Surprising Side Effects of Marijuana, Says Science — Eat This Not That

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By Ghuman

Introduction

Marijuana has been used for centuries for its medicinal and recreational properties, but did you know that it can also have some surprising side effects? Recent scientific studies have revealed that marijuana can have a wide range of unexpected effects on the body, from improving cognitive function to reducing inflammation. In this article, we’ll explore the surprising side effects of marijuana, according to science. We’ll also discuss the potential risks associated with marijuana use and how to use it safely. So, if you’re curious about the potential benefits and risks of marijuana, read on to learn more!

Surprising Side Effects of Marijuana, Says Science — Eat This Not That

Marijuana has been used for centuries for its medicinal and recreational properties, but recent research has revealed some surprising side effects of marijuana that you may not have known about. From increased appetite to improved sleep, here are some of the unexpected benefits of marijuana that science has uncovered.

1. Increased Appetite

One of the most well-known side effects of marijuana is an increased appetite, commonly referred to as “the munchies.” This is due to the fact that marijuana activates the same brain receptors that are responsible for hunger. This can be beneficial for those who are struggling to maintain a healthy weight or who have difficulty eating due to medical conditions.

2. Improved Sleep

Marijuana has been found to have a calming effect on the body, which can help to improve sleep quality. Studies have shown that marijuana can help to reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, as well as reduce the number of times a person wakes up during the night. This can be beneficial for those who suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders.

3. Reduced Anxiety

Marijuana has been found to have a calming effect on the body, which can help to reduce anxiety. Studies have shown that marijuana can help to reduce stress levels, as well as reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorders such as panic attacks and social anxiety. This can be beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety or who are looking for a natural way to reduce stress.

4. Improved Mood

Marijuana has been found to have a positive effect on mood, which can help to improve overall wellbeing. Studies have shown that marijuana can help to reduce symptoms of depression, as well as reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. This can be beneficial for those who suffer from depression or who are looking for a natural way to boost their mood.

5. Pain Relief

Marijuana has been found to have a pain-relieving effect, which can be beneficial for those who suffer from chronic pain. Studies have shown that marijuana can help to reduce inflammation, as well as reduce the intensity of pain. This can be beneficial for those who suffer from chronic pain or who are looking for a natural way to manage their pain.

Marijuana has a wide range of potential benefits, from increased appetite to improved sleep and reduced anxiety. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of marijuana, it is clear that it can have a positive impact on overall wellbeing. If you are considering using marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes, it is important to speak to your doctor first to ensure it is safe for you.

For decades, marijuana was demonized; today, the pendulum of social opinion on pot has swung sharply in the other direction. About 1.4 million people in the U.S. take marijuana for medical reasons, and a majority of Americans believe marijuana should be legalized for both medical and recreational use. But, experts say, pot’s widespread social acceptance doesn’t mean it isn’t still a drug that can have physical consequences. Recent studies have found that marijuana use can have side effects that may surprise you. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

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Pot is infamous for increasing appetite, so reliably that it’s sometimes used medically for that purpose. It may be surprising, then, that a 2019 study found regular recreational marijuana users are less likely to be overweight than non-users. Researchers from Michigan State analyzed health data from 33,000 people and found only 15% of “persistent” pot users were considered obese, compared to 20% of nonusers. “Over a 3-year period, all participants showed a weight increase, but interestingly, those who used marijuana had less of an increase, compared to those that never used,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Omayma Alshaarawy.

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Scientists behind some recent studies warn that pot may not be as harmless—and medical marijuana may not be as widely beneficial—as believed. A study published last week by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that people taking marijuana for medical reasons were nearly twice as likely to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD), and didn’t find relief they sought from certain symptoms. “In this first study of patients randomized to obtain medical marijuana cards, we learned there can be negative consequences to using cannabis for medical purposes. People with pain, anxiety, or depression symptoms failed to report any improvements, though those with insomnia experienced improved sleep,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Jodi Gilman.

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Marijuana is sometimes prescribed to relieve nausea, but some heavy users might experience the exact opposite effect. In cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), using cannabis can cause stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting that can be so severe they interfere with everyday life. Experts estimate 2.7 million Americans experience the condition, which is frequently misdiagnosed as stomach problems. “CHS went from being something we didn’t know about and never talked about to a very common problem over the last five years,” said Dr. Eric Lavonas, a spokesman for the American College of Emergency Physicians, in the New York Times

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Last month in the journal Stroke, the American Heart Association warned doctors that not enough is known about pot’s effects on the brain, and they should have “balanced” discussions with patients about potential risks. That follows a number of studies which have found pot may harm the brain. One review published last January in the journal Addiction found that THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, can negatively affect executive functioning, including the ability to plan, organize, solve problems, make decisions, and control emotions. 

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Two studies published last December found that smoking pot may lead to drug interactions—causing other medications you’re taking to have a stronger or weaker effect than intended. Although cannabinoids, the active ingredient in marijuana, clear the body within 30 minutes, metabolites of marijuana can linger in the body for weeks, potentially affecting the liver and kidneys, which process medications. “Physicians need to be aware of the possibility of toxicity or lack of response when patients are using cannabinoids,” said Philip Lazarus, the studies’ senior author. “It’s one thing if you’re young and healthy and smoke cannabis once in a while, but for older people who are using medications, taking CBD or medicinal marijuana may negatively impact their treatment.”

And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.

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