Is marijiuana bad for your health?

Answer 1

Many people argue that, compared to alcohol, marijuana is harmless and should be legalized. But its harmless nature has been seriously questioned recently. Chronic over-indulgence has been linked to a number of disorders and possible addiction.*

*Food and Fitness

Many of the studies done on the health consequences of marijuana have been inconclusive, although a picture is emerging of some worrisome long-term health effects. Smoking marijuana affects the respiratory system in much the same way as cigarette smoking. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same toxic chemicals and carcinogens as tobacco, as well as cannabinoids, all of which are respiratory irritants. Frequent marijuana smokers often report laryngitis, hoarseness, and coughing, and they are more likely than infrequent or nonusers to get acute and chronic bronchitis.

In a comprehensive analysis of the health effects of cannabis, the World Health Organization reports that cannabis is known to have adverse effects on the immune system, reproductive system, adrenal hormones, growth hormone, and cognitive function, particularly related to attention and memory processes. The long-term consequences of these effects, however, are not fully known, and further research is warranted. Smoking marijuana during pregnancy reduces oxygen flow to the fetus, which may interfere with growth and result in low birth weight, premature birth, and deficits in verbal ability and memory during childhood.

Preliminary research has demonstrated some positive health benefits of marijuana, including control of nausea and vomiting in people suffering from advanced cancer and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), appetite stimulation for those with wasting diseases, treatment of glaucoma by reducing intraoculer pressure, and control of convulsions and muscle spasms. More research in these areas is needed.*

*Encyclopedia of Public Health