The Pros and Cons of Consuming Cannabis (INFOGRAPHIC)

In 2015, marijuana was the most widely used illegal drug in the US. The substance continues to grow in popularity due to the recreational and soothing effect it has on those who use it, not to mention the wonderful health benefits.

There are lots of perfectly good, logical reasons why we love marijuana:

• it boosts our immunity system

• provides pain and anxiety relief

• excellent in treating various diseases and disorders (MS, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s…the list goes on)

• irreplaceable in treating seizures

• it’s safer than tobacco

• helps treat addiction

• legalization has created new jobs

Once it becomes fully legal, that will enable more research and we’re bound to find even more interesting properties. Overall, cannabis is known to improve the quality of life on so many levels.

However, it is not all rainbows and roses when it comes to how marijuana affects people who use it.

Not everybody reacts to cannabis in the same way. Here are some of the common side effects a person may expect (short-term):

• frequent and sudden changes in mood

• challenges in performing simple tasks and difficulty to focus

• rapid heart rates

• increased agitation and fear

• irregularities in the senses of the body

and some long-term adverse effects:

• Child development problems during or after the pregnancy if the mother used marijuana while pregnant.

• Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. Harsh nausea, vomiting, and dehydration are common symptoms of the syndrome.

• it can cause mental issues in some people

• severe breathing problems can be triggered by smoking marijuana because the smoke irritates the lungs

Therefore, it’s important to use cannabis responsibly! As you will see from the pros and cons of weed infographic below, there are plenty of valid reasons to enjoy its healing properties, and though we love the plant, it’s far from perfect.