Chronic marijuana use has downsides, similar to tobacco use, a topic of debate among enthusiasts and critics. We at Reefer & Hayes aim to showcase all aspects of marijuana, even those that may have negative effects on our well-being.
Effects on the Mind
Starting to use cannabis at a young age can negatively affect cognitive abilities, leading to functional impairment. The duration of this impairment can vary and is influenced by various factors, such as the amount consumed and how often it is used. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, long-term cannabis use can decrease verbal memory test scores but does not affect processing speed or executive function. Some studies have even found links between cannabis use and declines in IQ, especially when use starts in adolescence and leads to persistent cannabis use disorders into adulthood. To the credit of cannabis enthusiasts, however, many studies have reached contradictory conclusions that do not fully support this narrative. It is challenging to establish conclusive evidence that the correlation between marijuana use and a decrease in IQ exists, as there are numerous factors to consider, such as genetics, family environment, age of initial use, frequency of use, cannabis use disorder, duration of use, and the length of time the individual has been studying.
Lung Health
Using cannabis, just like tobacco, can irritate the throat and lungs, leading to a persistent cough. The smoke from marijuana has volatile chemicals that are comparable to those found in tobacco smoke, raising concerns about the potential risk of lung cancer and other diseases. Inhaling this smoke could cause inflammation, restriction, and hyperinflation of the airway, and could even lead to chronic bronchitis symptoms at a higher rate compared to non-smokers. However, it is important to note that many cannabis users mix their weed with tobacco leaves, which could potentially impact the accuracy of these studies.
Addiction
Marijuana can be addictive in ways other than a chemical dependency like coffee, tobacco, or other illicit drugs. Starting use in adolescence makes eventual compulsive misuse or the development of an addiction more likely. Compulsive Marijuana Use can impair several areas of life, symptoms of which are the following: using more than intended, being unable to quit, spending more time obtaining more and recovering, cravings, using despite problems in social environments, giving up activities in favor of weed, partaking during potentially dangerous situations, using despite physical and mental issues, excessive increase of tolerance, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, etc.
Conclusion
Cannabis’s effects on lung health shouldn’t surprise those when thinking about it from a practical sense. At the end of the day, hot smoke and burnt plant materials still enter the lungs. Use this information as well as others to form your own educated opinion on cannabis use.
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