Public acceptance of marijuana has skyrocketed in recent years, and increased legalization means more people have access to recreational marijuana than ever before. While pot has its benefits, it’s not without side effects, some you may never have considered. Read on to learn 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 shown to increase the risk of lung cancer. But it’s 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 respiratory problems as those who smoke tobacco,” says the NIDA. You may have cough, increased mucus, wheezing, or chest tightness.
Experts say that THC, the main ingredient in marijuana, can increase heart rate by 20 to 50 beats per minute, for several hours. According to Harvard Medical School, the risk of heart attack is higher in the hours after smoking marijuana than it normally is. And a study published in the journal Cell Last month it was found that frequent marijuana users are more likely to have a first heart attack before the age of 50. Researchers believe that THC can cause blood vessel inflammation, which increases this risk.
Marijuana is sometimes prescribed to relieve nausea, but it can also cause stomach problems on its own. For people with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), marijuana use can lead to stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, which can be severe. And it’s surprisingly common – experts estimate that 2.7 million Americans suffer from the disease. 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 been using it since adolescence.
last February in the review Caress, the American Heart Association has warned doctors that pot’s effects on the brain are unclear and that they should have “balanced” discussions with patients about potential risks. A review of studies published last January in the review Addiction found that THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, can impair executive functions in the brain, including planning, organizing, problem solving, decision making, and emotion regulation.
Marijuana has a long reputation as a relaxant. But taking too much can have the opposite effect, causing anxiety, paranoia and even panic attacks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Several studies have linked marijuana use to an increased risk of psychiatric disorders, including psychosis (schizophrenia), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, but there is no not always easy to determine if it actually causes these conditions and to what extent.National Institutes of Health. And to protect your life and the lives of others, do not visit any of these 35 places where you are most likely to catch COVID.
Michael Martin
Michael Martin is a New York-based writer and editor whose health and lifestyle content has also been published on Beachbody and Openfit. A contributing writer for Eat This, Not That!, he has also been published in New York, Architectural Digest, Interview and many others. Read more
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