The use of marijuana has a double-effect; whereas it may produce good effects, there are reasons for concern, especially when abused. When marijuana is used for leisure, it produces a pleasant and euphoric effect with a sense of relaxation. Other effects include heightened sensory perception especially pertaining to color, an increased appetite, altered perception of time, and laughter. However, these effects are only produced if the user consumes moderate or considerate amount. However, in the case of abuse, the effects become adverse and arouse concern. The potency of high dosage could culminate in anxiety and paranoia, panic, fear, as well as distrust. Other deleterious effects of abuse of the drug include acute psychosis accompanied by delusions, hallucinations, as well as the loss of the sense of personal identity.
The adverse effects may be temporary or long-lasting indicating the development of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Further effects include increased risk of a heart attack for the individual due to increased heart rate, heightened risk of stroke, as well as poor coordination that impairs driving and sporting activities. Regarding long-term effects, marijuana abuse leads to declined IQ up to eight points especially if the abuse started at teenagehood. Also, it leads to poor cognition culminating in poor school performance and impaired thinking as well as the inability to complete or learn composite tasks (Foundation for a Drug-Free World, 2018). The impaired coordination in driving could result in accidents that culminate in injuries or loss of life.
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To the lungs, marijuana compromises lung health. The combustion of marijuana releases toxins such as carcinogens and other toxins similar to the combustion of tobacco. The toxins and irritants in the smoke when inhaled deeply compromise the lungs. Moreover, due to the deep inhalation characterized in marijuana smoking, the abusers are exposed to a greater residue of tar compared to tobacco smokers resulting in chronic bronchitis as well as damaged cell lining subsequently resulting in phlegm, chronic cough, and wheezing (American Lung Association, 2015). By killing the cell lining, marijuana eliminates the lung’s ability to remove dust and germs thus compromising the immune system thereby leaving the abuser susceptible to respiratory infections. As such, since the body’s immune system is suppressed by the drug, the individual is likely to contract debilitating infections such as HIV.
References
American Lung Association. (2015). Marijuana and Lung Health. Retrieved from http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/smoking-facts/marijuana-and-lung-health.html
Foundation for a Drug-Free World. (2018). The truth about marijuana. Retrieved from https://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/marijuana/short-and-long-term-effects.html
