Legal cannabis in New York: what happens if you smoke marijuana every day
'08.04.2021'
Lyudmila Balabay
Staff New York legalized marijuana, now you can smoke "joints" everywhere, where tobacco use is allowed... If suddenly you decide to get carried away and do it every day, then the publication Yahoo! found out what would happen to the body if you use marijuana so often. There are both positive and negative effects.
The positive effects of marijuana
Marijuana has been proven to be an effective treatment for a variety of health conditions.
Can relieve pain
Marijuana is often used as a pain reliever. German researchers found that marijuana-based treatments increased the number of people reporting 50% or more pain relief. In a small study of 47 patients with Parkinson's disease, Israeli experts found a 27% reduction in pain when using marijuana.
Eliminates anxiety
“I discovered marijuana at the age of 19,” says Peter Pryor, MD. “It has always been a godsend for me because it helps me deal with anxiety and many other problems on a daily basis.”
Regulates blood sugar
Insulin regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. Insulin resistance is associated with an increased risk of diabetes. However, according to Mary Clifton, MD, marijuana offers "less insulin resistance."
Reduces cholesterol
Millions of Americans live with high cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease or stroke. However, according to Dr. Clifton, "people who regularly use cannabinoid drugs have lower cholesterol levels."
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Reduces body mass index
Despite the usual “snacking” feeling after taking marijuana, cannabis users tend to weigh less and are less likely to be obese. They have "lower BMIs," says Dr. Clifton.
Negative influence
Daily use of marijuana can have negative consequences as well.
Develops cannabis use disorder (CUD)
“This means that these users develop such a strong attachment to marijuana that they have to consume more and more to get the same experience,” says Dr. Sal Reichbach. "This leads to a decreased response to dopamine, which suggests a possible correlation with a weakening of the brain's reward system, an increase in negative emotions and the severity of addiction."
Increases the risk of cardiovascular disease
“Marijuana has been shown to cause heart palpitations and high blood pressure, which is unsafe for people with heart disease,” says Dr. Sanul Corrielus. "This could exacerbate other preexisting heart conditions in long-term cannabis users and older people, putting them at greater risk of cardiovascular disease."
Affects coordination and thinking ability
“The use of cannabis has a negative effect on coordination and responsiveness, and often impairs short-term memory,” says Dr. Jason Levin. "Coordination problems, combined with responsiveness and the ability to think, are causing impaired driving and an increase in car accidents."
Causes respiratory problems
“I must say that daily cannabis smoking has less of an impact than cigarette smoking,” says Dr. Carey Clarke. "But some people who smoke cannabis may have problems such as chronic cough and excess mucus or phlegm."
“The most dangerous aspect is that it increases the risk of lung cancer by 7%,” says Osita Onuga, MD.
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Creates memory problems
“Long-term use of marijuana can reduce a person's ability to perform memory tasks and cause a decrease in motivation and interest in daily activities,” says Dr. Chris Norris. "The effect of cannabis temporarily prevents the brain from developing memories and learning new information, which is a form of short-term memory."
Negatively affects the developing brain
“The brain continues to develop through adolescence and adulthood, and the areas of the brain that control executive functioning, processing, judgment and decision making are the last to develop,” says Dr. Randall Dwenger. "Marijuana use has the potential to disrupt this brain development and have a long-term impact on a person's future."
Increases anxiety
A 9000 national survey of over 2017 Americans found 81% of people believe marijuana has one or more positive health effects. Nearly half of these respondents cited, among other things, “relief of anxiety, stress, depression” as these potential benefits. But roughly the same number of people in other polls said marijuana exacerbated their anxiety.