Marijuana or Bhang has been touted as a wonder drug with the drug not only being used for recreational purposes but also medicinal purposes.
There are claims that the drug helps curb nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy, helps people deal with neuropathic pain, and helps HIV patients work up an appetite.
However, there are some downsides to the world’s favourite semi-prohibited drug that are usually swept under the rug so in a way our parents were right, bhangi ni mbaya.
The drug is said to contain four times the amount of tar found in tobacco smoke when inhaled, so that’s bad, Michael Jackson bad.
Before you lay your lips around a blunt, here are a few negative things about Marijuana that you should know about:
Marijuana for Depression and Anxiety
If you are generally anxious or are depressed, you might be tempted to take a puff to keep your emotions at bay. However, you are advised to see a therapist instead of smoking up because at first it may relieve your symptoms but in the long run it leads to dependency and increases depression.
Marijuana Affects the Lungs
According to the American Lung Association, Marijuana smoke injures the cell linings of the large airways like the trachea and causes bronchitis.
“Smoking marijuana causes chronic bronchitis and marijuana smoke has been shown to injure the cell linings of the large airways, which could explain why smoking marijuana leads to symptoms such as chronic cough, phlegm production, wheeze, and acute bronchitis,” reads an excerpt from their website.
Marijuana Use Causes Amotivational Syndrome
Amotivational Syndrome is defined as ‘a lack of desire to complete tasks, a sense of apathy about the future, poor concentration, and decreased interest in social and other activities.’
Heavy Marijuana use has been shown to affect the drive, focus and concentration of its users. This, however, depends on your genes and age.
Marijuana Suppresses Your Immune System
While people often claim that Marijuana use will help increase the appetite of HIV/AIDS patients, it makes you susceptible to opportunistic infections.
Other effects of marijuana include; impaired memory, lower sperm count, disorientation and has even been linked to cardiovascular disorders, this is according to a study by the Division of Cardiology, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA.
“Acute cannabis consumption has been shown to cause an increase in blood pressure, specifically systolic blood pressure (SBP), and orthostatic hypotension. Cannabis use has been reported to increase the risk of ischemic stroke, particularly in the healthy young patient,” reads part of the study.
In the words of Steve Simpleboy “Vijana tuwache mihadarati.”