adverse affects of smoking marajiana

The adverse effects of smoking marijuana, as discussed by Andrew Huberman in the Huberman Lab, include a range of physiological and psychological impacts:

1. Impairment of Endothelial Cells: Smoking or vaping cannabis negatively affects endothelial cells, which are crucial for vascular health. This impairment is linked to decreased cognitive function over time, an increased likelihood of strokes, and compromised lung function 1.

2. Increased Anxiety and Psychosis Risk: Chronic cannabis use (more than twice a week) can elevate anxiety levels and may contribute to the development of psychosis in vulnerable individuals. This is particularly concerning because some users may initially experience anxiety reduction, which can lead to a delayed long-term effect of increasing anxiety 2.

3. Respiratory Issues: Similar to tobacco, smoking marijuana can cause lung damage and emphysema due to the combustion products inhaled. While the direct links to lung cancer remain less clear, the risk of various respiratory problems is acknowledged 3.

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     Health Risks of Cannabis

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     Cannabis Health Effects

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     Cannabis and Health Risks

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     Cannabis and Hormones

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     Cannabis and Its Effects

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4. Hormonal Changes: Long-term cannabis use can lead to increased levels of estrogen and prolactin while reducing testosterone. This hormonal imbalance can impact reproductive health, with potential implications for menstrual cycles in females and testosterone levels in males 4.

5. Cognitive Effects: The acute effects of cannabis include impairments in memory due to decreases in hippocampal activity. Users often experience decreased short-term memory and other cognitive deficits regardless of the strain used 5.

6. Cardiovascular Effects: There are emerging concerns about cardiovascular function related to cannabis use, particularly regarding stroke risk and postural hypotension, which can cause lightheadedness upon standing 2.

7. Risks During Pregnancy and Adolescence: Cannabis use during pregnancy poses risks to fetal brain development, leading to long-term psychiatric issues. Its use in adolescents can also hinder brain development, increasing anxiety and the risk of other mental health disorders later in life 4.

These insights highlight the importance of understanding both the benefits and risks associated with cannabis use, particularly concerning long-term health.