Unmasking the Long-Term Potential Risks and Side Effects of Chronic Cannabis Use
The continued evolution of societal views regarding cannabis use has led to a growth in its consumption for both medicinal and recreational purposes. However, as the potency of marijuana increases, concerns regarding the potential dangers and the impact of long-term cannabis use on users’ health are only heightening.
Assumptions of its safety might be attributed to the therapeutic benefits it offers, including pain mitigation and alleviation of symptoms related to an array of medical conditions. Nevertheless, like any other drug, cannabis carries potential risks and side effects, especially with extended use.
To begin, one of the major concerns related to long-term cannabis use revolves around addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 9% of marijuana users become addicted. This figure escalates to about 17% for those who started using in their teenage years and hikes to 25%-50% among daily users.
Furthermore, a persistent use of cannabis can lead to marijuana tolerance, meaning the user needs more of the drug to experience the same effects as before. Over time, this can develop into a cannabis dependency, where users may experience withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Studies show symptoms may include irritability, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, cravings, and restlessness.
With regards to physical health, respiratory issues are an escalating worry. Although marijuana smoke is often perceived as harmless, it contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. Long-term cannabis use can therefore lead to similar respiratory issues as smoking tobacco, including chronic bronchitis and lung inflammation. The American Lung Association warns that marijuana users could be predisposing themselves to a higher risk of lung infections and possibly even lung cancer.
Additionally, research increasingly suggests potential cognitive impairment from prolonged marijuana use. Studies indicate that chronic users scored lower than nonusers in memory, attention, and learning tasks. Although the brain can recover from some of the cognitive effects upon cessation, it is evident that longer usage durations are prone to more lasting impacts.
Moreover, the relationship between cannabis and mental health is another point of substantial concern. A range of mental health problems including psychosis, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and personality disturbances have been reported with long-term cannabis use. Particularly, the risk of psychosis or schizophrenia in individuals with a predisposition is heightened.
The potential societal risk tying into substance abuse can also not be overlooked. Longstanding marijuana use may act as a gateway towards the use of stronger and more dangerous substances, leading to escalated drug abuse.
Lastly, even if one is using medical cannabis, it is not exempt from these risks. Despite its many health benefits, precautions must be taken while considering it as a long-term treatment option. An open conversation with a healthcare provider can help decide if the treatment is right for the individual’s condition and help limit potential side effects.
In conclusion, the relatively recent legalization and societal acceptance shouldn’t mask the risks associated with long-term cannabis use. It’s important to continue researching and understanding the full spectrum of its effects to ensure individual and public health considerations remain paramount as we grapple with evolving drug policies.
Sources:
1. National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive
2. NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/
3. American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/health-effects/marijuana-and-lung-health
4. APA: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2015/11/marijuana-brain
5. NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4033190/