5 latest scientific discoveries altering our understanding of cannabis effects:
Relax, Bud: A Fren, Unfiltered, and Honest Guide to Cannabis
Look, we get it. More than one in five Americans have been toking up on the good green. It's been part of our cultural fabric for 12,000 years, and we've been using it as a psychoactive substance for at least 2,500. But here's the deal: despite its popularity, our scientific understanding of cannabis has been lagging behind.
Now that things are easing up, we're learning more about the hard truths of cannabis than ever before. Remember, it's not all flowers and rainbows. So, let's shed some light, 'kay?
1. Is cannabis a pain management powerhorse?
Think pain relief is cannabis's biggest selling point? Studies say think again. In fact, pain management in the general population has shown mixed results when it comes to cannabinoids reducing discomfort. The International Association for the Study of Pain, a leading authority in pain research, couldn't even endorse these drugs in 2021 due to their inconsistent effectiveness.
Hey, even if it works, the jury's still out on why it works—which means we can't say for sure it's the best remedy for every patient. Time to up our cannabis knowledge game or face a world full of clueless stoners!
2. Cannabis: Not as harmless as you think
Deborah Hasin, an epidemiologist who's done her fair share of research on cannabis, said it as plain and clear as day: "Cannabis certainly isn't dangerous in the same way as opioids are. But it can have a lot of other consequences to both physical and psychological health." That's right, folks; it ain't all sunshine and skittles.
Inhale that joint too deeply, and you might be at an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and other heart diseases. One study even found that heart attack rates rose 25 percent and strokes increased 42 percent in regular cannabis users. Not cool, man.
And what about those potent strains floating around? Cannabis use can bring on delusions or paranoia, especially if you're lighting up day in and day out. The slippery slope to addiction is an all-too-common reality for cannabis enthusiasts, too. So, let's smokes' brains be smart about our choices.
3. Warnings for the regular user: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
Feeling sick? I mean, more than the usual munchies? Well, expect the unexpected: a new, weird downside to regular cannabis use called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). This condition involves recurrent bouts of nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. Any takers on picking up spare dime bags for the millions already in the emergency room?
CHS may affect as many as 2.75 million people annually, and the risk? Heavy, chronic cannabis use days of the week, week after week, year after year. Sobriety seems like the only solution.
4. Cannabis and your ticker
SHAKIN' IT: The THC in cannabis messes with blood flow, potentially leading to heart problems. Regular cannabis users have twice the risk for a cardiovascular related early demise, according to a new study. Don't inhale yourself into an untimely cardiac arrest now, people.
5. Labels mean less than a weed's worth in cannabis strains
Hold up! You thought you knew what you were getting when you picked between indica and sativa strains? Think again, my friend. Mounting scientific evidence suggests that popular strain labels, like indica and sativa, are pretty much meaningless bunk. What a buzzkill, right? The lack of regulation in strain naming creates a "hot mess" in the industry, so proceed with caution.
In the end, long-term cannabis use poses potential threats to multiple body systems, including:
- Lungs: Frequent smoking can cause similar respiratory issues to those seen in tobacco use.
- Heart: Significant endothelial dysfunction increases chances of cardiovascular disease.
- GI Tract: Unclear long-term effects, but conditions like cyclic vomiting could be a potential risk factor.
- Mental Health: Increased risks of anxiety, depression, psychosis, neurodevelopmental issues, and poor sleep.
Knowledge is power, so be sure to keep these health considerations in mind, and remember that just because cannabis helps some people, it doesn't mean it's the best option for everyone. Happy toking, and take care of yourselves!
- While some may view cannabis as a potent pain reliever, studies reveal mixed results in its effectiveness, with the International Association for the Study of Pain refusing to endorse these drugs due to their inconsistent effectiveness in 2021.
- Cannabis, often considered innocent, can present various health issues, as Deborah Hasin, an epidemiologist, explains; it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, heart diseases, and psychological health concerns, and chronic use may even lead to addiction.
- Regular cannabis users need to be aware of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), which may cause recurring nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain, and affects millions of people annually.
- Research indicates that the THC in cannabis can lead to significant endothelial dysfunction and doubles the risk for a cardiovascular-related early demise.
- The labels of different cannabis strains, like indica and sativa, are shown to be largely meaningless, as mounting scientific evidence suggests the lack of regulation in strain naming has created confusion in the industry.
