Cannabis Problems : Conditions and Treatments :
Longer-term and chronic effects
A number of longer-term effects have been seen in people who use cannabis heavily. Some New Zealand researchers define heavy use as using ten times or more in a 30 day period. Heavy cannabis use effects can include the following.
An increased risk of developing cancer of the respiratory tract. These risks are more likely to do with smoking as the method of taking cannabis, rather than the properties of the drug itself.
An adverse effect on people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, since cannabis use significantly raises the heart rate. (There is no evidence that cannabis use will cause permanent damaging effects to a normal, healthy cardiovascular system).
A risk of developing chronic bronchitis, possibly irreversible obstructive lung disease, possibly lung cancer and cancers of the aero-digestive tract.
Heavy use of cannabis is sometimes associated with a reduction in energy and drive. This has been referred to as amotivation (not having any motivation). This problem is more likely to be an acute effect which will go away if cannabis use stops. There is poor evidence of this syndrome existing even among heavy, long-term cannabis users.
Heavy cannabis use affects the ability to learn. This is related to decreased concentration levels, reduced short-term memory and difficulties with thinking. These problems go away if cannabis use stops.
Chronic heavy cannabis use can reduce sex drive in some people. It can lower sperm count in males and lead to irregular periods in females. This problem goes away if cannabis use stops.
People can become dependent on cannabis (see section below on ‘Problematic Use of Cannabis’).
Many people with mental health problems also use cannabis. Generally, it is not a good drug for such people to use. People with mental health problems need to try and keep their brain level or stable. Cannabis excites and then slows the brain down. In particular, it can make anyone who has ever been paranoid, more paranoid.
Longer-term and chronic effects
A number of longer-term effects have been seen in people who use cannabis heavily. Some New Zealand researchers define heavy use as using ten times or more in a 30 day period. Heavy cannabis use effects can include the following.
An increased risk of developing cancer of the respiratory tract. These risks are more likely to do with smoking as the method of taking cannabis, rather than the properties of the drug itself.
An adverse effect on people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, since cannabis use significantly raises the heart rate. (There is no evidence that cannabis use will cause permanent damaging effects to a normal, healthy cardiovascular system).
A risk of developing chronic bronchitis, possibly irreversible obstructive lung disease, possibly lung cancer and cancers of the aero-digestive tract.
Heavy use of cannabis is sometimes associated with a reduction in energy and drive. This has been referred to as amotivation (not having any motivation). This problem is more likely to be an acute effect which will go away if cannabis use stops. There is poor evidence of this syndrome existing even among heavy, long-term cannabis users.
Heavy cannabis use affects the ability to learn. This is related to decreased concentration levels, reduced short-term memory and difficulties with thinking. These problems go away if cannabis use stops.
Chronic heavy cannabis use can reduce sex drive in some people. It can lower sperm count in males and lead to irregular periods in females. This problem goes away if cannabis use stops.
People can become dependent on cannabis (see section below on ‘Problematic Use of Cannabis’).
Many people with mental health problems also use cannabis. Generally, it is not a good drug for such people to use. People with mental health problems need to try and keep their brain level or stable. Cannabis excites and then slows the brain down. In particular, it can make anyone who has ever been paranoid, more paranoid.
Comments