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Marijuana’s Effects on Health
and Well-Being
Long Term Physical Effects | In
The Short Term
Loss of Interest and Energy in Life – Amotivational
Syndrome : One of the most common effects of heavy or
long-term marijuana use is “amotivational syndrome.”
Users have low energy, and they lose interest in the activities
that used to be fun for them. Click
here to read more about amotivational syndrome.
Bronchitis, Pneumonia, and Lung Cancer : Marijuana
smoke damages the linings of the trachea (tube that carries
air to the lungs) and major bronchi (tubes that branch off
the trachea, one into each lung). Marijuana smoke also damages
the smaller bronchial airways within the lungs and decreases
their diameters. When the linings of these structures are
inflamed, they are more prone to infections.
Marijuana is often contaminated with fungi, such as Aspergillus,
bacteria, such as Salmonella, or with fecal matter (droppings
of various animals.) These contaminants enter the lungs
when the marijuana is smoked. Anyone with inflamed lung
tissues can be at risk for infection with these microorganisms.
This is a special concern for people with other types of
medical conditions, such as AIDS, that may put them at higher
risk for infection.
Marijuana also contains the same cancer-causing chemicals
as tobacco, but often at much higher levels. Heavy marijuana
smoking can lead to lung cancer. Many marijuana smokers
also smoke tobacco, so their risk of lung cancer is even
higher.
Greater Risk of Heart Disease or Heart Attacks : Heavy,
long-term use of marijuana can contribute to heart disease.
People who already have heart disease or risk factors for
heart disease have especially high risk of worsening their
disease by smoking marijuana. Marijuana increases heart rate
and can cause the heart to work up to 30% harder than it normally
does. It also alters blood pressure and decreases the amount
of oxygen available to the heart. Marijuana users are more
likely to have angina (chest pain).
Changes in Brain Structures and Function : Long-term
use of marijuana can change the hippocampus (section of the
brain involved in memory and emotions). The changes in the
hippocampus caused by marijuana are similar to the changes
brought on by aging.
Diminished Immune Response : Long-term use of marijuana
can affect the body’s ability to fight diseases (the
immune response). Marijuana affects a variety of cells in
the body, so “backup” immune functions can be altered.
Long-term users can be more prone to viruses, bacteria, fungi,
and protozoa (single-cell organisms). Marijuana can also lower
the body’s defenses against tumor growth.
Changes in Male Reproductive System : Marijuana use can
affect the male reproductive system in a number of ways. It
can cause:
-
Delayed puberty in boys
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Shrunken testicles
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Lower testosterone (primary male hormone) levels
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Reduced interest in sex
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Impotence (inability to have sex)
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Malformed sperm (Can cause sterility)
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Slower, less active sperm (Can cause sterility)
-
Feminine breasts in males (“gynecomastia”)
Changes in Female Reproductive System : Marijuana use can
affect a woman’s reproductive system. Marijuana can cause:
Injury to Babies of Pregnant Users : Marijuana use during
pregnancy may affect the fetus and the child later in life.
Following are some of the possible problems:
-
Prolonged childbirth (Can cause dangerous medical complications
for mother and baby)
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Low birth weight babies
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Children of these pregnancies may score somewhat lower
on tests of language skills and cognitive (thought) functioning
-
Possible lower fertility in children of marijuana-using
mothers
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