Last updated : November 11, 2024
The most common way marijuana is used is by smoking it. Other ways include making a tea from it or putting it in food like brownies. When inhaled, marijuana is rapidly introduced into the blood stream. Then it quickly goes to the brain and other organs. The effects of marijuana are immediate and widespread after ingesting it.
Effects on the lungs
Like anything else you might smoke, marijuana will irritate your bronchial tubes and lungs. Smoking any amount of anything places you at a higher risk for bronchitis and respiratory infections. Like cigarettes, marijuana contains carcinogens. Although research results are conflicting, marijuana is believed to increase the risk of cancer. Research continues.
Circulatory system
It has been confirmed that ingestion of marijuana increases the user’s heart rate. This can be dangerous for those with cardiovascular disease as they’re at increased risk for a heart attack. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association documented the link between marijuana and heart attack, heartbeat disorders, and stroke. The adverse links were even documented in young people with no history of cardiovascular problems. Of those affected, 25% died. Their average age was about 34. Another study showed a 480 percent raise in risk of heart attack within the first hour after use for those at risk for heart attack.
The brain
No matter what form marijuana is used in, it acts on certain brain receptors that are important in functioning and development of the brain. It has an enhanced effect on that part of the brain that controls pleasure, reward, memory, cognitive thinking, and problem solving. It can inhibit brain development though. One study in New Zealand showed an eight point IQ drop in those who began using marijuana heavily at an early age. When they stopped marijuana usage as adults, that brain function wasn’t restored. Others who started using marijuana later in adulthood showed no decline in IQ. This might lead to a very strong inference that usage of marijuana is particularly damaging for teens and young adults.
Mental health
Although somewhat unusual, there is a link between marijuana use and psychosis when under its influence. There are also links to it increasing symptoms of those that already are affected by psychosis. Symptoms either disappear or decrease upon stopping use. Data on whether it causes depression or anxiety is mixed. Further investigation is needed although there generally is evidence that frequent and/or heavy marijuana use during adolescence is linked to anxiety or depression.
Certain evidence points in certain directions for marijuana use, particularly in connection with adolescents who are frequent and/or heavy users. Active research is relatively young but it continues. More definitive information will be available in the next five or ten years. Beware of hearts and minds though.
