The old adage that claims too much of anything is not a good thing, can be easily applied to those who are addicted to marijuana. Many proponents of regular cannabis use will argue that their long-term use has not affected them yet those around them tend to disagree. Medical studies, as well as those who live with a chronic marijuana smoker will testify there are numerous side effects.
How Can Something 'Natural' Be Harmful?
According to many credible sources including the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), marijuana contains over 400 chemicals. To help keep this in perspective, coffee, another substance that can be addictive, is also reported to have over 400 chemicals and cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals.
According to CAMH, marijuana smoke, or weed as it is often referred to be some people, contains more tar and some cancer-causing chemicals than cigarette smoke.
In June 2009, the University of Leicester in England released results of a study that found certain carcinogens in marijuana smoke in amounts 50% greater than those found in cigarette smoke. They also noted that even recreational marijuana users may be at risk because most cannabis smokers tend to inhale deeper and hold the smoke longer. University of Leicester researchers also state that smoking 3 to 4 joints (marijuana cigarettes) a day is associated with the same degree of damage to bronchial mucus membrane as smoking 20 cigarettes a day.
Impact on the Body
Chronic marijuana smokers are vulnerable to chest colds, bronchitis, emphysema and bronchial asthma. Persistent use, just like with cigarettes, will damage lungs and airways and increase the risk of cancer. Marijuana use may damage the immune system in some individuals.
Cannabis also affects the hormones. Women who are regular users may have a disruption of their menstrual cycle. According to the American Council for Drug Education, they report that some studies have found indications of developmental delays in children exposed to marijuana before birth.
Impact on the Mind
The American Council for Drug Education states that marijuana reduces learning ability. They report on their web site that marijuana limits the capacity to absorb and retain new information. Large amounts of marijuana can lead to toxic psychosis. This can cause individuals to hallucinate, become paranoid and believe things that are not true. These symptoms usually dissipate within a week after quitting.
Other Effects:
- Attention span decreases.
- Depending on the source of the marijuana, it may have added chemicals in it such as pesticides, other drugs or fungus.
- Co-ordination is affected which impairs the ability to be a safe driver or operate machinery.
- Dry mouth, sore eyes.
- Increased heart rate.
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the active ingredient, is stored in the body's fat cells for many days or weeks.
- Impaired perception.
- Diminished short-term memory.
- Psychological dependency.
- Many people in relationships whose partners smoke are negatively affected. (See further reading links listed below.)
The debate about marijuana use has been around for decades and inevitably will not end any time soon. Like anything else in life, many people tend to believe that as long as anything is done in moderation, risks are minimal. Regardless, for those who are daily users, long-term effects will catch up, as do the effects of drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes.
Further Reading:
Resources:
Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto
The American Council for Drug Education
National Institute on Drug Abuse
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