Recreational marijuana use has been on the rise lately, but there’s a lot more to the story. Some research indicates that cannabis may have adverse effects, particularly on the brain. Recent studies from France suggest that using marijuana could actually pose a greater risk for heart attacks and strokes compared to cocaine. Meanwhile, Canadian research has linked cannabis-related hospital visits in older adults to an increased dementia risk.
Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist and brain imaging expert from the Amen Clinic in California, mentioned in an interview that people who use marijuana often show reduced blood flow in their brains. This is concerning. He said, “We’ve been lying about marijuana being harmless. While it might help some people, younger users—especially those in their teens and twenties—tend to experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even mental illness.”
Additional studies back up the alarming connection between cannabis use and heart health. Amen highlighted a comparison showing that marijuana smokers might endure more lung damage than those who smoke cigarettes. He didn’t mince words: “This isn’t great for us.”
Amen also addressed a rather disturbing trend he’s observed—parents using cannabis alongside their teenage children. “I think we’re heading in the wrong direction here,” he commented. While some folks may argue that alcohol is worse than marijuana, he was quick to stress that neither is good for health. “Why would you want to consume something that harms your brain?” he asked rhetorically.
It’s crucial to understand that young adults’ brains aren’t fully developed, and exposure to substances like cannabis can hinder their mental growth, leading to anxiety and depression. Amen pointedly remarked, “If you begin using marijuana or any other drugs, your development can be stunted.” He insists that many don’t realize just how vital proper brain development is, which continues until around 25 or 26. Once damaged early on, there might be long-term consequences that are tough to reverse.
