What’s So Bad About Marijuana?

by Liz on February 22nd, 2008

So what are the health effects of using marijuana?

Do you know ?

Want to test your knowledge ?

Which of the following are true and which are false ?

1. Marijuana causes memory loss
2. Marijuana causes birth defects
3. Marijuana causes sterility
4. Marijuana can cause schizophrenia
5. Marijuana causes depression
6. Marijuana causes lung cancer

The answers are on the next page…

1. Marijuana causes memory loss……………true

Marijuana causes short term memory loss, diminishes the capablity to learn, to retain information and makes focusing and organizing data difficult. These effects, however, do not appear to be permanent.

Study: Marijuana Again Tied to Memory Problems

2. Marijuana causes birth defects……………………. true

There is an increased risk of premature and low weight babies amongst marijuana users. And it is very possible that smoking marijuana during pregnancy will put the foetus at risk. It is known that THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana, crosses the placenta and enters the foetus. The long term effects of this, however, have not been clear documented.

Article: Use of Marijuana during Pregnancy

3. Marijuana causes sterility………………………….. true

Smoking marijuana can reduce male users testosterone levels and sperm count

Article: Dope and low fertility (2004)

4. Marijuana can cause schizophrenia………………..true

Everyone knows that marijuana alters perception, mood, and motivation. Studies have also shown that it alters the way the brain actually works. This possibly won’t seriously damage the occasional user. But marijuana usage will definitely cause problems with existing schizophrenics and those with a genetic predisposition towards schizophrenia.

Studies: Pot and Psychosis: Possible Link?

5. Marijuana causes depression……………………….false

In fact, studies have shown that marijuana use can help reduce depression and anxiety.

Study: Marijuana Improves Depression in Low Doses, Worsens It in High Doses.

6. Marijuana causes lung cancer………………………false

Recent studies have disproved this.

However, marijuana does have many detrimental effects on the respiratory system.

Studies: One cannabis joint as bad as five cigarettes, Marijuana Use Linked to Bronchodilation and Respiratory Symptoms, Marijuana Smokers Face Rapid Lung Destruction

Studies indicating other health risks

Marijuana-ike Compounds Suppres the Immune Response

Marijuana Use Linked to Early Bladder Cancer

Marijuana Use May Pose Health Threat to Baby Boomers