The risks of marijuana use, particularly smoking, are the top health concerns.

In 2019, approximately 48.2 million people in the U.S. used marijuana, making it the most widely used federally illegal drug, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Since then, the number of states legalizing recreational and medical cannabis use has only grown, with pro-legalization activists arguing that the drug is a safer and more beneficial alternative to tobacco and other drugs, as well as a valuable treatment for the chronically ill.

The long-term effects of social media on the mind and body are still being studied and warned about by medical professionals and public health officials.

Here's a closer look.

How dangerous is smoking marijuana?

Smoking marijuana poses a considerable risk to lung and cardiovascular health, although it is not considered uniquely hazardous, it is not safer than using tobacco or similar substances.

Dr. Abra Jeffers, co-author of a recent study on daily marijuana use published by the Journal of the American Heart Association, stated in March that people often believe marijuana is harmless, but it is not.

"Smoking marijuana is just as harmful as smoking tobacco cigarettes."

A 25% increased risk of heart attack and a 42% increased risk of stroke were found in daily users of the same study.

What effects can marijuana have on the brain?

The effects of marijuana use on brain development and mental health are frequently cited.

The concentration of THC in marijuana products determines the intensity of its effects on the user's brain.

Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former White House drug policy adviser, stated on Planet Chronicle' Trey Gowdy in 2023 that there is a significant rise in mental illness due to the increase in marijuana use.

"Today's marijuana can increase the risk of psychosis and schizophrenia by five times and six times the risk of suicide."

An estimated 10% to 30% of marijuana users suffer from addiction, according to studies by the CDC.

Can smoking marijuana cause lung cancer?

The CDC acknowledges that marijuana smoke contains similar toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as cigarette smoke, but more research is needed to establish a connection between marijuana use and the development of respiratory cancers.

It is possible that taking the drug increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer, but experts do not have enough evidence to determine whether or not it does.

Other risks to marijuana users' lungs include tissue damage and scarring to small blood vessels, as well as increased susceptibility to bronchitis and higher levels of mucus production.

Research has shown that marijuana use among young people increases the likelihood of developing asthma.

Are other marijuana products, like edibles, any safer to use?

The safety of different methods of marijuana consumption is still unclear among experts.

The CDC states that other cannabis products, such as oils and concentrates used for vaping and "dabbing," may contain highly concentrated forms of THC and may be contaminated with other substances.

"The extent of the effects of using more potent forms of THC is not fully understood, but it may increase the likelihood of developing cannabis addiction."

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