There is no doubt that medicinal marijuana has significant health benefits. It is well proven that mArijuana may help treat symptoms in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, as well as relieve pain and nausea in Crohn’s disease, reduce seizures in some serious epileptic conditions and more. That said, smoking too much can lead to negative side effects and Dr. Tomi Mitchell, board-certified family physician with Holistic Wellness Strategies shares five ways marijuana can impact your life. Before using medication marijuana, always consult your doctor. Read on and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure signs you’ve already had COVID.
Dr. Mitchell tells us, “While smoking marijuana is certainly not as common as smoking cigarettes, many people still regularly participate in this activity. In fact, according to a recent study, an estimated 16% of Americans smoke marijuana. Although most people who have tried marijuana do not become regular users, there is still a significant minority who smoke regularly. For many people, smoking marijuana is a way to unwind after a long day. Others use it as a way to cope with anxiety or stress. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that smoking marijuana is still reasonably common in the United States.
Although there is no definitive answer to this question, some general guidelines can be helpful in determining whether or not someone is smoking too much marijuana. First, it is essential to consider the frequency with which one uses the drug. Those who smoke once or several times a week may smoke too much. Second, it is also essential to examine the amount of marijuana consumed each time it is used. Those who smoke large amounts of drugs at once may smoke too much. Finally, it is also important to consider the effects that marijuana use has on one’s life. Those who experience negative consequences as a result of their use, such as problems at work or school, may be considered to be smoking too much.”
Dr. Mitchell explains, “Marijuana smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke, including carcinogens. Although the jury is still out on whether smoking marijuana increases your risk of lung cancer, there is evidence it may contribute to other respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and lung infections. Additionally, marijuana smokers tend to inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers, which increases the amount of tar and other toxins that reach the lungs. Given these factors, it’s no surprise that smoking marijuana has been associated with an increased risk of lung problems. As a regular marijuana smoker, you should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect your lungs. For example, quitting smoking or switching to a less harmful method, such as vaping, can help reduce your risk of developing lung problems.”
Dr. Mitchell says, “Smoking marijuana has been show have similar effects on the cardiovascular system as smoking. Marijuana and tobacco smoke contain harmful chemicals that can damage the lining of blood vessels, leading to inflammation and an increased risk of heart disease. Additionally, marijuana smokers tend to inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers, increasing the number of harmful chemicals reaching the lungs. Several studies have shown that smoking marijuana increases the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential cardiovascular risks of marijuana use, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.”
According to Dr. Mitchell, “Some studies have shown a correlation between smoking marijuana and developing mental health issues. This is thought to be due to the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, which can negatively impact the brain. THC has been shown to alter the way the brain processes information, leading to problems with memory, learning, and decision-making. Additionally, THC can interfere with the way the brain regulates stress and anxiety, exacerbating existing mental health issues or causing new ones to develop. For these reasons, it is essential to be aware of the risks associated with marijuana use, especially if you are already struggling with mental health issues.
“It is well known that smoking marijuana can negatively affect the brain,” Dr. Mitchell points out. For instance, studies have shown that it can impair memory and learning and reduce reaction time. Recent research has also suggested that smoking marijuana may be linked to brain development issues. A study found that people who smoked marijuana regularly during adolescence were more likely than non-users to experience a decrease in the size of the seahorse, a brain region critical for memory and learning. Frequent marijuana use was associated with reduced efficiency in the connections between brain regions involved in learning and memory. Although more research is needed to confirm these findings, they suggest that smoking marijuana may be harmful to brain development, especially during adolescence. Therefore, people should be aware of the potential risks before deciding to smoke.”
Dr. Mitchell says, “Even though marijuana is increasingly legalized in the United States, several risks are still associated with its use. One of the biggest dangers is the potential for legal issues. In states where marijuana is not yet legal, possession of even small amounts of the drug can result in arrest and prosecution. Additionally, since marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I substance by the federal government, it is possible to face federal charges even if possession is legal in your state. can lead to impaired driving, leading to accidents and injuries. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the potential legal risks associated with marijuana use before deciding to smoke.”
Dr Mitchell says this “does not constitute medical advice and these answers are in no way intended to be complete. Rather, they are intended to encourage discussions about health choices.”
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather is currently a freelancer for several publications. Learn more about Heather
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