In a previous post, we talked about how marijuana can affect your brain. This post went into a bunch of effects that long-term marijuana use could cause. If you would like to check out that post, then click here. But marijuana can affect your body, surely?
In this post we will be talking about, not how marijuana can affect the brain, but how marijuana can affect the body. Some of these effects are negative, while some are positive. Another thing to note about these topics is that not all effects will affect you. Everyone is different. Some people might get many of these effects, while some may get none. It truly depends on the person. So, while reading this, try to make connections between the effects and the ones that you feel are affecting you.
Medical Use
A question that may be asked is “Does this mean marijuana is dangerous?” The answer is no. Marijuana is not dangerous, especially when compared to other “drugs”. Marijuana is not addictive, and you cannot overdose on it. These effects that can happen may only slightly alter someone’s life. In some cases, the effects help the person out.
Another question asked may be “I thought marijuana had a ton of medical uses that treated problems and even saved lives.” This is true (and has not changed). Different marijuana strains have different effects, as well as different medical uses. Most medical marijuana patients use only certain types of strains so that they can get the relief that they desire. Some strains are even designed to only have medical uses, and not even get you high. Those strains typically contain CBD. So yes, marijuana has saved some lives and continues to help others get on with their lives.
Glaucoma Relief
Falling into the topic above, glaucoma can be relieved through the use of marijuana. Smoking marijuana can lower pressure in the eyes to temporarily relieve symptoms of glaucoma. Some medical marijuana patients are patients only for glaucoma. So, if you suffer from glaucoma, then marijuana might be where you find your relief.
Sore Throat/ Smoker’s Cough
Now this effect is quite negative, but is not experienced by all. If you frequently abuse marijuana for recreational reasons, then you may get a sore throat after smoking from time to time. If this happens, no need to fear. This effect is not permanent. There are many medicines and remedies that can cure a sore throat. However, for some, a sore throat might only be the first step. The next step is a smoker’s cough.
Not sure what a smoker’s cough is? Well, a smoker’s cough is a cough (from a smoker) that is very heavy and bad on the lungs. Now, it is difficult to receive a smoker’s cough when only smoking marijuana. However, if you also smoke tobacco (smoking blunts, spliffs, etc.), then your chances of getting a smoker’s cough are much higher. With that being said, I recommend avoiding tobacco use at all times.
If you suffer from a sore throat or a smoker’s cough, it might be best that you start using edibles. This way, you can still enjoy the effects of marijuana, but without actually smoking it. The effects of edibles do not kick in as quickly as smoking does, but edibles are usually stronger than smoking weed. If you start eating edibles and never smoke, then you don’t need to worry about getting a smoker’s cough at all.
Weight
Another way that marijuana can affect your body is your weight. Ever heard of the munchies? Well, the munchies cause you to become hungry, or think that you are hungry. Some medical marijuana patients, such as those who are being treated for cancer or AIDS, use this to their advantage to help them eat. Other patients who just suffer from a lack of appetite can still use the munchies to help bring that appetite back.
On the other hand, if you are someone who is trying to lose or watch your weight, then the munchies might not be your friend. If you frequently smoke marijuana, then this could be a problem. It is very easy to eat sweets and junk food when the munchies kick in. Just make sure that if you were watching your weight before you started smoking, you continue to watch your weight, even when you are high.
Reduced Nausea and Vomiting
While the munchies may be a good or bad thing for you, this effect of marijuana is sure to help anyone out. Whether you suffer from frequently feeling nauseous, or you suddenly feel the urge to vomit, it’s good to know that marijuana reduces the feelings of nausea and vomiting. This is especially good for patients who are treated with chemotherapy to help them through the side effects, which typically include nausea and vomiting.
Slowed Reaction Time
If you have been smoking marijuana for many years, then you might not notice it, but you probably have a slower reaction time compared to when you first started smoking. Studies have proved that marijuana affects balance and coordination in the brain. This can cause your reflexes to be slightly slower over time.
Decreased Risk of Tumor Growth
Research done on THC, a main and active ingredient in marijuana, has shown that it interferes with tumor growth as it is carried throughout the bloodstream. This means that marijuana can decrease your risk of receiving a tumor.
While there are some good effects and some bad effects on this list, it is a good thing to know about them all if you use marijuana. And remember, you might not get all of these effects, only some (or possibly none). Think that I left something off of this list? Let me know in the comments below. Happy smoking!
Thank you for sharing such useful information.
amazing post ! Thanks for sharing.