consolidation and extinction of frightened memories, that has been linked to anxiety disorders, autistic spectrum disorder, psychosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Please note that the use of Indian hemp for medical purposes should be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. Additionally, the legal status of Indian hemp varies globally and within different jurisdictions, so it is important to adhere to local laws and regulations.

Overall, the use of Indian hemp should be approached cautiously, and individuals considering its use should weigh the potential risks and benefits and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Dr. Yeibake, Weriwoyingipre Silver is a Senior Registrar, Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) is set to deliver judgement today. Security is already beefed up ahead of the verdict.

Nigerians from all walks of life are waiting eagerly to witness the televised live proceedings from the Tribunal venue at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) are challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.

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04:37 pm: The petitioners have failed to establish their allegations of overvoting and voter suppression, the court ruled.

4:03 pm: The court is highlighting issues of corruption which Obi claimed were recorded in the elections. They include vote suppression, inflation of results, and over-voting.

But Just Tsammani said some paragraphs relating to these claims have been struck out earlier due to their vague and generic nature.

3:41 pm: The PEPT ruled that Obi failed to establish that INEC intentionally refused to quickly upload polling unit results to IReV so as to alter the results in Tinubu’s favour.

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“The petitioner made the allegation of non-compliance a substantial part of their case. By the provisions of Section 135(2) of the Electoral Act, they are required to show how such noncompliance substantially affected them. If they fail to show the same, the petition fails,” the court ruled.

3:12 pm: According to the PEPT, INEC regulations and the Electoral Act give room for manual collation of results. It said electronic transmission is optional at best.

3:08 pm: The court added that the only device that must be used by INEC for elections is the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS)

It noted that there’s no regulation showing BVAS must be used to electronically transmit results from polling units.

By Silver Yeibake

Prostate cancer, the fourth most common cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, which is a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces seminal fluid( the milky liquid that contains sperm). It is the most common cancer among Nigerian males, constituting about 11% of all male cancer. Worldwide, roughly 1.4 million men are affected. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and it usually grows slowly and remains confined to the prostate gland in the early stages. However, in some cases, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lymph nodes, or other organs.

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified. These include age (risk increases with age), family history of prostate cancer, race (African-American men are at higher risk), and certain genetic factors. Some studies have also suggested a link between diet, obesity, and prostate cancer.

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Black males are 50% more likely than white men to develop prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from it.

In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include difficulties with urination, such as weak or interrupted urinary flow, frequent urination (especially at night), blood in the urine or semen, pain or discomfort in the pelvic area or lower back, and erectile dysfunction.

If prostate cancer is suspected, doctors may perform a physical examination, including a digital rectal exam, as well as blood tests to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. PSA is a special type of chemical produced by the prostate gland in small amounts. Further diagnostic tests, such as a prostate biopsy or imaging scans, may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the cancer.

Treatment options for prostate cancer depend on several factors, including the stage and grade of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. Treatment options may include active surveillance (monitoring the cancer without immediate treatment), surgery to remove the prostate gland (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.

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The best treatment approach is determined on an individual basis after a thorough discussion with the healthcare team.

Regular screenings and early detection are crucial in managing prostate cancer. Men aged 50 and older should discuss the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with their doctors, and those with higher risk factors may need to start screening at an earlier age.

Dr. Yeibake, Weriwoyingipre Silver is a Senior Registrar, Faculty Of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.