Dr. Spaeth, in his regular
advice column, said frequent smoking of marijuana affects short term as well as long term health. He said it impairs cognitive function (thinking coherently), stunts psycho-motor skills and sedation.
Chronic marijuana abusers have the following chronic problems:
* Lung problems. Studies have shown three to four joints a day results in breathing problems comparable to pack-a-day cigarette habit.
* Gynecomastia: Marijuana use impairs sperm levels and reduces testosterone levels leading to impotence, losing interest in sex and causing Gynecomastia ("man boobs").
* Cancer: Marijuana produces a host of known carcinogens and toxic compounds when burned. Frequent pot smoking causes pre-cancerous lung lesions, which may lead to full blown cancers later.
* Mental Illness: Chronic pot users is associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia, but there is no confirmation on this relationship.
* Gums: Pot smokers are more likely to get gum disease.
* Dependence: It is tough to get out of pot smoking because of physical and mental dependence. Dr. Spaeth says it takes a month to get out of habit.
Dr. Spaeth said although marijuana may cause the above problems there are approved medical uses for it, provided one gets a proper prescription from the doctor. Smoking pot once or twice may not cause a significant problem but chronic abuse will lead to increased health risks.
If you have any questions about marijuana use, you can contact Dr. Spaeth at
askdrken@aol.com.
