Marijuana: Damaging Affects

Believe it or not, there are groups who feel that there are virtually no harmful effects caused by marijuana. With this as their platform, these groups are lobbying to legalize marijuana in the United States. The belief that marijuana causes no negative effects goes against a great number of scientific research studies as well as heartbreaking stories from real individuals with marijuana addictions. For decades medical research has found that there are a number of health risks and identifiable health complications found in conjunction with the use of marijuana.

Marijuana Affects Your Health

When marijuana is smoked the user may experience damaging effects to their respiratory system. These effects are similar to those caused by cigarettes. Smoking can damage the sense of smell as well as sense of taste. Other symptoms include:

• a burning in the throat and nose
• a heightened risk of sinus and lung infections
• a daily cough that can be chronic and persistent
• addiction, which can lead to long-term use and cancer

In addition to the respiratory and sinus complications associated with marijuana use, other serious health risks can be caused by marijuana use, such as dangerous effects on the heart. Marijuana has been found to cause an increase in heart rate while at the same time a drop in blood pressure. The heart rate may increase as much as 20 to 50 beats per minute. These effects puts an extreme amount of stress on the heart and experts believe may lead to heart attacks and heart failure.

THC Affects The Body

Another serious danger associated with marijuana-use is related to the active chemical ingredient found in marijuana called Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC. THC, as indicated by research studies, impedes the body's ability to fight against disease by impairing the body's immune system. In addition, THC has been proved to increase the risk of tumors and bacterial infections in the body.

Affects The Unborn Baby

Not only can these dangers from marijuana affect the user, but also the unborn baby of the mother who uses marijuana. In cases of pregnant mothers using marijuana, their unborn child can suffer from the effects of marijuana use and may have birthing complications and serious health problems. Unfortunately, miscarriage and still-born babies are not uncommon when the mother has used marijuana throughout the pregnancy.

Keeping Teens Clean

It is critical that society is educated on the negative effects of marijuana as well as other illicit drugs. Because teenage-drug use is on the rise, it is especially important that schools, parents, and teachers educate teenagers on the harmful dangers that marijuana, and other addicting drugs can have. Hopefully through education, teens and all people alike will be able to make informed decisions that will ensure that they live a healthier, longer life.