While the debate on the safety of cannabis continues, it’s essential to consider the potential risks and benefits of its use. Harvard Health advises using cannabis safely, highlighting that smoking cannabis can inflame your lungs. Alternative consumption methods, such as under-the-tongue tinctures, edibles, topical products, or dry herb vaporizers, are suggested to reduce respiratory risks. Moreover, it’s advised not to hold cannabis smoke in the lungs for more than a second or two, as this does not enhance the effects but can further irritate the lungs. Driving impairment is also a concern, with a recommended wait of at least four hours after use before drivingHarvard Health.
Professor Hill, in a discussion featured in the Harvard Gazette, outlines that unlike alcohol, cannabis issues usually arise with daily, multiple uses rather than occasional consumptionHarvard Gazette. He highlights that frequent use is often where problems occur.
Go Ask Alice! from Columbia University presents an uncertain picture regarding the long-term health effects of moderate marijuana use. The retention of THC metabolites in fatty tissues for days or longer, especially among heavy users, raises questions about potential long-term health risksGo Ask Alice!.
Harvard Health also points out the cardiovascular risks associated with marijuana, including a temporary rise in heart rate and blood pressure. These factors can be particularly dangerous for individuals with heart disease. The link between marijuana use and atrial fibrillation, a serious heart rhythm disturbance, is also a cause for concernHarvard Health.
Concerning cognitive effects, long-term cannabis use starting in adolescence is linked to an average IQ decline and deficits in learning and processing speed. This finding indicates potential long-term cognitive risks associated with early and frequent cannabis useHarvard Health.
Overall, the debate around cannabis use is complex, with varying opinions on its safety and long-term effects. While some advocate for its benefits, others caution against potential risks, especially with frequent use. It seems that more research is needed to fully understand the impact of cannabis on health and well-being.