Is weed bad for you?
Pot, weed, dope are all different names for cannabis. Thanks to years of pushing for its legalization in Canada and parts of America, we’ve finally come to a solution where we can enjoy and use marijuana in the comfort of our own homes.
For most of us, this is great news.
As we move to a more progressive stance on marijuana use, the great benefits of medical marijuana are being brought to light along with some of its potential risks, side-effects, and down sides. For most of us, this boils down to inhaling the smoke of cannabis, which is why alternative methods such as edibles and vape pens have risen to such popular heights.
Is smoking weed that bad for you? Are there any adverse side effects marijuana may have? And should you stop smoking it?
We’ll answer all these questions, so keep on reading!
Why do People Smoke Marijuana?
For the most part, getting high is the main allure of cannabis and the reason why people use it in medicine and as a social lubricant. The psychoactive compound in cannabis known as THC produces its mild altering effects that stimulate the part of your brain that has control over pleasure and any acts of it.
When you smoke marijuana, your brain releases a neurochemical called dopamine, commonly known as the “reward” chemical. It releases upon the expectation of a reward like eating a delicious meal, sex, shopping, or anything else that can be considered enjoyable.
As you’ve probably already guessed, the dopamine released from smoking weed provides that signature sense of euphoria and well being that so many people have come to know and love.
People also use marijuana for medicinal purposes such as relieving pain, fighting depression and treating conditions such as seizures, glaucoma and much more.
Overall, people use marijuana for both recreational and medicinal purposes.
Are There Any Risks Involved?
There are risks involved with consuming any type of substance, whether it is tobacco or weed. When smoking anything from tobacco cigarettes to a marijuana joint, you expose yourself to the carcinogens and toxins produced when the cigarette or joint is combusted.
These particular toxins are Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons. These compounds are a group of chemical toxins that you can find in crude oil, coal, and gasoline and the combustion of fossil fuels, garbage, and other organic matter.
When inhaled, these toxins can cause long-term health effects on humans, such as cataracts, kidney damage, liver damage, and respiratory issues. These toxins can even expose users to an increased risk of developing cancer. In the short term, smoking marijuana can cause irritation in the lungs, throat, and mouth, and feelings of paranoia and anxiety. .
Should You Stop Smoking?
Inhaling toxins is never a good thing whether it’s through smoke from a joint or from the smog of pollution, it all leads to the same place.
In most responsible and healthy adults, the occasional cannabis joint does not pose a significant threat. This is because the adverse side effects of smoking usually start to pile on through regular, continuous usage.
Smoking could be the quintessential way to enjoy your weed, but it isn’t nearly the healthiest. Luckily, there are various other alternative ways you could go about enjoying your weed.
Alternatives to Smoking Weed
Cannabis doesn’t always need to be consumed via smoking, as inhaling smoke has its own set of inherent health effects.
If you feel that smoking isn’t for you, but you still want to get your fix of marijuana, there are alternative methods to get your recreational and medical marijuana fix.
Edibles
Edibles are now among the most popular types of cannabis products available on the market.
Many people who enjoy the effects of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes can opt for a smoke-free option by choosing edibles. These products tend to last a bit longer, kick a bit harder, and get you a bit higher than your standard joint on top of offering a sense of discretion as well.
You can expect to find edibles in a large assortment of creative options and use them to treat conditions such as pain, anxiety and depression, and of course, get potencies.
In most cases, cannabis edibles have a delayed onset of around 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on what you’ve previously consumed beforehand.
Although this option is great, some people may find it not as healthy as tinctures, since edibles contain lots of sugars and could be an issue for people with diabetes.
Tinctures
Another great alternative to smoking weed is cannabis tincture.
Tinctures are made with a high percentage of alcohol that is infused with terpenes and cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. When it comes to the extraction method, manufacturers will typically use alcohol to isolate terpenes, cannabinoids, and other beneficial compounds from the rest of the cannabis plant.
Most cannabis tinctures will come with a liquid dropper of some sort to help you with the application and dosage. For the most part, tinctures are also considered edibles, although you apply them through a sublingual method (under the tongue) for faster-acting effects.
Use them to treat a variety of medical concerns – from sleep and stress to pain and depression.
Vaporizers
If you enjoy the sensation of smoking and the effects it provides, you don’t have to fully give it up to reduce the risk of side effects.
Many in the cannabis space have begun to launch a wide range of cannabis vaporizers that can be used to enjoy either cannabis distillates or dry herb. The effects of cannabis vaporizers mimic smoking cannabis greatly, with the added benefits of being easier on the lungs and healthier on your system.
Vapes produce much fewer toxins and tar than smoking weed and are a great option for those who want to quit smoking due to health concerns.
Several different vape styles exist in the market, from disposable single cartridge vapes to higher-end rechargeable vape pens. Usually, they come in two pieces: a cartridge and a battery. All you need to do is choose your favorite cartridge, charge your battery, find a comfortable place and inhale a few delicious and clean puffs from your vape pen. You will feel the effects almost immediately.
If you want to shift to a healthier, more inconspicuous way to consume your weed instead of smoking, give vape pens a try!
Is Weed Bad For You? – What To Use Instead
All in all, good health is key and consuming cannabis does have some risk to it. As we have learned, smoking your weed does produce some harmful toxins and chemicals that are bad for your health.
In any case, it’s important to inform you of the potential risks and effects of marijuana when consumed via smoke or any other means.
Like any other substance like caffeine or alcohol, cannabis can be both helpful and harmful. When it comes down to it, it is up to you to make an educated guess and gauge the risks and rewards of consuming it.
Not interested in smoking weed anymore? Consider using edibles and vape pens instead. They are healthier options than smoking and can still get you high at a cheaper, more affordable price point.