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LONG TERM EFFECTS
OF SMOKING MARIJUANA
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Smoking Marijuana?
While all of the long-term effects of marijuana use
are not yet known, there are studies showing serious health concerns. For
example, a group of scientists in California examined the health status of
450 daily smokers of marijuana but not tobacco. They found that the
marijuana smokers had more sick days and more doctor visits for respiratory
problems and other types of illness than did a similar group who did not
smoke either substance.
Findings so far show that the regular use of marijuana
or THC may play a role in cancer and problems in the respiratory, and immune
systems.
Cancer
It is hard to find out whether marijuana alone causes
cancer because many people who smoke marijuana also smoke cigarettes and use
other drugs. Marijuana smoke contains some of the same cancer-causing
compounds as tobacco, sometimes in higher concentrations. Studies show that
someone who smokes five joints per day may be taking in as many
cancer-causing chemicals as someone who smokes a full pack of cigarettes
every day.
Tobacco smoke and marijuana smoke may work together to
change the tissues lining the respiratory tract. Marijuana smoking could
contribute to early development of head and neck cancer in some people.
Immune System
Our immune system protects the body from many agents
that cause disease. It is not certain whether marijuana damages the immune
system of people. But both animal and human studies have shown that
marijuana impairs the ability of T-cells in the lungs' immune defense system
to fight off some infections.
Lungs and Airways
People who smoke marijuana regularly may develop many
of the same breathing problems that tobacco smokers have, such as daily
cough and phlegm production, more frequent chest colds, a heightened risk of
lung infections, and a greater tendency toward obstructed airways. Cancer of
the respiratory tract and lungs may also be promoted by marijuana smoke,
since it contains irritants and carcinogens.
Marijuana smokers usually inhale more deeply and hold
their breath longer, which increases the lungs’ exposure to carcinogenic
smoke. Thus, puff for puff, smoking marijuana may increase the risk of
cancer more than smoking tobacco does.
Long Term Effects:
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Enhanced cancer risk
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Decrease in testosterone
levels and lower sperm counts for men
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Increase in testosterone
levels for women and increased risk of infertility
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Diminished or extinguished sexual pleasure
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Psychological dependence requiring more of the drug
to get the same effect.
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