Marijuana - A link to heart disease?
Marijuana refers to the dried leaves extracted from the plant Cannabis sativa, or indica.
The plant contains a substance known as THC, which has mind-altering properties. Needless to say, you should use it with great caution.
But why use it at all?
Marijuana has been used for a variety of reasons. For example, people suffering from chronic pain resort to its use.
It has been found to be useful in reducing something known as neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain occurs when the nerves carrying pain signals to your brain are affected.
In a severe case known as trigeminal neuralgia, one side of your face feels pain. You can imagine someone wishing to resort to any means to relieve the pain.
A lot of people use marijuana to relieve stress, anxiety, social phobias, and post-traumatic disorders.
Marijuana has become increasingly popular in the United States, for example. Many states have removed the ban, and you can buy products in a store. It has led to a boom of sorts.
India still has a ban on it, but from what I am reading, perhaps in the near future, the ban may be lifted or at least modified.
But marijuana comes with risks.
You have to remember that this is a mind-altering drug. The most obvious is when you smoke it. Smoking will inevitably bring additional chemicals and tar, which will damage your lungs.
But perhaps one of the more important challenges is the increase in your heart rate. Users have experienced a racing heart rate for up to three hours after inhalation.
While increasing your heart rate is generally considered good, in this case, according to one study, it led to an increase in the risk of heart disease.
Higher blood pressure, an increased risk of heart attacks, and an increased risk of a major cardiac event.
So to my many friends out there who use marijuana, do so with caution and care.
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