If you know someone that has a marijuana addiction, you will most likely notice the negative side effects and be shot down if you point these out. The reason for this is that it is seen as a “cure-all” and not enough research is being done on the harmful effects. You will notice a myriad of reasonable justifications concerning the popular green herb, such as:
“But Marijuana hasn’t killed anyone….”
Marijuana Overdose is Real
This may be true for the general population of blazers, but there have been cases of young people being admitted into hospital after consuming a THC potent edible. Another case of marijuana overdose ended tragically for Brian Smith Jr. the 17-year-old had been smoking marijuana daily and suffered from severe vomiting and abdominal pain. Brian began losing weight and but just kept on smoking marijuana. An autopsy confirmed that his marijuana addiction played a part in his death due to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome.
“We had never heard about this, had never heard about marijuana causing any vomiting. He and I were like, ‘yeah, I think it’s something else”
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome can arise from long term cannabis abuse. The syndrome consists of vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea. The only way it is relieved is with a hot shower.
Deadly fungal Infection – Aspergillus
While overdoses are rare, there have been cases of patients dying from aspergillosis. This is a condition caused by inhaling Aspergillus spores. These spores are a form of harmful bacteria that grows on the plant. The cause of the fungus growth is due to improper storage and drying of cannabis.
Aspergillosis symptoms in the lungs include:
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Other organs become infected
Lowered Immune System
People with a lowered immune system should avoid smoking cannabis and any other drugs to avoid the increased risk of infections. If you are going through chemotherapy, had an organ transplant, or major surgery, smoking marijuana will affect your recovery time post-surgery. Cannabis is also known to lower blood pressure, which can be fatal for people who already have low blood pressure due to an illness.
Loss of Libido and Impotency
Habitual cannabis use can have effects on the thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive system. If you are a chronic marijuana user, you will eventually find that your libido and energy levels will decrease. Chronic use can also alter your thyroid and cortisol levels (both are hormones) which may lead to chronic conditions that cannot be cured.
Psychosis from Marijuana Addiction
If you have an underlying mental disorder, cannabis abuse will increase the symptoms associated. Psychosis is a very serious condition and medical intervention is vital if is occurs. Cannabis use for ADHD is not advisable at all:
“In the past month, I have treated 6 young men – adolescents or young adults in the ER with psychosis from vaping high-potency cannabis” = Wilfred Noel Raby, Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor.
Early Signs of Marijuana induced psychosis:
- Anxiety
- Anger and agitation
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating and thinking clearly
- Delusional behavior
- Lack of emotional response
- Inappropriate emotional response
- Paranoia
- Speech that does not make sense
Conclusion
So there you have read a few of the negative health effects of habitual marijuana use. It may be a natural remedy for many ailments, but just like any medication, you will experience side effects that can change your life. The good news is that with the correct therapy and a willingness to quit, you can get back to being a healthy and focused individual. Marijuana is a drug as it changes the way the brain functions. If it weren’t a drug then there would be no withdrawals or an obsession to always have “stash” available.
Get Help for Marijuana Addiction
If you or your loved ones are noticing the negative effects cannabis is causing to your health and you are struggling to quit, it is time to get your life back for good. For more information about quitting cannabis, feel free to contact us at any time of the week.
Resources:
https://www.zrtlab.com/blog/archive/the-effects-of-cannabis-on-your- hormones/