Introduction
Marijuana has been gaining popularity in recent years, with many states legalizing its use for medical and recreational purposes. While marijuana can have some beneficial effects, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. Studies have shown that marijuana use can lead to a variety of physical and mental health issues, including increased risk of certain cancers, respiratory problems, and mental health issues. In this article, we will discuss some of the potential side effects of marijuana use and provide tips on how to reduce your risk. We will also provide some healthy alternatives to marijuana use, so you can still enjoy the benefits without the risks.
Studies Warn of These Marijuana Side Effects — Eat This Not That
Marijuana has been gaining popularity in recent years, with more and more states legalizing its use for both medical and recreational purposes. But while marijuana may have some potential benefits, it also comes with a range of side effects that can be serious and even life-threatening. Here’s what you need to know about the potential risks of marijuana use.
Cognitive Impairment
One of the most common side effects of marijuana use is cognitive impairment. This can include difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and difficulty with problem-solving. These effects can last for several hours after use, and can be especially dangerous if you’re driving or operating heavy machinery.
Respiratory Problems
Smoking marijuana can cause respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and other lung infections. Inhaling smoke of any kind can irritate the lungs and cause inflammation, which can lead to coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory issues.
Psychological Effects
Marijuana use can also have psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, and paranoia. These effects can be especially pronounced in people who are already prone to mental health issues. It’s important to be aware of these potential risks before using marijuana.
Increased Risk of Addiction
Marijuana use can also lead to addiction. While the risk of addiction is lower than with other drugs, it’s still important to be aware of the potential for addiction and to take steps to prevent it. This includes avoiding using marijuana in large amounts or on a regular basis.
Eat This, Not That
If you’re considering using marijuana, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Talk to your doctor about the potential side effects and make sure you understand the risks before using marijuana. And if you do decide to use marijuana, make sure to practice safe use and avoid using it in large amounts or on a regular basis.
Marijuana—also known as cannabis or weed—has gone from a federally illegal drug to becoming a fairly mainstream method of dealing with everything from pain management to mental health disorders—but doctors are worried about potential side effects. “In the world of healthcare, a medication is a drug that has endured extensive clinical trials, public hearings and approval by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Medications are tested for safety and efficacy. They are closely regulated, from production to distribution. They are accurately dosed, down to the milligram. Medical marijuana is none of those things,” says Paul Terpeluk, D.O., Medical Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Employee Health Services. Here are five side effects of marijuana experts want you to be aware of. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Although marijuana has been used as a treatment for anxiety and depression, a recent study shows that not only does marijuana not work in treating mental health disorders, it could actually double the risk of addiction. “We learned there can be negative consequences to using cannabis for medical purposes,” says lead author Jodi Gilman, of the Center for Addiction Medicine at MGH. “Our study underscores the need for better decision-making about whether to begin to use cannabis for specific medical complaints, particularly mood and anxiety disorders, which are associated with an increased risk of cannabis use disorder.”
Research shows that long-term cannabis use can negatively impact lung health in a different way to tobacco. “Although the effects of cannabis were detrimental, the pattern of lung function changes was not the same. The research found that prolonged cannabis use led to over-inflated lungs and increased the resistance to airflow to a greater extent than tobacco,” says Professor Bob Hancox. “Although cannabis is one of the world’s most widely used drugs, there has been little research on the effects on the lungs. This is because it has been difficult to study a drug that remains illegal in most parts of the world. Of course, people who smoke both cannabis and tobacco are likely to suffer lung damage from both substances.”
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Marijuana use in adolescents can result in permanent changes to the brain, studies show. “There are a lot of open questions about the long-term effects of marijuana,” says Susan Weiss, PhD, director of the division of extramural research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “But there’s a growing literature, and it’s all pointing in the same direction: Starting young and using frequently may disrupt brain development.” Persistent drug users were shown to have a drop in IQ of approximately six points. “That’s in the same realm as what you’d see with lead exposure. It’s not a trifle,” Weiss warns.
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Studies have shown that marijuana could negatively impact the heart and blood vessels, leading to a possible increased risk of heart attacks and heart failure. “Attitudes towards recreational and medicinal use of cannabis have changed rapidly, and many states have legalized it for medical and/or recreational use. Health care professionals need a greater understanding of the health implications of cannabis, which has the potential to interfere with prescribed medications and/or trigger cardiovascular conditions or events, such as heart attacks and strokes,” said Robert L. Page II, Pharm.D., M.S.P.H., FAHA.
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Using marijuana does not necessarily make you a more relaxed parent: One study showed that parents who used cannabis were more likely to administer discipline techniques compared to non-users. “The acceptability of marijuana is growing in the United States and with that, more parents feel free to use the drug, sometimes even in front of their children,” says Bridget Freisthler, professor of social work at The Ohio State University. “Some parents claim it makes them a better, more relaxed parent, but that may not be the case. Marijuana use is not risk-free. It affects a lot of behaviors, including parenting.”