Gallup has estimated that at least 33 million adults in
the United States are marijuana users right now — although government studies say the figure stands closer to 20
million. No matter what the actual number is, the fact is that a lot of people either smoke, vape or ingest weed in the land of the
free.
In an article published on Harvard Health’s site, Wynne Armand, MD, shared a look into the effects the recreational and medical
use of marijuana has on our health.
Short Term
While being “high” can be relaxing, it also causes an alteration of the senses and a distortion of the conception of time. In
some cases, marijuana can also lead to impaired thinking, judgment, memory and coordination, as well as paranoia or anxiety — these
effects depend, of course, on who’s using the substance and the strain of weed in question.
Beyond the mind, physical effects usually include bloodshot eyes and cotton-mouth, a faster heart rate and even slurred speech.
How long these symptoms last depends on the strength of the marijuana consumed and the input method.
Longer Term
Over the long term, effects are more serious and include irritation of the lungs and breathing problems. However, it should be
noted that there are no conclusive studies linking marijuana consumption to lung cancer. Moreover, the effects known so far
correspond to heavy users — although, again, this concept is hard to define.
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Into The Marijuana Business Is Important
What some studies have suggested, however, is that the consumption of pot during pregnancy can negatively affect a baby’s brain
development. Furthermore, scientists have associated the use of the drug during teenage years and young adulthood with a
deterioration in “learning and cognitive thinking that persists into adulthood,” even after consumption is stopped.
Finally, it should be pointed out that marijuana users rarely develop dependence and addiction, although teenage users are more
prone to them.
And Now, The Medical Benefits
Although there is still some controversy around the medical use (and benefits) of MJ (this means marijuana, not Michael
Jackson), an increasing number of states are opting for the legalization of medical cannabis. Beyond straight-up consumption,
several FDA-approved medications contain synthetic THC and are commonly used to treat AIDS patients with lack of appetite and
chemotherapy patients with nausea, among other conditions.
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Presidential Candidates Think About Marijuana Policy And Legalization
As it has been widely discussed, while medical marijuana consumption is legal at the state level, federal authorities and laws
still prohibit its use. “Because we don’t have data from large, long-term, well-designed studies, the FDA continues to have
concerns about potential risks versus benefits,” Armand expounded. Fortunately, she added, there are ongoing studies continue on
the benefits of marijuana and its components, THC and cannabidiol, with early results suggesting that cannabidiol and its
derivatives have the potential to treat psychiatric conditions like anxiety, schizophrenia and psychosis, and even ailments like
drug-resistant epilepsy.
As investigation advances, one thing is clear: Marijuana use needs to be responsible, and limited to non-pregnant, non-driving
adults. Finally, Armand recommended, “Avoid products that are packaged as candy or other edibles if there are children in your
household who are more susceptible to a toxic overdose.”
Some stocks related to the marijuana business/biopharm sector include:
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Disclosure: Javier Hasse holds no interest in any of the securities or entities mentioned above. Stocks mentions are
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