Weed it out: Negative impacts of cannabis use on health

While some may argue that cannabis has a range of potential benefits, there are certain dangerous effects of prolonged use of pot. Cannabis use is by no means desirable as it is likely to have a negative impact on the mental health and well-being of the user. While these effects may vary depending on the individual, the dosage, and the frequency of use, one should be aware of the side-effects of cannabis.

Dr. Navya Saluja, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Officer In-Charge at Sukoon Health says, “While cannabis is sometimes used to alleviate nausea and vomiting, in rare cases, long-term and heavy cannabis use can paradoxically lead to a condition known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). CHS is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The exact cause of CHS is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to the dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system in the body.”

As cannabis use has increased, population-level perceptions as to the harmfulness of cannabis have decreased. Cannabis can lead to multiple mental illnesses like panic attacks, mood disorders and psychosis. Cannabis can lead to earlier age of onset of psychiatric illness and also can lead to poor treatment outcomes, including increased disability and mixed episodes. People who are heavy users of cannabis for a prolonged period of time are likely to suffer from apathy, dullness, lethargy, and impairment of judgment which is known as amotivational syndrome.

According to Dr. Saluja, “Marijuana causes the heart to work harder. The heart normally beats 50 to 70 times per minute but pot fastens your heartbeat. After the effects of pot take in, your heartbeat can increase to 70 to 120 beats per minute or more for 3 hours. The addition of strain on the heart, as well as tar and other substances in marijuana, may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. The risk increases if you are older or already have cardiac problems.”

Long-term and heavy cannabis use has been associated with potential negative effects on fertility and reproductive health in both males and females. In males, cannabis use has been linked to decreased sperm count, motility, and morphology, which can impact fertility. In females, cannabis use may disrupt hormonal balance, menstrual cycles, and ovulation. Additionally, cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with potential risks to fetal development and may have long-term consequences for the child's health.

“These side effects highlight the need for individuals to be aware of potential risks associated with cannabis use and to make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances. It is crucial to consider factors such as personal health history, susceptibility to specific conditions, and potential interactions with medications or substances before using cannabis. It is important to take help from mental health professionals incase of cannabis induced side effects,” advises Dr. Saluja.

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