Marijuana use has been growing in popularity in the states. However, that does not make it risk-free for every individual. Whether you smoke marijuana to socialize and connect with your friends, soothe anxiety, or for medical reasons, it comes with its own range of problems and benefits.
Marijuana, also called weed or cannabis, is a psychoactive (mind-altering) drug that affects your thoughts and behavior. It comes from the cannabis sativa or cannabis indica plant. You can find various marijuana dispensaries around you or get cannabis delivery services. Let’s look through the pros and cons of cannabis.
Health Benefits of Marijuana
The Cannabis Act allows individuals with signed medical documents to purchase marijuana from federally licensed sellers for health reasons. Here are the health benefits of marijuana, as suggested by research.
1. Chronic Pain Management
Marijuana has been used to treat many painful conditions, such as migraines, since its early discovery. According to research, medicines that combine tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) found in marijuana can treat many chronic pain conditions. CBD-only treatments help too. The conditions that can benefit from these substances include neuropathic pain (caused by a damaged nervous system) or nociplastic pain (alteration of pain-related sensory pathways). Note that THC is psychoactive and can get you high, whereas CBD has no such effect.
2. Neurological and Mental Disorders
People often use marijuana to feel relaxed; It is suggested that cannabis significantly reduces the effect of anxiety, stress, or depression. The use of cannabis can also help relieve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
In 2018, the FDA approved the use of medicine, which included ingredients (cannabidiol or CBD) derived from marijuana to treat seizures associated with epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome. Marijuana can also help patients with insomnia and other sleep disorders by increasing sleep time and relieving anxiety.
3. Chemotherapy
While the FDA has not approved cannabis for cancer treatment, You can use it to alleviate the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced pain, nausea, and vomiting.
4. Other Benefits
Evidence suggests that marijuana can help increase bone and fracture healing. It can help ease muscle spasms and stiffness associated with multiple sclerosis and can also help reduce blood pressure.
Marijuana also has anti-inflammatory properties, so you can also use it to treat many gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. It is also suggested that marijuana can be used as a substitute for alcohol to reduce drinking among individuals.
Health Risks of Marijuana
Despite these benefits, there are certain health risks associated with marijuana.
1. Effects on Your Mental Health
While marijuana can help reduce anxiety symptoms, research also suggests it can produce anxiety and panic among individuals. People who take large doses of marijuana may experience symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions. Marijuana can also worsen the symptoms of mania associated with bipolar disorder. And it can also lead to higher levels of suicidal ideation and attempts, particularly among women.
2. Respiratory Diseases
Smoking marijuana can reduce your respiratory system’s immune response, leading to airway inflammation, lung hyperinflation, and higher chances of chronic bronchitis. The drug can also increase one’s susceptibility to lung infections like pneumonia.
3. Other Risks
Marijuana acts as both a stimulant and a depressant, affecting brain development, memory, and psychomotor skills. It increases blood pressure, makes your heart beat faster, and increases the risk of strokes and heart diseases. Mindless consumption of the substance can also lead to marijuana use disorder; people will continue to smoke marijuana despite its negative consequences. It is recommended to avoid using marijuana during pregnancy, as it can lead to health problems in newborns, such as low birth weight or abnormal neurological development.
Endnote
After considering the risks and benefits, the choice is yours. However, you must pace yourself and make healthier choices about smoking marijuana. The more you use, the more likely you will experience negative consequences. Using a vaporizer is safer than smoking marijuana because burning will cause cancer-causing substances to form. Avoid using it every day, meet up with friends who don’t smoke, and go with small amounts. Remember, it’s your responsibility to prioritize your health. Use it safely and healthily.
