What are the Impacts of Longterm Marijuana Use?

Recently,  scientists have been conducting research on the effects of longterm marijuana use. In the past, there was little or no knowledge of the adverse effects of taking Marijuana over a long period of time. After a series of Research, we are beginning to get a clearer picture of the negative effects associated with years of longterm Marijuana use

Effects of Longterm Marijuana use in your bloodstream. 

• Memory issue

THC affects the processing of memories in a part of the brain called the hippocampus. It stops you from making fresh memories. 

• Impaired Judgment. 

THC stops the processing of information, this leads to an impaired Judgment. 

• Unstable Anxiety

For some people,  longterm Marijuana use helps to reduce anxiety,  for others,  it worsens it. 

• Red eyes

The THC found in Marijuana can cause the blood vessels in the eyes to expand leading to bloodshot eyes. 

• Lung irritation 

Smoking  Marijuana over a long time can lead to the release of toxic chemicals,  compared to tobacco,  that can irritate the lungs. 

• Bronchitis 

longterm smoking of marijuana can damage the bronchial passages and lead to bronchitis. 

• Withdrawal symptoms 

There is a chance that longterm Marijuana use can lead to addiction. When trying to get out of this addiction,  you will be met with withdrawal symptoms. 

• Impaired developing brains

A mother who takes Marijuana on a long-term basis is likely to give birth to babies with a lack of memory and concentration. 

• Phlegms and coughs. 

If you are on a longterm Marijuana use,  you are likely to cough and produce lots of phlegm. 

Effects of longterm Marijuana use in the Body System. 

Though research is still ongoing, long term Marijuana use has an adverse effect on the organs and body system. Let’s get started on each body system ;

Respiratory system

Similar to tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke contains lots of toxic chemicals, like ammonia and hydrogen cyanide, which can irritate your bronchial passages and lungs. If you are a long term Marijuana smoker,  you’re most likely to wheeze, cough, and produce phlegm. You’re also at a high risk of bronchitis and lung infections. Long term Marijuana worsens existing respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.

Marijuana and COPD

Marijuana smoke is filled with carcinogens, this could aggravate  your risk of lung cancer too. However, research are not certain about this conclusion . 

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), there is no conclusive evidence that marijuana smoke causes lung cancer. More research is needed.

Circulatory system

THC goes through your lungs into your main bloodstream. Your heart might beat up to 20-50 beats per minute, this puts you at risk of an heart attack. 

• Research have also found a link between long term marijuana use and arrhythmias, as well as a potentially increased risk of a stroke.
• Cannabinoids can also potentially interfere with the effects of many drugs taken for heart disease, including antiarrhythmics, statins, calcium-channel blockers, beta blockers, and warfarin
• In the long term, marijuana has a possible positive effect on your circulatory system. Long term marijuana may help stop the growth of blood vessels that feed cancerous tumors. Opportunities exist in both cancer treatment and prevention, but more research is needed.

Central nervous system

The impart of Long term Marijuana spreads across the Central Nervous System  (CNS). Marijuana is know for reducing pain and inflammation, controlling spasms and seizures. However,  there are negative effects of long term Marijuana on the Central Nervous system ;

• THC triggers your brain to release large amounts of dopamine, a naturally occurring “feel good” chemical. It’s what gives you a pleasant high. It may heighten your sensory perception and your perception of time. 
• In the hippocampus, THC changes the way you process information, so your judgment may be impaired. The hippocampus is responsible for memory, so it may also be difficult to form new memories when you’re high.
• Changes also take place in the cerebellum and basal ganglia, brain areas that play roles in movement and balance. Marijuana may alter your balance, coordination, and reflex response.

All those changes mean that it’s not safe to drive.

• Very large doses of marijuana or high concentrations of THC can cause hallucinations or delusions. According to the NIDA, there may be an association between marijuana use and some mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. More research is needed to understand the connection. You may want to avoid marijuana if you have schizophrenia, as it may make symptoms worse.

• When you come down from the high, you may feel tired or a bit depressed. In some people, marijuana can cause anxiety. About 30 percent of marijuana users develop a marijuana use disorder. Addiction is considered rare, but very real. Symptoms of withdrawal may include irritability, insomnia, and loss of appetite.

• In people younger than 25 years, whose brains have not yet fully developed, marijuana can have a lasting impact on thinking and memory processes. Using marijuana while pregnant can also affect the brain of your unborn baby. Your child may have trouble with memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.

Digestive system

        Longterm Marijuana use can cause digestive issues when taken orally. For instance,  when administered orally,  THC can damage your liver and cause nausea and vomiting because of the processing in the liver. 

           You are likely to have an increase in appetite,  due to longterm Marijuana use, leading to what many call “the munchies”. This is an advantage for people being treated with chemotherapy for cancer. People with obesity will see this as a negative effect. 

Immune System

Longterm Marijuana might have a negative effect on your immune system. Research using animals has shown that longterm Marijuana use might damage the immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses.  More research is needed to be able to weigh the extent of the effects. 

Social effects of  longterm marijuana use

Most times,  people that are on a longterm Marijuana use are more addicted to Smoking Marijuana.  Often, these individuals abandon their old friends for an entirely new set of peers -who are most likely to be Marijuana smokers themselves. 

The use of marijuana keeps them distant from their family and friends,  this damages their social life and interaction with others.