Last updated : December 23, 2024
Some smokers hold the false belief that marijuana is safer than cigarettes. While marijuana is often referred to as being natural, it still contains several harmful chemicals. Here are some very important facts on the safety of smoking marijuana.
The presence of tar
Unlike cigarettes, cannabis does not contain any nicotine. However, this does not mean that marijuana is notably safer. Due to the fact that marijuana is unfiltered, it exposes a person’s lungs to far more tar. As some readers may already know, tar is a very toxic chemical that increases your risk of developing lung cancer. According to research, marijuana also contains over 30 other cancer-causing ingredients.
Negative impact on lung health
Mental effects
The inhalation of marijuana smoke can have a major influence on an individual’s mental health. After smoking a joint, it is not uncommon for a person to experience a slowed reaction time and short-term memory loss. Although marijuana is often praised for its ability to promote relaxation, it can actually cause severe anxiety and paranoia. In regards to personal safety, marijuana dramatically increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident. This is especially true for the marijuana users who choose to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
Elevated heart rate
Even a few puffs of marijuana can cause an individual’s heart rate to rise. This is clearly bad news for the weed smokers who already suffer from a heart ailment. A sudden spike in your heart rate can definitely cause a heart attack.
The potential for addiction
Although it is well-known that cigarettes are addictive, some people find it hard to believe that weed can also be habit-forming. Statistics show that there are literally millions of people who are addicted to marijuana. Marijuana contains THC, which is a chemical that triggers the body to produce dopamine. Dopamine is a natural hormone that causes a person to feel euphoric. If a long-term marijuana smoker suddenly stops their habit, they may begin to experience frustrating withdrawal symptoms.
As you can see, smoking marijuana is not any safer than smoking cigarettes. Although more states are expected to legalize marijuana in the future, it is still a good idea to remain cautious about the potential side effects.
