Despite the seemingly widespread social acceptance of marijuana as a recreational drug, there are some serious consequences for the body and mind. The popular notion is that marijuana is no different than alcohol, but there are real physiological differences. While moderate use of alcohol does not intrinsically damage the digestive system, smoking anything can damage the lungs. A significant percentage of casual pot smokers maintain the habit over time, moving to other drugs when they are unable to stop. Pot smokers usually inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers do.
How Does Marijuana Impact the Mind and Body?
There are two powerful active ingredients in marijuana – THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Both substances are cannabinoids which produce psychoactive effects because they change the way the brain works by binding with special receptors that exist throughout the brain and body. About 400 additional chemicals are found in marijuana, some of which are carcinogenic.
What are the Risks of Smoking Pot?
Among the risks of smoking marijuana are the following:
- impaired judgment and motor coordination
- shortened attention span and distractibility
- anxiety and panic attacks
- increased heart rate and increased risk of heart attack
- increased risk for schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals
- problems with memory and learning
- lowered motivation
- decreased alertness and coordination
- addiction
- irritability
- sleeplessness
- impaired appetite
- aggression
Positive Effects of Medical Marijuana and Moderate Use of Alcohol
Not all of the documentation on marijuana smoking and alcohol is negative. The supervised use of medical marijuana has been shown to alleviate symptoms in patients with either glaucoma or nausea due to chemotherapy. However, there are no credible studies demonstrating that marijuana has any generally positive health effects for moderate pot smokers. However, data shows that men who drink three to six standard drinks (12 ounces of beer or 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces whiskey) per week, in two or more sittings, and women who drink two to four standard drinks per week in two or more sittings, develop heart disease less often than people who do not drink at all.
The Subtle Effects of Smoking Pot Are the Most Deleterious
There is clear evidence that pot smoking affects learning and memory, often resulting in lower overall performance in school and in life. Memory and learning problems appear as diminished motivation, contributing to apathy and a lack of higher level functioning. These symptoms can interfere with college and career choice, thus hampering ultimate success. In the end, sustained pot smoking can severely limit opportunity.
Sources:
Joy, Janet E. & Stanley J. Watson, Jr., & John A. Benson, Jr., Editors. Marijuana and Medicine- Assessing the Science Base. Institute of Medicine, Division of Neuroscience and Behavioral Health. National Academy Press. Washington, DC
Linda Sue Meagher - Linda Sue loves animals, writing & art and considers herself a student of Human Nature. She loves outdoor adventures like skiing and ...
