Acute Side Effects
The THC cannabinoid in marijuana is often the cause of side effects in association with Cannabis use. However, THC is related to specific psychological effects, including euphoria and relaxation, but these effects are not always present.
Lungs
Based on research results from a significant, long-term study, the research found that marijuana use was not associated with respiratory diseases like lung cancer. Marijuana in long-term use is also not associated with an elevated risk of respiratory problems.
Despite carcinogens in marijuana smoke, light or moderate cannabis use does not increase the risk of lung cancer. In a study in the journal Cancer Research, there is evidence about the carcinogenic effects of marijuana smoke for those who continuously use it for long periods.
Cardiovascular
There is simply no consensus in the medical field regarding marijuana’s overall impact on the cardiovascular system. Researchers from California, New York, and Pennsylvania examined the effects of cannabis on heart health, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Previous studies found several limitations.
Nevertheless, the scientific community agrees that cannabis use will increase the heart rate by anywhere between 20 and 50 beats per minute for as much as three hours. The use of cannabis links to increased blood pressure and hypertension. However, more recent studies have contradicted these findings.
Neurological
There is much evidence that marijuana has neuroprotective properties due to its non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD. Because of its protective effect, marijuana can potentially treat various neurological diseases. Cannabis significantly reduced chronic pain caused by neuropathy, replacing opioids in some cases in a randomized study of 2500 participants.
Psychiatric
Research is still ongoing, but some studies have shown that cannabis use may trigger or exacerbate mental health problems. Cannabis may exacerbate schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, says the World Health Organization.In addition to anxiety and depression, marijuana users may experience paranoia due to taking the drug.
However, there are several studies that have indicated that cannabis can help treat certain mood disorders. Patients who have PTSD may also benefit from marijuana use’s effects on memory and cognition.
There is also conclusive evidence that marijuana not only treats chronic pain but it helps reduce nausea in patients who are undergoing chemotherapy as well as decreases spasticity, a common ailment for those with Multiple sclerosis.