Is Marijuana Really Safe? Uncovering the Health Impacts

With marijuana’s increasing legalization, the question arises: Is it truly safe? Harvard Health and other sources offer insights, yet some doubts remain.

A Harvard Health article titled “If you use cannabis, do it safely” suggests precautions for safer use. They advise against smoking, which can inflame the lungs, and recommend alternatives like under-the-tongue tinctures, edibles, topical products, or dry herb vaporizers. Furthermore, they caution against holding smoke in the lungs for more than a second, as it does not enhance the effect but can irritate the lungs.

The heart health implications of marijuana use are explored in another Harvard Health piece, “Marijuana and heart health: What you need to know”. It highlights the risks, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous for those with heart disease. The risk of heart attack is reportedly several times higher in the hour after smoking marijuana.

A comprehensive view is provided by Go Ask Alice! in their article “Moderate marijuana use and health effects?”. This piece delves into the potential health effects, including impaired thinking, problem-solving, and memory, poor coordination and balance, increased cardiovascular disease risk, more frequent respiratory infections, and potential reproductive health impacts.

Harvard Gazette’s article “It may be increasingly legal but doesn’t mean cannabis is safe” adds to the conversation by emphasizing that legalization does not equate to safety. They note that while cannabis may be different from alcohol in terms of usage patterns leading to problems, its frequent use can still pose significant risks.

Further, the “Cognitive effects of long-term cannabis use in midlife” from Harvard Health reveals a decline in IQ and cognitive functions in long-term users, underscoring the potential long-term impacts.

The complexities surrounding marijuana’s safety are evident. While some advocate for its benefits, others caution against potential health risks, leaving room for further investigation and understanding.