Marijuana has a variety of effects on the body, from the euphoria of intoxication to significant health problems from chronic use. Although marijuana is primarily smoked, it is also ingested in food and drink. However, the health complications from smoking are magnified due to the amount of THC deposited in the blood, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The long-term health effects stemming from marijuana use are complicated and controversial, but significant research points toward prominent concern for physical health impacted by using marijuana.
Lungs
Smoking marijuana has a direct impact on lung function. The NIDA reports that marijuana smoke contains up to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons, which are toxic chemicals, than regular tobacco smoke. The repeated introduction of marijuana smoke to the lungs increases the risk of developing respiratory problems such as bronchitis, cancer of the respiratory tract and chronic lung infections. The Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard further implicates marijuana smoking in diminished immune system functioning, making the body more susceptible to fungi, bacteria and tumor cell development in the lungs.
Heart
After smoking marijuana, the heart rate increases by up to 100 percent, which can last for three hours. The NIDA explains that due to the increased heart rate, the likelihood of a heart attack within the first hour after use is four times higher than no use at all. Additionally, people with existing cardiac problems are vulnerable to the risk of abnormal heart rhythm and palpitations after smoking marijuana. Other research from the NIDA suggests that cardiac problems are likely in marijuana smokers because the drug itself raises blood pressure rapidly while also reducing the oxygen carried to and from the heart in the blood.
Reproductive System
Testing reported by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre of New South Wales says that male and female reproductive health is compromised in chronic marijuana users. Testing done on animals has drawn this conclusion and ongoing testing in humans is still in progress. However, the United Press International noted findings of male reproduction being hindered by marijuana through changing an existing enzyme, which results in higher levels of specific lipids in the body that are directly connected to the reproductive system. These changes explain the weakened ability of the sperm to penetrate the egg, making fertilization difficult to achieve.
Liver
Ongoing research targeted at the effects of marijuana on the liver reveal possible complications in people with existing hepatitis. Hepatitis Central explains that international studies show people with current liver complications who use marijuana daily are more likely to also develop severe liver fibrosis and have an increased risk for fibrosis progression.
References
- Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University: What Are the Medical Dangers of Marijuana Use?
- Hepatitis Central: Cons to Marijuana Use
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: How Does Marijuana Use Affect Physical Health?
- United Press International: Study: Sperm May Be Affected By Marijuana
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales: Lancet: Adverse Effects of Cannabis
