Marijuana's Surprising After-Fifty Side Effects

According to the National Library of Medicine, marijuana has long been linked with young individuals, although this is a misconception. People above the age of 50 are now more likely to use the substance. "As the United States' senior population becomes more tolerant of marijuana use, the dynamics of marijuana use and the consequences of marijuana on personal, social, and health outcomes among older persons demand consideration," according to the website. Marijuana use among those over 65 grew by 75% between 2015 and 2018, according to a study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy.While marijuana has many medicinal benefits, it affects people differently, and doctors warn that it can have unanticipated adverse effects. Continue reading—and don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID to protect your health and the health of others.

1 Why More Older People Are Using Marijuana

ChoicePoint's Clinical Director, Chaye McIntosh, states, "Aging is associated to metabolic changes, a variety of morbidities, increasing prescription drug use, and a general decline in function. Marijuana use for recreational and medical purposes among the elderly has increased dramatically in recent years, reducing the visible and non-visible effects of aging."

2 Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)

McIntosh agrees "CHS is characterized by severe cyclical nausea and vomiting, as well as epigastric or periumbilical belly discomfort, and is caused by long-term cannabis use. Due to a lack of awareness, it goes unreported. The prevalence rate is estimated to be approximately 95% "end-users"

"Marijuana has very diverse effects on the body," Cedars Sinai said. Experts are still attempting to figure out why some people develop CHS. Marijuana has the opposite effect on the brain as CHS. It aids in the prevention of nausea and vomiting. In those who are undergoing chemotherapy, the medication is also effective at alleviating these symptoms. Marijuana, on the other hand, appears to have the opposite impact in the digestive tract. It actually increases your chances of nausea and vomiting. The signals from the brain may be more essential while using marijuana for the first time. At first, this may have anti-nausea effects. However, after frequent marijuana use, specific brain receptors may stop responding to the substance in the same way.This could explain why persons with CHS have frequent bouts of vomiting. It's still unclear why some people who use a lot of marijuana get the illness while others don't."

3 Psychosis

McIntosh claims that "Chronic users are more likely to develop chronic psychotic diseases such as schizophrenia. In 95 percent of cases, it creates hallucinations and personality issues "end-users"

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, "Several studies have connected marijuana use to an increased risk of psychiatric illnesses such as psychosis (schizophrenia), depression, anxiety, and drug use disorders, although it's not always clear whether or not cannabis causes these conditions. According to new research, daily use of high-potency marijuana increases the risk of developing psychosis by roughly five times when compared to persons who have never used marijuana. This association has been demonstrated to be influenced by the amount of substance consumed, the age at which it was first used, and genetic vulnerability. To date, the most compelling data points to a relationship between marijuana use and psychiatric illnesses in people who have a hereditary or other predisposition."

4 Cognitive Motor Deficits

According to McIntosh, "Continued marijuana use has an impact on executive functions such as planning, organizing, solving problems, making decisions, remembering, and controlling emotions and behavior. In 95 percent of the population, these impairments are reported "end-users"

5 It Could Harm Your Mental Health

Dr. Steve Hruby, founder of Kaizen Progressive Health and a Doctor of Chiropractic, adds, "Marijuana does not give everyone with a pleasurable experience. It can make you nervous, afraid, horrified, or paranoid. Marijuana usage can increase your chances of getting clinical depression or worsen the symptoms of any mental diseases you already have. Scientists are baffled as to why this is the case. In big dosages, it might make you paranoid or cause you to lose contact with reality, allowing you to hear or see things that aren't there."

6 Your Perceptions May Be Skewed

"Marijuana has the potential to affect your judgment and senses," Dr. Hruby explains. "The effects of marijuana vary depending on the potency, how it was consumed, and how much marijuana you've already consumed. It's possible that:

1.Improve your senses (colors may appear brighter and noises may appear louder) 2.Change your time perception

3.Your motor abilities will be damaged, making driving dangerous.

4.Lower your inhibitions so you can engage in risky sex or take other chances."

7 It Could Be Harmful To Your Heart

According to Dr. Hurby, "Marijuana causes your heart rate to rise. The heart beats 50 to 70 times per minute on average. The heart rate can climb to 70 to 120 beats per minute or greater after the effects kick in. The strain, as well as the tar and other substances in marijuana, may raise your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. If you're older or already have heart difficulties, you're at a much higher risk of professional or personal troubles."