The increasing prevalence of marijuana use, especially among young people, has raised concerns about its potential negative effects on brain development and overall health.
The recreational use of marijuana has become more common in recent years, but research indicates that consuming cannabis could have detrimental effects on the body, particularly the brain. Studies have drawn connections between cannabis usage and increased risks of several health issues. A recent French study suggested that cannabis use heightens the risk of heart attack and stroke more than cocaine does, while a Canadian study identified a link between cannabis-related hospital visits and dementia risk in older individuals.
Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist and brain imaging specialist and the founder of Amen Clinics in California, spoke with Fox News Digital, explaining that decades of brain imaging data reveal people using marijuana show lower blood flow in their brains. This finding is supported by other research associating marijuana use with heart disease. Despite perceptions of marijuana as a benign substance or a beneficial medicinal product, Dr. Amen pointed out that, while it can be helpful for some people, usage among teenagers and young adults is associated with higher incidents of anxiety, depression, suicide, and psychosis.
A particular study comparing cigarette smokers and marijuana smokers indicated that marijuana users suffered more lung damage, according to Dr. Amen. This adds to the growing body of evidence that marijuana may not be as harmless as sometimes portrayed. One alarming trend Dr. Amen noted is the increasing number of parents who use marijuana with their teens and young adults, which he views as a concerning shift in societal norms.
Contrary to some opinions that alcohol may be more harmful than marijuana, Dr. Amen emphasized that neither substance is beneficial. He questioned the rationale behind consuming substances that accelerate brain aging, especially when the brain is not fully developed until the mid-20s.
Young adults engaging in cannabis use face the risk of hindering their mental development, potentially leading to anxiety and depression. Dr. Amen warned that early usage of substances like marijuana and alcohol can arrest brain development. Many young individuals remain unaware of the importance of their brain’s development at ages 17, 18, 21, or even 23, he added, emphasizing that harming it early may mean it might not fully recover.
According to Dr. Amen and other research, the impacts of marijuana on the developing brain and health should not be underestimated, urging a cautious approach to its use, especially among younger individuals.
Source: Original article