by Ann Harrison
Twenty states, including Colorado, have legalized the recreational use of cannabis, one of two active ingredients found in marijuana. Research shows that there are health benefits of using medical marijuana; however research also shows that there are many physical and mental effects associated with long-term marijuana abuse.
In states such as Colorado, which have legalized the recreational use of cannabis, many emergency rooms have seen an increase of patients suffering from nausea, severe abdominal pain, and vomiting, caused by a condition called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), which is caused by long-term marijuana abuse, according to reports from the Huffington Post.
CHS has been diagnosed in patients who have abused marijuana for three years or longer. Although hot showers or baths can relieve CHS symptoms temporarily, the only way patients can rid themselves of the condition is to cease smoking marijuana altogether. Though some smokers believe that smoking more marijuana can lessen the symptoms of CHS, increasing marijuana use actually makes CHS symptoms worse.
Short-term marijuana abuse can cause symptoms such as increased heart rate, red or irritated eyes, a drop in a person’s blood pressure, fainting, heart attack, and/or stroke. The risk of heart attack and stroke will increase the more weed a person smokes.
Pregnant women should avoid the use of marijuana during their gestation period to prevent the harmful exposure to the unborn infant. If a fetus is exposed to marijuana, the drug can impair the development of the fetus’s nerves and brain function. This is caused by exposure of marijuana through the mother’s blood stream, in the same way that toxins of alcohol are transmitted to the unborn child. When the mother gives birth to the infant exposed to marijuana, he or she experiences a high-pitch cry, decreased birth weight, delayed response to visual stimuli and uncontrollable trembling. Older children who have been exposed to Marijuana, may suffer from impaired memory function, problem solving skills, and difficulty focusing in school and work, later in life.
About the Author
Ann Harrison is a totally blind author, who grew up in the small town of Rochelle, Georgia, and has moved back to her family home after living in North Georgia for several years. Ann has written many articles of general interest for a number of clients since June of 2010, including the Cordele Dispatch. She has also published a short story entitled “The Big Climb” in Awethology Light. Ann also published a story entitled “The Woods” in December Awethology Light Volume by The #Awethors. She is currently working on several novels, and a self-help book. To read more of Ms. Harrison’s inspirational writings, visit her blog at www.wwannwrites.wordpress.com.