Marijuana (cannabis) is the most used illicit drug in the United States and the number of users continues to rise. In 2021, a study was conducted on the number of youth who were using marijuana. The number of users among 18 to 25 was 11.8 million people. In 2022, the use of marijuana among seniors in high school was 30.7%. These numbers just continue to rise. Risks resulting from marijuana are very real for anyone who uses any drug. But, for children, adolescents, and youth, the risks are far more dangerous. Marijuana, in the 1960s, was only at 3% potency. However, today’s marijuana is much stronger than it ever has been before. What can marijuana really do to the body besides make someone have the munchies? Well, let’s talk about the health effects. Marijuana, when smoked, can cause breathing problems such as those seen with cigarette smoking. For example, marijuana can cause a person to cough daily and produce phlegm, it can cause frequent lung infections and other lung illnesses. The heart rate is elevated, and it remains elevated for up to 3 hours after ingesting marijuana smoke. The concern with this health effect is that it increases the risk of a heart attack. Whenever someone uses marijuana over some time it can cause them to develop Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis is a condition that causes the user to go through cycles of really bad nausea, and vomiting, and even become dehydrated as a result. Marijuana has even been known and reported to cause mental health issues as well. For example, a user who ingests marijuana smoke over an extended period may experience symptoms such as hallucinations and paranoia. In Schizophrenia patients, it will worsen the symptoms they experience, such as hallucinations, paranoia, and disorganized thinking. Researchers have been able to link marijuana use to other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts, especially among teens. In the next blog, I am going to discuss the effects of marijuana on the brain and its receptors.
Cannabis (Marijuana) DrugFacts | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov)
Know the Negative Effects and Risks of Marijuana Use | SAMHSA