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What Are the Risks of Smoking Weed?

Research has concluded that the chemical makeup of marijuana is less dangerous than that of other drugs and cigarettes. But even though it may pose fewer risks, there are still risks associated with marijuana and it is not the completely harmless substance it is often portrayed as. Heavy marijuana use only became prevalent in the last 30 years, so long-term effects are only emerging now. There have been many studies on the health risks of marijuana, and many strongly suggest a link between it and certain health problems.

  1. Weakening of the Immune System

    • Studies conducted regarding immunity have found that marijuana can act as an immunosuppressant. The smoke damages the bronchial passages and weakens the lungs' defenses against infection and disease. Also, a particular study observed a drop in white blood cell counts for those who regularly used the drug. Marijuana is often touted as a treatment for many side effects of diseases such as cancer and AIDS, where suffers' immune systems are already in a compromised state. Opponents argue that its immune-suppressing effects will only worsen these patients' conditions.

    Respiratory Illness

    • Marijuana has been linked to many respiratory problems including pulmonary infections, chronic bronchitis, excessive phlegm and impairment of the small air passages. Marijuana smoke contains more than 400 chemicals, many of which are also contained in cigarettes and have been identified as causing lung cancer. In addition, a marijuana joint contains four times the amount of tar that a cigarette does. There is no conclusive link that it causes cancer, but this has been suggested, as marijuana and cigarettes are ingested in a similar manner and contain some of the same carcinogenic substances.

    Mental Health

    • Marijuana has been shown to trigger episodes of several mental conditions, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and psychosis. Studies on depression have yielded interesting results. In low doses, it relieved symptoms, similar to how a typical anti-depressant drug would. However, in high doses it made depression worse. In addition, marijuana is known to increase anxiety and induce feelings of apathy and low motivation.

    Mental Function

    • Marijuana has many short-term effects that impair mental function. Perception, judgment, memory, coordination and motor skills can be affected. This increases potential for vehicular as well as other types of accidents. These issues can persist up to six weeks after the last use of the drug.

    Conclusion

    • Studies so far have shown that there are some negative consequences to smoking marijuana, but more research needs to be done to prove larger connections conclusively, since chronic use is a fairly recent phenomenon. Those who use this drug should inform themselves of the risks. Even though marijuana is considered the most benign of illicit substances, evidence is emerging that shows there are some negative side effects that impact both mental and physical health.

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