Is Weed Bad For You? – Uncovering The Truth

Is weed bad for you despite the culture of revelry it currently enjoys?

For the longest time, the North American population has operated under the pretense that marijuana was inherently evil and provided no medicinal utility. Thanks to the advent of modern science and technology, we’ve begun to disprove those theories with ease. Yet, the belief that marijuana is “bad” still persists in many parts of North America.

So why is this the case? Does smoking marijuana put you at an increased risk of experiencing any adverse side effects? And is there any difference between smoking, vaping, and eating your weed? 

Keep on reading to find out!

How it All Began

The stigmatized attitudes we see today against weed are a result of decades worth of prohibition and propaganda being brainwashed into the population. With examples like the propagandistic film Reefer Madness, released in 1936, you can begin to see how these social controls had permeated through the generations to be experienced even to this day. 

Let’s face it, we all have someone who harbors an uncalled for hatred against weed, and when questioned about it, they spew out invalid points with no scientific evidence to back them up. 

Though this type of demonization against the herb is uncalled for, there are certain risks involved with marijuana use. Don’t be alarmed, an overwhelming majority of these side effects arise mainly through smoking it.

Smoking Weed – What Actually Happens?

When you spark your joint up and inhale it, the cannabinoid-filled smoke floods the interior of your lungs, where hundreds of millions of air sacs called alveoli line its walls. These air sacs are what control the gas exchange when you inhale smoke or oxygen and are what transport the cannabis plant’s psychoactive compounds into your bloodstream. 

While it all might seem fine and dandy, you’re actually inhaling a bunch of toxins alongside these cannabinoids. Some of these toxins are known as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and also exist in tobacco smoke. Here’s why they are dangerous. 

The Risks of Smoking Marijuana

When you smoke marijuana or anything for that matter, you combust organic material and inhale it for the compounds to be absorbed by your lungs. The toxins involved in smoking marijuana can cause a myriad of adverse health effects in the long run, including:

• Respiratory Issues
• Cancer
• Jaundice
• Kidney and Liver Damage

Aside from the effects of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy marijuana use can also cause side effects and health problems in those who abuse it. Some of those problems include:

• Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)
• Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
• The onset of predisposed psychotic disorders

The examples above result from extreme cases of marijuana use in people who frequently smoke and abuse the drug. It also should be noted that while smoking marijuana may lead to potential respiratory issues, cannabis in itself has not been proven to have any causal relationship to cancer. 

As a matter of fact, the use of cannabis often points to the opposite – serving to slow the growth of tumors instead.

Should You Avoid Smoking Weed?

If you’re concerned about experiencing any respiratory issues, it’s probably a good idea to refrain from smoking altogether. 

Luckily cannabis isn’t confined to being consumed through joints or blunts, several other options exist such as cannabis edibles, cannabis tinctures, and even vaporizer pens.

Edibles are an easy and delicious way to medicate your marijuana. At the same time, tinctures could be used to get precise doses since they come with a drop that allows you to dispense the single drops and titrate precisely the right dose.

Another alternative method of consumption is the vaporizer pens. Vaporizers are significant in terms of delivering lesser toxics and are safer than regular smoking. A study has even proved that vaporizers minimize respiratory damage and have great potential for the administration of medical cannabis.

Vaporizers are safer than smoking weed because they don’t involve any combustion and therefore don’t produce any toxins or harmful compounds. Instead, they produce vapor through the conduction to produce clean, tasty, and potent vapor. 

Vape pens are a great alternative for smoking that’s also discreet and easy to use on-the-go.

For those looking for an alternative option to smoking and medicating with cannabis, portable pens are a convenient way to go.

Even though vape pens and edibles are great, the National Institute on Drug Use, dictates that there are certain groups of individuals who should refrain from cannabis use altogether. These include:

• Children, teens, and young adults under the age of 21: During the teen years, we experience a surge of growth and intensive development. Research has shown that the effect of marijuana during this time period can have adverse long term effects on the development of the individual’s brain. It is highly recommended that anyone who is below the age of 21 avoid marijuana use altogether.
• People with a genetic history of psychotic disorders: Those with a family history of psychotic disorders such as Schizophrenia and Psychosis are at increased risk for acquiring these conditions if they use cannabis. Studies have shown that marijuana may exacerbate issues related to these conditions in individuals who are diagnosed with it, or have a high probability of acquiring it later on in their lives.
• People who are diagnosed with Cannabis Use Disorder or Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Those who find themselves struggling with cannabis use are advised to exercise caution if consuming the drug. Especially those who have Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, a rare and often painful experience involving prolonged and severe periods of vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Marijuana use while diagnosed with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome will exacerbate the short-term effects and inhibit recovery.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Needless to say, cannabis use while pregnant or breastfeeding is a touchy subject. For the sake of the development of the child, it is advised that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding refrain from cannabis use as there is little concrete evidence regarding the potential health effects involved.
• People on medication: People who are on medication whether for blood pressure, diabetes, or other health-related issues should be cautious when incorporating medical marijuana into their daily routines. The effects of marijuana may inadvertently influence the effects of the medication. As always, it is a good idea to consult your doctor about the risks of using cannabis alongside medication.

Is Weed Bad For You? – The Final Word

The effects of marijuana interact differently with each and every one of us. There are several reasons why people use cannabis, and some can experience no negative side effects at all. 

Smoking medical marijuana does carry some risk and it is important to gauge whether or not they outweigh the rewards. The next time you’re out enjoying a walk or out in nature, reach for a vape rather than a joint. 

Vape pens are a great alternative for smoking that can be used on-the-go. Use vape pens to experience a clean, tasty, and potent vapor that will bring you to cloud nine. And if you are looking for an alternative option to vaping your cannabis, use edibles. They are indeed a fun and great way to enjoy your cannabis.    

Stay safe!