Introduction
Marijuana has been used for centuries for its medicinal and recreational properties. But did you know that smoking marijuana can have some surprising side effects? While marijuana is generally considered to be a safe substance, it can have some unexpected consequences. In this article, we’ll explore the potential side effects of smoking marijuana, from increased appetite to impaired memory. We’ll also discuss the potential risks associated with marijuana use, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.
Surprising Side Effects of Smoking Marijuana — Eat This Not That
Marijuana has been used for centuries for medicinal and recreational purposes, but it’s important to understand the potential side effects of smoking marijuana. While marijuana is generally considered to be safe, there are some surprising side effects that you should be aware of.
1. Increased Appetite
One of the most common side effects of smoking marijuana is an increased appetite. This is often referred to as “the munchies” and can lead to overeating and weight gain. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to be aware of this side effect and to practice mindful eating.
2. Anxiety and Paranoia
Smoking marijuana can also cause anxiety and paranoia in some people. This is especially true if you’re not used to smoking marijuana or if you’re smoking a strain that is particularly potent. If you experience anxiety or paranoia after smoking marijuana, it’s important to take a break and focus on calming activities.
3. Respiratory Issues
Smoking marijuana can also cause respiratory issues, such as coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. This is due to the smoke from the marijuana, which can irritate the lungs and airways. If you’re concerned about respiratory issues, it’s best to avoid smoking marijuana and opt for other methods of consumption.
4. Memory Loss
Smoking marijuana can also cause short-term memory loss. This is due to the effects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, on the brain. If you’re concerned about memory loss, it’s best to avoid smoking marijuana and opt for other methods of consumption.
5. Increased Heart Rate
Smoking marijuana can also cause an increase in heart rate. This is due to the effects of THC on the cardiovascular system. If you’re concerned about an increased heart rate, it’s best to avoid smoking marijuana and opt for other methods of consumption.
Conclusion
Marijuana is generally considered to be safe, but it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of smoking marijuana. From increased appetite to memory loss, there are a number of surprising side effects that you should be aware of. If you’re concerned about any of these side effects, it’s best to avoid smoking marijuana and opt for other methods of consumption.
The public acceptance of marijuana has skyrocketed in recent years, and increased legalization means that more people have access to recreational marijuana than ever. Although pot has its benefits, it’s not without side effects, some you may never have considered. 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.
Unlike tobacco, marijuana use has not been found to raise the risk of lung cancer. But it still involves inhaling smoke, which can be hard on your lungs. “Marijuana smoke irritates the lungs, and people who smoke marijuana frequently can have the same breathing problems as those who smoke tobacco,” says the NIDA. You may experience coughing, increased mucus, wheezing or chest tightness.
Experts say that THC, the main ingredient in marijuana, can increase the heart rate—by 20 to 50 beats in a minute, lasting for several hours. According to Harvard Medical School, the risk of a heart attack is greater in the hours after smoking marijuana than it is normally. And a study published in the journal Cell last month found that frequent marijuana users are more likely to have a first heart attack before the age of 50. Researchers think THC may cause inflammation in blood vessels, raising that risk.
Marijuana is occasionally prescribed to relieve nausea, but it can also cause stomach problems itself. For people with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), using marijuana can lead to stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, sometimes severe. And it’s surprisingly common—experts estimate 2.7 million Americans experience the condition. According to the Cleveland Clinic, you have a higher risk of developing CHS if you use marijuana at least once a week, and if you’ve used marijuana since adolescence.
Last February in the journal Stroke, the American Heart Association warned doctors that pot’s effects on the brain are unclear, and they should have “balanced” discussions with patients about potential risks. A review of studies published last January in the journal Addiction found that THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, can impair the brain’s executive functions, including planning, organizing, solving problems, making decisions, and regulating emotions.
Marijuana has a long reputation as a relaxant. But taking too much of it can have the opposite effect, causing anxiety, paranoia, and even panic attacks, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Several studies have linked marijuana use to increased risk for psychiatric disorders, including psychosis (schizophrenia), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, but whether and to what extent it actually causes these conditions is not always easy to determine,” says the National Institutes of Health. 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.
Michael Martin