Introduction
Marijuana has been used for centuries for medicinal and recreational purposes, but it can also have some unexpected side effects. While the effects of smoking marijuana daily are still being studied, research has shown that there are some potential risks associated with regular use. In this article, we’ll explore the secret side effects of smoking marijuana daily, according to science. We’ll look at the potential physical and mental health risks, as well as the potential for addiction. We’ll also discuss the potential benefits of marijuana use, and how to reduce the risks associated with regular use. Finally, we’ll provide some tips on how to make sure you’re using marijuana safely and responsibly.
Secret Side Effects of Smoking Marijuana Daily, According to Science — Eat This Not That
Smoking marijuana daily can have some serious side effects, according to science. While marijuana is often thought of as a harmless drug, research has shown that smoking it on a regular basis can have some serious consequences. Here are some of the secret side effects of smoking marijuana daily, according to science.
1. Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues
One of the most concerning side effects of smoking marijuana daily is an increased risk of mental health issues. Studies have shown that regular marijuana use can increase the risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Additionally, marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of developing psychosis, a mental disorder characterized by delusions and hallucinations.
2. Impaired Cognitive Function
Another side effect of smoking marijuana daily is impaired cognitive function. Studies have shown that regular marijuana use can lead to decreased memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Increased Risk of Lung Disease
Smoking marijuana daily can also increase the risk of developing lung disease. Studies have shown that smoking marijuana can lead to an increased risk of developing chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. Additionally, marijuana smoke contains many of the same toxins and carcinogens as tobacco smoke, which can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
4. Increased Risk of Addiction
Finally, smoking marijuana daily can increase the risk of developing an addiction. Studies have shown that regular marijuana use can lead to an increased risk of developing a marijuana use disorder, which is characterized by an inability to control marijuana use and cravings for the drug. Additionally, marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of developing other substance use disorders.
It is important to remember that smoking marijuana daily can have serious side effects, according to science. If you are considering using marijuana, it is important to speak to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. Additionally, it is important to remember that marijuana use can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health issues, impaired cognitive function, lung disease, and addiction.
Marijuana is legal in several US states now (although still illegal at the federal level)—but how much do we know about the long-term effects of daily use? “We know a lot more about both the benefits and the risks of cannabis use, although I would say that the rate and scale of research has not kept pace with the interest,” says Kevin Hill, MD, MHS, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and director of the Division of Addiction Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “There is a growing body of literature on the therapeutic use of cannabis and, similarly, we’re learning bits and pieces about the problems associated with cannabis use. But our increased knowledge pales in comparison to the intense public interest, so one of the issues we often encounter is a growing divide between what the science says and what public perception is.” Here are five possible side effects of smoking marijuana every day, according to experts. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Cannabis is addictive, experts warn, despite what people might think. “You can become addicted to cannabis, though most people don’t,” says Dr. Hill. “Yet invariably, when people hear about what I do, they say, ‘Oh, you’re an addiction psychiatrist? Well, cannabis is not physically addictive; it’s psychological.’ So there are fallacies about cannabis. And they continue because people are invested in trying to get people to vote one way or another on issues like medical cannabis or legalization of recreational cannabis. It’s less addictive than alcohol, less addictive than opioids, but just because it’s less addictive doesn’t mean that it’s not addictive.”
“When we talk about the harms of cannabis, young people using regularly can have cognitive problems, up to an eight-point loss of IQ over time,” says Dr. Hill. “It can worsen depression. It can worsen anxiety. But all of those consequences depend upon the dose. The data that shows those impacts look at young people who are using pretty much every day.”
“One particular condition to be aware of is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS),” says Jedidiah Perdue, MD, medical director at Arcadia Trails INTEGRIS Center for Addiction Recovery. “This highly unpleasant illness involves cyclical vomiting triggered by frequent use of cannabis. Nausea is pronounced and may abate temporarily with a hot shower. Fortunately, this syndrome improves upon stopping cannabis.”
Long-term marijuana use can impact memory, doctors say. “Chronic use of cannabis has been associated with deficits in verbal memory, which may persist even after stopping,” says Dr. Perdue. “There is also a risk of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, most pronounced among adolescents with genetic risk factors and those using highly-potent forms of cannabis.”
There is evidence that chronic marijuana use could affect intelligence. “The potential impact of regular cannabis use on intelligence has received a great deal of attention and has been a highly contentious topic of recent discussion,” say Robert Gabrys, PhD, and Amy Porath, PhD. “In one longitudinal cohort study, early onset cannabis use was associated with a decline in intelligence (an average IQ decline of eight points) over the course of a 25 year period (age 13 to 38), and this relationship was independent of years of education. Among individuals who began using cannabis prior to the age of 18 and who subsequently were abstinent from the drug, IQ scores remained significantly lower compared to those who did not engage in regular use.”
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