Marijuana is the most frequently consumed illegal substance in America. While marijuana has many useful applications and may provide some health benefits for some users, its adverse side effects must also be carefully considered by individuals before engaging in its consumption. People should consult their physician when considering the risks and perceived benefits.
Marijuana is an inhalant, which means it enters through the lungs to be absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. Marijuana can cause dizziness, confusion, paranoia and hallucinations as it travels through your system. Marijuana can raise one’s heart rate, increasing their risk of heart attack or stroke. Furthermore, cannabis may make one cough more frequently leading to lung infections as well as impact learning and memory functions and make concentration difficult. Marijuana can interfere with driving and other activities requiring clear thinking and coordination, particularly those with preexisting mental health conditions that increase anxiety and depression risk after using marijuana.
Marijuana can impair a person’s ability to drive, operate heavy machinery or work in occupations that require concentrated and focused effort, as well as hinder their academic performance and disrupt healthy relationships. Furthermore, its effects can become amplified when combined with other medications (SSRI antidepressants/antidepressants/antipsychotics/blood thinners/chemotherapy agents/antiseizure drugs and even antibiotics used to prevent organ transplant rejection) or substances (like alcohol or drugs that enhance its effects), among others.
Researchers have conducted medical studies suggesting that marijuana may help relieve multiple sclerosis pain, reduce nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatments, as well as decrease loss of appetite in AIDS or other diseases that interfere with eating. It may even help some people recover weight lost due to illnesses; although why this occurs is unknown.
As someone new to marijuana, it is wise to begin slowly and use low-THC products. People should begin with small doses and wait at least 15 minutes between inhalations sessions in order to avoid an overdose which can have unpleasant side effects. Picking the correct strain of marijuana also is key; one-hitters are ideal as they only allow users one or two hits before being disposed off before beginning again or switching up until you know how it affects you.