The negative health effects of marijuana / cannabis
Marijuana is approved in some states in the US for medical purposes which may include chronic pain relief, nausea relief, management of multiple sclerosis symptoms, and to stimulate appetite. However, most people in the US use it for “recreational” purposes. If you walk down the street and even into some buildings, garages, stairwells, subway stations .. etc, chances you will smell marijuana in many cities across the US. Judging from the wide, and increasing, use of marijuana, it is very likely that the majority of people who use it think it is harmless, but actually it is not.
Here are some of the harms associated with cannabis / marijuana use. This list is by no means inclusive. Some of these effects can occur after short period of use while others may appear after use for longer periods of time and/or with higher doses.
1. Risk of addiction to cannabis. Approximately 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will become addicted. When they start before age 18, the rate of addiction rises to 1 in 6.
2. May cause problems with memory, attention, learning, coordination, making decisions, reaction time and emotions. Marijuana can cause permanent (not reversible) IQ loss of as much as 8 points. Studies link marijuana use to depression, anxiety, suicide planning, and schizophrenia.
3. May raise blood pressure immediately after use, and may increase the risk of stroke and heart disease.
4. It affects drivers in a way similar to alcohol.
5. Smoking marijuana harms the lungs
6. Edible or drinkable cannabis may cause poisoning.
7. Harms athletic Performance by affecting timing, movement, and coordination.
8. Using marijuana during pregnancy may cause decrease fetal growth, premature birth, stillbirth, and problems with brain development. Chemicals from marijuana can be passed to the baby through breast milk if the mother is using it.
9. People who use marijuana are more likely to have relationship issues, worse educational outcomes, lower career achievement, and reduced life satisfaction.
It remains unknown what effect second hand smoking of marijuana have on those who do not use it. Given the wide use in public spaces and increased exposure of bystanders through unintentional breathing of smoked cannabis, such studies are urgently needed.
You can learn more on this subject by visiting these websites (which were used as references for this post):
https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/index.html
https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4392-marijuana-cannabis