Like everything in life, there are pros and cons of doing something every day. As great as cannabis is, there are some drawbacks to using it every day, and it is important to know what they are. We are going to do a deep dive on the pros and cons of daily cannabis use.
What are the benefits of using cannabis
There are many benefits to using cannabis every day. Over the years, cannabis has been proven to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and can treat insomnia, chronic pain and a few other mental disorders. Extensive research has been, and continues to be conducted on the medicinal benefits of regular cannabis use. Some of these benefits include:
- Helps reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD
- Relieves chronic pain and nausea
- Treats and reduces the occurrence of epileptic seizures
- Safer option than pharmaceutical drugs
- Potentially has anti-cancer effects
What are the harmful effects of using cannabis
Although there are many benefits to using cannabis daily, there are few drawbacks that are worth mentioning. Some of the harmful effects of daily cannabis use include:
- A higher risk of heart problems for people who already suffer from heart conditions
- Potential of developing a respiratory illness
A common side effect of using cannabis every day is a condition known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Recorded cases of regular cannabis users who were diagnosed with CHS, documented that people experienced severe cases of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The emergence of CHS is fairly new and more research needs to be done to find out how CHS develops.
It is important to note that many people have used cannabis for years without ever experiencing CHS. However, for those who do experience CHS, the only way to alleviate the symptoms is to stop using cannabis. The symptoms will take a few weeks to completely stop, and they will start up again when cannabis is used.
The harmful effects of using cannabis are not limited to users, but can also affect the people around cannabis users. Cannabis users who are unable to responsibly handle their psychoactive response in public areas are a risk to public safety. Driving while under the influence of cannabis, increases the risk of car accidents. This has become a popular public safety concern that has been raised by non-cannabis users in the past.
The pros and cons of using cannabis daily
Pros
Relieves chronic pain
Extensive research has shown that cannabis can be used to relieve and minimise the symptoms of chronic pain. For people who are dependent on prescription medications to relieve their pain, daily use of cannabis can be financially and physiologically beneficial. Cannabis is a much safer alternative to pharmaceuticals, especially when it comes to chronic pain.
Can make you more creative
Certain cannabinoids in cannabis can help make people more creative. This is dependent on the strain that you use and your genetics. People who work in creative fields like music, art, and design are known for being big supporters of cannabis. Although cannabis doesn’t spark everybody’s creative juices, it can definitely help non-creatives come up with a few ideas that they normally won’t be able to think of.
Helps regulate biological processes
Daily use of cannabis helps reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes and can treat chronic insomnia. Studies conducted by the American Journal of Epidemiology and the American Journal of Medicine showed that people who use cannabis every day managed to maintain a healthy weight, consistent sleeping patterns and had lower levels of insulin in their body. It may be shocking to hear, but daily cannabis users are arguably much healthier than their non-cannabis using counterparts. Daily use of cannabis can help you maintain your target weight, sleep better and lower the chances of developing diabetes.
Cons
Can increase the risk of developing respiratory illness
Despite there being many ways to consume cannabis, many people prefer to smoke it. This leaves people at risk of developing a respiratory illness. Research linking regular cannabis use to upper respiratory tract illnesses continues to be conducted. The research so far, is producing mixed results that is often contradictory and does not consistently and directly link these illnesses to regular cannabis use.
Long term damage to your lungs
Smoking anything on a regular basis can cause irreversible damage to your lungs. Your lungs are not designed to take in smoke, despite smoking being a common occurrence in today’s society. Cannabis users typically inhale far deeper than people who smoke cigarettes, because of this they are at a greater risk of damaging their lungs.
Increases your resting heart rate
An increased heart rate isn’t a problem for most people, however, if you have a history of heart disease this can be extremely dangerous. Daily use of cannabis is not advised for people who suffer from heart conditions. If you have a heart condition, it is advised that you consult a doctor before you start using cannabis every day.
What are the healthy methods of consuming cannabis
The healthiest method of consuming cannabis is your personal preference! There are tons of ways to consume cannabis, the trick is finding what you like and sticking to it. Here’s a list on the different ways you can consume cannabis:
Don’t feel pressured to consume cannabis in a specific way, especially in a social setting. If you like edibles, have them with pride around smokers and vapers, the end result is all the same. The best and healthiest way to enjoy cannabis is to do it your way.
If you are new to using cannabis and don’t quite know what works for you yet, we recommend you experiment. Try it all, and have an experience with the different ways of consuming cannabis. Only after you have tried everything will you truly know what works for you.
If you don’t know where to start your journey of experimentation, visit Vaperite and Vapeshop for great devices and cannabis products.
Vaperite, South Africa’s leading vape shop and cannabis paraphernalia outlet chain.
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