Many states in the US have legalized the use and sale of recreational marijuana to people aged 21 and above years. Since then, states have issued several provisional and final licenses to retail stores for recreational use of marijuana. Individuals smoke marijuana using joints, or hand-rolled cigarettes or bongs, pipes with water. Some people also use vaporizers to avoid inhaling the smoke. Doctors continue to remind people of the potential health risk of smoking cannabis. Some people can consume the drug safely, while others will experience health effects. Unfortunately, you cannot predict how your body reacts to marijuana. Read on to discover the top 3 health risks of the legalization of weed.
1. The Brain. Scientists say that weed has both short and –term effects on the human brain. When you smoke marijuana, the active ingredients (including THC) pass from the lungs to the bloodstream. As the blood circulates, the body absorbs THC. THC affects specific brain cell receptors that would normally react to natural THC-like chemicals. The natural compound is crucial to healthy brain development and functioning. Marijuana users can have short-term issues with attention, learning, and memory. Since it affects brain development, marijuana can cause permanent damage to these abilities.
2. Lung Health. The effects of marijuana on the lungs depends on how you consume it and the amount inhaled. Since its legalization, the number of marijuana smokers have increased. The popular methods used to smoke the drug include joints, bongs, and blunts. Regardless of the smoking method, marijuana affects the lung tissues and may damage the blood vessels. Similar to tobacco, marijuana contains toxins and carcinogens. These impurities increase the risk of bronchitis, cough, and production of phlegm.
3. Cancer. Many people believe that the use of cannabinoids and smoking marijuana can manage the side effects of cancer and cancer therapies. However, no scientific study has proven that cannabinoids help in controlling or curing the disease. On the contrary, marijuana can cause complications and side effects. Using marijuana alone to manage side effects while avoiding conventional medication for cancer can lead to severe health consequences. Smoking marijuana delivers harmful toxins that increase the risk of lung cancer. Researchers are also investigating the relationship between marijuana smoking and testicular cancer.
Since tobacco is known to affect secondhand smokers, people have raised questions about whether marijuana smoke poses similar health risks. Although there is inadequate research concerning the subject, scientists believe that secondhand smokers including children could be at risk. Children exposed to TCH could have brain development issues. Mothers who use marijuana could also cause growth problems to the unborn. Legalizing marijuana has led to the rise of women who smoke weed. Most women believe that smoking marijuana while pregnant is not harmful (this from Safe Harbor House). This information proves that women need prenatal counseling. The supportive service and willingness from pregnant women can prevent the effects associated with exposing the unborn to marijuana. Safe Harbor House provides all the information concerning the dangers of smoking while pregnant.
great info ..thank you