The Hidden Risks Behind Cannabis
For many people, cannabis and THC products are seen as a harmless way to relax or ease pain. After all, about 40 US states have legalized marijuana for at least medical use. New research, however, is revealing there’s a darker side to cannabis use, especially for those who have ended up in the hospital because of cannabis-related problems.
A recent study from Ontario, Canada, found that people hospitalized for cannabis-related reasons face a much higher risk of dying within the next ten years than those who have not had such visits. This is a concern not only for younger users but also for older adults who use marijuana-related products. It is important for anyone using marijuana today, especially those with pre-existing conditions, to understand these risks and how cannabis use disorder can affect their health long-term.
Who Uses Marijuana and Why
People of all ages and backgrounds use marijuana. Younger adults often use it for fun or social reasons. Older adults may use it to help with pain, sleep problems, or anxiety. While quasi-legal across the United States, marijuana products are still considered illegal on the federal level.
The growing legalization of cannabis has made it more available, so some people try it without fully understanding the risks. Knowing who uses marijuana and their reasons for using it helps doctors and health workers provide better support and education. This is especially important for those at risk of addiction or health problems.
Some older people choose to use THC-related products for various medical complaints without understanding how it can interact with pre-existing conditions, medications or mental health disorders.
People who buy medical marijuana often buy high concentration THC products of 21% to 80%, like concentrated “dab” wax, crystallized “shatter,” hash, vapes, and other extracts and food items.
Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder
Cannabis use disorder happens when someone struggles to control their cannabis use. Usually, they can’t stop using THC products even though use of the drug causes problems in their life.
Over time, a person with this disorder may need more cannabis to get the same effect, developing a tolerance. Long-term marijuana users who try to quit often report withdrawal symptoms like irritability, trouble sleeping, or anxiety when they try to stop. People also report experiencing depression and anxiety.
For many users, marijuana can be used to mask the symptoms of an underlying mental health disorder. Quitting without assistance can increase the dangers of some mental health symptoms like anxiety and self-harm. Treatment options are available and may include counseling, support groups, and, in some cases, medication. If there is an underlying mental health disorder, that should be treated as well.
Why Hospital Visits Are a Warning Sign
People who use marijuana sometimes overdo it or have a bad reaction. Being hospitalized for cannabis-related issues can sometimes, however, mean more than just a bad reaction. It can reveal serious underlying health problems. Studies show that people who have been in the hospital for cannabis-related reasons are more likely to die within several years compared to others.
Alarming research has linked cannabis to higher chances of heart attacks and strokes. Age is not a huge factor in this statistic. People under the age of 50 are five times as likely to experience a fatal heart attack when they are cannabis users. These risks can be deadly, especially for people who already have other health conditions. It’s not clear if different modes of use create different risks, but presumably smoking any drug is higher-risk.
Older adults face even greater risks. Substances like marijuana or alcohol affect the heart, brain, and balance more strongly as people age.
Older Adults Should Think Twice About Cannabis
As we get older, our bodies handle drugs like cannabis differently. (The same is true for medications, alcohol and other drugs.) Our metabolism changes and systems become more sensitive. Older adults may experience more intense side effects of intoxication such as dizziness, confusion, and loss of balance.
Some of these side effects can lead to falls and injuries that might require hospital care or even cause death. Cannabis can also interact with medications that seniors take for chronic illnesses, making health problems worse. Because of these reasons, quitting or cutting back on cannabis use can greatly improve an older person’s safety and overall health.
How Marijuana Affects Quality of Life and Health
Marijuana can affect both the body and the mind in many ways that change a person’s quality of life. Some users say it helps with pain and anxiety. However, regular cannabis use can cause problems. Users can experience issues with memory, attention, and reaction time. There is no consistency or dosage for people who use it as medicine, which means that people who have medical issues don’t have any oversight. It’s a guessing game as to how intoxicated a person may get and any ill effects they can suffer.
Long-term use of marijuana can make mental health issues like depression worse. People have experienced psychosis with high doses, and people who are bipolar or schizophrenic can have intense episodes of mania or hallucinations with the drug.
Smoking cannabis can also harm lung health. It raises your heart rate and stresses your cardiovascular system. It can exacerbate high blood pressure and make anxiety attacks worse. All of these effects can make everyday activities harder, affect relationships, and lower overall well-being.
If you or somebody you love is using cannabis for either medical or emotional purposes, you may want to find alternative ways to cope with the issue. Cannabis use disorder can affect a person’s quality of life, mental and physical health. You deserve to have your pain and other issues treated without these dangers. If you live with cannabis use disorder, you don’t have to quit on your own. Help is available to help you transform your life. Better days are ahead!
About the Author
In Scott Huseby’s previous career, he led one of the most respected litigation support firms in the United States. Yet beyond his professional success, Scott discovered a deeper purpose after experiencing the healing power of recovery firsthand.
That calling led him to Costa Rica, where he became the owner of Costa Rica Recovery in San José – a holistic, participant-centered haven for individuals seeking freedom from addiction. Since then, Scott has opened additional treatment centers and become the owner of Cornerstone Recovery in Santa Ana, California (United States). Now he uses his leadership and lived experience to walk alongside others on their recovery journey, offering the same hope and healing that changed his life.
To learn more about Scott and Costa Rica Recovery, call 1 (866) 804-1793 or visit www.costaricarecovery.com