Snoop Dogg recently announced he decided to quit “smoke”, according to his social media post on Instagram. Although he may not have meant marijuana, the news ignited discussion surrounding the drug and how it actually affects health and well-being. Here is what you need to know....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Marijuana is a Cannabis-based product, derived from the leaves, stems and seeds of the Cannabis plant. The drug contains over 120 active ingredients, including the abundant tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that can have psychoactive or mind-altering effects.
According to the Controlled Substance Act, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse with a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
The drug is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States according to the CDC, although a growing number of states are legalizing the drug for recreational and medicinal use.
To date, 24 states as well as Washington D.C. have legalized marijuana for recreational use, while 38 states and Washington D.C. have legalized it for medicinal use.
The effect of the drug on an individual depends on many factors, including but not limited to age, quantity taken and method taken. Different ways marijuana can be taken include smoking, inhalation, ingesting via edible food or pills as well as topically through transdermal patches.
Although highly variable, common effects of using the drug include feeling elated, increased appetite, experiencing relaxation and having difficulty thinking with distorted perceptions. Additionally, patients can experience increased heart rate and blood pressure when taking the drug.
The most well-known therapeutic use of marijuana revolves around treating chronic pain, and in particular, neuropathic pain, or pain caused by damaged nerves. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, conclusive evidence shows marijuana can be helpful in treating chronic pain in adults.
Medical marijuana can also treat nausea and vomiting, particularly in patients on chemotherapy for cancer.
Certain neurological disorders can also be treated with marijuana. For example, Epidiolex, a FDA approved drug derived from marijuana, can be used to treat two rare types of seizure disorders that do not respond well to other treatments.
Although some believe that marijuana and its derivatives can treat anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder, there is only limited evidence that it is effective, and more research will be needed to definitely assess the effect of marijuana on anxiety and stress related illnesses.
Three in ten people who use marijuana have marijuana use disorder, according to the CDC. This means that 30% of those using marijuana are using it more than intended, are using it despite it causing problems in home, school, and work; and use it in high-risk situations such as when driving a car.
About 10% of those who use marijuana become addicted to it, which is less than the addiction or dependence rate for both tobacco and alcohol.
Marijuana affects the health and function of many parts of the body. In the brain, it can immediately impact learning, attention, memory, balance and coordination.
The long-term impact of marijuana on the brain can have lasting effects on the developing brain. Although more studies are needed to fully clarify the effect of marijuana on developing brains, studies have shown that marijuana use by mothers during pregnancy can adversely affect a child’s attention, behavior and problem-solving skills, according to the CDC. Thus, pregnant individuals and those who decide to breastfeed should avoid marijuana per CDC recommendations.
Smoking marijuana damages small blood vessels and can result in scarring of lung tissue. The smoke from marijuana contains some of the same toxins and cancer-causing chemicals that are present in tobacco smoke, although no definitive association exists between smoking marijuana and the development of lung cancer. More research continues to be needed to assess the risk of lung cancer in patients taking marijuana.
Although marijuana may not directly be linked to lung cancer, a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention demonstrated that heavy marijuana use, or having used the drug more than 50 times during life, was positively associated with a form of testicular cancer.
New and emerging evidence also provides support for the effect of marijuana on the heart. According to two non-published studies presented at the American Heart Association Conference in Philadelphia last year, people who used marijuana were 34% more likely to develop heart failure compared to those that did not; and older adults who used marijuana but not tobacco were at higher risks of getting a heart attack and stroke when they were in the hospital.
Since marijuana has not traditionally been viewed as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, this could change the way physicians assess risks in the future for heart attack and stroke.
Marijuana can also have profound effects on mental health. When used frequently and in high doses, the drug can cause disorientation and feelings of paranoia.
According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, substantial evidence links marijuana with the development of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder where people can experience hallucinations, or hearing and seeing things that are not actually present.
Importantly, the association between marijuana and mental health illnesses becomes amplified in those who start using the drug at an earlier age and use it more frequently.
There are of course pros and cons to marijuana use. Ultimately, the decision to use the drug should be weighed with the potential benefits and risks, along with careful discussions with your healthcare provider. More research will help guide our understanding of both therapeutic uses and deleterious effects the drug can have on health…CONTINUE READING>>
