Physical and Mental Effects of marijuana | Medical talk | Meds talk
The consumption of cannibis comes with some long and short-term effects. Sometimes it's very visible depending on the individual. Below are the side effects of its consumption, starting with the physical effects.
Physical Effects
Breathing problems. Marijuana smoke irritates the lungs, and
frequent marijuana smokers can have the same breathing problems that tobacco
smokers have. These problems include daily cough and phlegm, more frequent lung
illness, and a higher risk of lung infections. Researchers still do not know
whether marijuana smokers have a higher risk for lung cancer.
Increased heart rate. Marijuana raises heart rate for up to
3 hours after smoking. This effect may increase the chance of heart attack.
Older people and those with heart problems may be at higher risk.
Problems with child development during and after pregnancy.
Marijuana use during pregnancy is linked to increased risk of both brain and
behavioral problems in babies. If a pregnant woman uses marijuana, the drug may
affect certain developing parts of the fetus’s brain. Resulting challenges for
the child may include problems with attention, memory, and problem-solving. Additionally,
some research suggests that moderate amounts of THC are excreted into the
breast milk of nursing mothers. The effects on a baby’s developing brain are
still unknown.
Mental Effects
Long-term marijuana use has been linked to mental illness in
some users, such as:
Temporary hallucinations—sensations and images that seem
real though they are not.
Temporary paranoia—extreme and unreasonable distrust of
others
