• What are some of the negative long term effects of marijuana

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    Long-term cannabis use can have several negative health effects, as discussed by and other experts on the .

    1. Cognitive and Mental Health Effects: Regular cannabis use has been associated with an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, especially in individuals with a predisposition to these conditions. Chronic use can also lead to increased anxiety and even depression over time 1 2.

    2. Cognitive Decline: Studies suggest that chronic users, defined as using cannabis more than twice a week, may experience cognitive decline, including reduced cognitive capacity and impaired short-term memory. These effects are particularly concerning for adolescents and young adults, as their brains are still developing 3 1.

    3. Physical Health Risks: Smoking or vaping cannabis extensively harms lung function and damages endothelial cells, which can decrease cognitive capacity, increase stroke risk, and lead to other health issues such as sexual dysfunction and reproductive damage. emphasizes that the harmful effects of smoking and vaping are significant, regardless of whether tobacco or cannabis is used 4.

    4. Impact on Adolescents and Pregnant Women: Cannabis use during adolescence, when the brain is still developing, raises concern for long-term mental health issues. Also, cannabis use during pregnancy is dangerous to fetal brain development, potentially leading to severe psychiatric disorders in children 5.

    5. Substance Tolerance and Escalation: Regular THC consumption can lead to tolerance, necessitating higher doses for the same effects, which may increase the risk of addiction. Over time, the initial benefits like anxiety relief may diminish or reverse, leading to increased anxiety and depression 6.

    These insights highlight the importance of cautious use, particularly among vulnerable populations, and the potential long-term consequences of cannabis consumption.

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