Health Effects of Recreational Marijuana - Emily Rosuck 4th

It's no secret that Cannabis (marijuana, weed, pot) has become the most popular drug of choice among almost everyone. Many recreational users argue that it's completely natural, because often, it is simply dried leaves from the cannabis plant, that people often smoke or use through vapor. What most people are unaware of is that the amount of THC has been significantly increased in weed because it can now be scientifically engineered for a higher high. This puts users at a significantly increased risk of a dangerous reaction to weed, as annual Emergency Room visits related to marijuana use is estimated at over 376,000.
Much of the argument to legalization of marijuana is attributed to the claim that it's not addictive like tobacco or nicotine, when in fact high doses of THC regularly can lead to addiction. Studies suggest that 1 in 11 weed users are addicted, though the numbers are high for those who smoke regularly or start in their teens. Long term use of weed has been linked to several mental health problems including depression and anxiety and, in teens, can provoke suicidal thoughts. There are also cases of hallucination and paranoia, for those who already have mental problems, like schizophrenia, weed can make those symptoms worse.
Many teenagers who smoke pot believe that it's not at all dangerous because, as previously stated, it comes from a plant, and no one has ever heard of someone who overdosed on marijuana. However, for middle and high schoolers, marijuana affects brain development, it causes problems with thinking, memory and learning that could potentially be permanent.
Contrary to popular belief, heavy pot smokers can have the same breathing problems as cigarette smokers, while it is unclear as to whether or not pot can lead to lung cancer, that heavy amount of smoke in the lungs can still cause frequent coughing, excess phlegm, and risk of lung infections.
This article is not to tell you to not smoke marijuana, but many people smoke it believing that there are no health risks involved. This article isn't meant to tell you to stop, it is meant to inform you on potential health risks so at least if one decides to smoke, they know what they're medically up against.



http://www.healthgrades.com/conditions/how-recreational-marijuana-use-affects-your-health?cid=t1_hpatf