Ways Weed is Harmful
Cannabis, like any substance, can have both positive and negative effects on the body and mind. Here are some ways in which cannabis can be harmful to your health:
- Impaired cognitive function: Cannabis use can impair your ability to think, learn, and remember. It can also affect your attention, concentration, and reaction time.
- Addiction: Cannabis use can lead to addiction in some people, which can have negative consequences on their social, work, and personal life.
- Mental health: Cannabis use can increase the risk of developing mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis, especially in people who are predisposed to these conditions.
- Lung damage: Smoking cannabis can cause damage to the lungs, similar to smoking tobacco. Long-term use can also increase the risk of respiratory infections and bronchitis.
- Heart health: Cannabis use can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people with pre-existing heart conditions.
- Developing schizophrenia and other psychoses: Cannabis use is likely to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia and other psychoses.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding can harm the developing fetus or infant and lead to low birth weight, developmental delays, and behavioral problems.
- Intense nausea and vomiting: Regular, long-term marijuana use can lead to some people to develop Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. This causes users to experience regular cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, sometimes requiring emergency medical attention.14
It’s important to note that the harmful effects of cannabis can vary depending on the frequency and amount of use, the method of consumption, and the individual’s health status.