It is not good for your heart’s health to smoke cannabis. It might even be more harmful to you than smoking cigarettes. That is the conclusion drawn from a recent study that was written up in the American Heart Association Journal. The study, which looked at cardiovascular health of cannabis users compared to non-users, found that those who used cannabis in the last 30 days were at increased risk for heart attacks, stroke and general cardiovascular disease. The effect was greater in those people who used cannabis more frequently and increased proportionally to the amount a person smoked. The authors claim that the findings are not particularly shocking.
There are grounds to think that cardiac disease and cannabis use are related. The psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol, has the ability to bind to heart and blood vessel cells, altering blood flow and raising the risk of heart attack, stroke, and fainting episodes.
The problem is cannabis is not what it was even a decade ago — the THC content is now soaring well over 30% in all cannabis products from weed to vapes to edible “gummies” and even other foods which contain weed. The result is increased anxiety, increased cognitive difficulties, increased psychosis caused by cannabis (particularly in those with existing mental health issues), and increased developmental delay in early children exposed to it throughout pregnancy.
What Is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana, or medical cannabis, uses the cannabis plant or the chemicals in it to treat symptoms or conditions. The majority of medical cannabis is available in the same forms as recreational weed. However, there are also highly pure, laboratory-made strains that are intended for specific medical purposes. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main chemicals used in medicine. THC also produces the “high” people feel when they smoke or eat foods containing cannabis. As of March 26, 2024, recreational cannabis is currently legal in 25 states, including Washington, D.C. Rise Of Hemp Usage
Marijuana use is increasing among adults of all ages, both sexes, and expectant mothers these days. Eighteen to 25-year-olds are the most likely to use. Despite the fact that many states have legalized the use of cannabis and THC, these substances are still prohibited federally. Weed sales to adults over 21 at retail stores, wineries, breweries, coffee shops, dispensaries, internet, and home cultivation are all part of the rapidly expanding weed market in places where it is legal.
Researchers have found that medical marijuana can also have defects.
Marijuana: Positive Effects
The active components of medicinal weed, known as cannabinoids, are comparable to substances produced by the body that regulate pain, appetite, memory, and movement.
- Control vomiting in people undergoing cancer chemotherapy. Drugs based on two lab-made forms of THC are FDA-approved for this purpose.
- Modestly reduce pain in people with conditions such as nerve damage, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Reduce muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis. (There’s less evidence it helps muscle spasms in people with spinal cord injuries).
- Improve sleep in the short term for people with obstructive sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, or multiple sclerosis.
- Increase appetite and decrease weight loss in people with HIV and AIDS.
- Reduce tics in people with Tourette’s syndrome.
- Reduce anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder.
- Improve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Marijuana Defects
The usage of marijuana may have adverse long-term effects:
Brain Health: When marijuana usage begins early in life, it can result in a permanent IQ loss of up to eight points. Even after giving up marijuana, these IQ points do not return.
Mental Health: Research has shown a connection between marijuana usage and psychotic episodes, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. However, it is unknown if cannabis consumption is the reason behind these ailments.
Athletic Performance: Studies indicate that the effects of marijuana on timing, coordination, and movement can have a negative impact on athletic performance.
Driving: People who drive under the influence of weed can experience dangerous effects: slower reactions, lane weaving, decreased coordination, and difficulty reacting to signals and sounds on the road.
Daily life: Using marijuana can affect performance and how well people do in life. Research shows that people who use cannabis are more likely to have relationship problems, worse educational outcomes, lower career achievement, and reduced life satisfaction.
Written by Dijana Reedfields
Sources:
Cleveland.com – Is smoking marijuana really as bad for you as cigarettes?
New York Post – Why are our leaders pushing to deregulate pot and other drugs research shows are dangerous?
WebMD – Medical Marijuana: Benefits and Side Effects
Fox News Media – Daily marijuana smokers face higher risk of heart attack, stroke, says American Heart Association study
Featured Image Courtesy of Elsa Olofsson‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Mark‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
