Pot smoking is becoming more and more acceptable these days. Earlier thought to be the darling of hippies of the 70s, joints, blunts or spliffs can be seen hanging from the fingers of college students, high-flying professions, bored housewives and (the classic) artists in search of inspiration. Proponents go to great lengths to defend it, saying that it is difficult to get addicted to marijuana. Yet studies say that 1 out of 10 marijuana smokers are hooked to weed. Those who begin smoking before the age of 18, the number rises from 1 out of 6. But writing against weed is one of the easiest ways to get hate on the internet. But for your good health and well-being, we are ready to face all that heat and more. So here goes!

Brain health

One of the biggest casualties of weed addiction is the brain. Marijuana is known to affect the brain directly. When marijuana is smoked, a mind-altering ingredient Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) enters the blood stream and finds its way to the brain, giving the user the distinct “high” associated with the drug. But eventually, marijuana usage can end up harming important parts of the brain that has to do with memory, learning, attention, decision making, coordination, emotions and reaction. This can impair day-to-day functioning in the short run and reduce your IQ in the long run.

Heart health

The chemicals in marijuana can upset heart health by impairing the circulatory system. This can eventually increase the smoker’s risk of heart attacks and strokes. Apart from increasing heart rate and blood pressure, weed also causing scarring a damage to the blood vessels. Pot smokers who already have a history of chest pains report experiencing more pains after working out or doing something laborious. Research also suggests an increase in the risk of heart attacks, hours after marijuana use.

Lung health

Pot heads often ridicule tobacco and cigarette smokers for their addiction to cancer-causing nicotine. Unbeknownst to them, marijuana also happens to release toxins and carcinogens on being burnt. When these toxins are inhaled, it harms the lungs and increases risk of bronchitis, cough and phlegm. Studies show that tobacco and marijuana contain the same type of toxins and carcinogens, which puts pot smokers at an equal risk of developing lung ailments. Like tobacco, secondhand smoke of marijuana can also affect the health and behaviour of non-smokers, including infants and children.

Mental health

People with underlying mental illnesses are generally discouraged from smoking marijuana. Research shows that pot smokers are more at risk than their non smoking counterparts to develop psychiatric illnesses like schizophrenia. Some smokers may also be at risk of psychosis, where people develop delusional thoughts. Anxious and depressed people may also be better off without marijuana because there has been some causal connections between the two.

Pregnancy hazards

Women who smoke marijuana during pregnancy may be putting their unborn child’s health in danger. THC can pass on to the baby’s body through the mother’s bloodstream and negatively affect the child’s development. Developmental problems and low birth weight are reported in children whose mothers smoked weed during pregnancy. Breastfeeding mothers should bear in mind that chemicals from marijuana can pass to the infant through breast milk. Later in life, these children also develop attention deficit and learning problems.

Vehicular accidents

Drinking and driving is not the only thing that causes accidents; smoking weed and driving can be equally hazardous. The brain-altering chemical THC can interfere with your motor skills and cognitive abilities, increasing the chances of accidents while driving.

Cancer hazard

At present, there is some evidence to support the fact that marijuana can cause cancer. Some pot smokers tend to mix tobacco and weed for a lighter, “mellow” hit. It is said to help smokers hold conversations and be in better control of their senses. Problem is that mixing marijuana and tobacco increases the availability of THC in the marijuana and it also increases cancer risk. Frequent or chronic smoking or marijuana is also linked to increased testicular cancer risk.

Proponents downplay many of its negative side effects and only highlight its benefits. But despite its reputation for being a non-addictive, "safe" drug that is medically approved in some cases, marijuana is not without its risks.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 25, 2018 03:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).