long term moderate marijuana use.

[Jim]

I am a very healthy 47 y.o male that has been smoking marijuana for 25 years.  I have a responsible job and family.  I am an avid rockclimber, skiier, windsurfer, runner, biker, etc. and live to play.  My circle of friends get high when we do these sports and we just seem to enjoy the feeling.  I also enjoy these things without pot.  I have even noticed or precieved an increase in ability as in skiing powder after a couple of hits, kinda lets things flow.  When I run out there are never any unspleasant symptoms and when I smoke it's only a couple of hits, but that can be several times a day depending on whats happening.  I of course worry about what the long term effects may be but so far have noticed no untoward effects.  Is it possible to remain a lifetime user or will lung cancer get me.  Marijuana is my drug of choice, no cigaretts and only an occasional beer.  Any insights in the casual use would be appreacited

[JamesssC]

The studies can be found through a simple Google search of "marijuana no cancer study". In fact, THC (the main ingredient) shrinks tumors by surrounding them with a myelin shieth, cutting off blood flow and effectively shrinking and slowly downsizing the tumor inside. In fact, for any medical questions relating to marijuana, search Google for Granny Stormcrow's MJ list -- thousands of factual reports and case-controlled studies backing marijuana in nearly every manner thinkable. It is really the most benign, therapeutically active substance known to mankind. That isn't to say everyday usage is excusable because you wont be injured. Be sure to keep one's head on straight and take control of their smoking, not vice versa. It can be psychologically habitual, although it is slightly less so then coffee according to a popular graph comparative of substances of abuse. Search for that list and look under the "addiction" section.

[JamesssC]

Lung cancer will never be an issue for moderate or even heavy marijuana smokers. According to recent case-controlled studies, marijuana smokers were equally if not LESS likely to develop cancers of the head, throat, and lungs then non-smokers. Cigarette smokers, as opposed to marijuana smokers, showed a significant (20 to 40 times greater) chance of contracting cancer then either other group. The problem associated with marijuana, then, is how it affects one personally. Do you find yourself apathetic, lazy, unhappy without pot even in the slightest? Do you think you could devote more time and be a better person to others, family by cutting down? These are very personal questions but health is not one to be worried about. Sure, one coughs out phlegm which collects in the lungs -- however, this is actually a sign of healthy lung function. If you notice any negatives mentally or physically due to usage, more likely than not a break is in order. Moderation in all things. Once a week here.

[TysonRed]

The one thing that gets me is when I see all the residue that ends up in what ever smoking untensil is used. All that resin that gets caked up, and you either clean it or scrape it after awhile. I imagine our lungs arent too different, probably built up quite considerably depending on amounts used over the years. So in the end I still really have no idea what the clear answer is, if there even is one.

[sacrilege]

I would be very interested in the answers to your question.

I am a bit younger than you (39) and have been toking regularly for about 12 years. I too am generally very active, love the outdoors and have a set of friends who enjoy the same activities - outdoor sports and toking.

I've often wondered if it did have long-term negative effects - aside from the obvious lung cancer association. Like, does it affect the kidneys or the liver or the bowels or....  I have asked my doctor in the past, and he said that studies were not conclusive, but because the sustance was illegal, there was a lack of funding with regards to marijuana research. These days, I've been wondering if it could have positive effects. Let me explain.

This year, I suffered a major depression and have been slowly getting back on my feet. I have been mostly trying to stay away from pot, as I became aware that during stressful periods, it intensified my anxiety. My doctor and therapist both concur. But when I do have an occasional joint, I can't deny that it just makes me happy and lighter. But, I am concerned about an increasing number of studies linking marijuana to mental health problems and have been watchful of my intake.

More recently, I have been going through weeks and months (it seems) of poor health. One cold or flu after another. This period also coincides with an extremely "clean" period where I have stayed away from pot. Now I'm wondering if it's possible that marijuana could have a positive effect on your immune system, and whether my near-complete withdrawal from it is manifesting itself through a depressed immune system. I know that depression also saps your energy and physical health, but I have come a long way in terms of recuperation - my mind and emotional health are greatly improved. Yet physically, I'm a wreck.  I guess I should add that I have not been taking anti-depressants.

Interested in any input or reactions. Thanks!

[Suz]

Richard, I would very strongly discourage your grand daughter from using any kind of drug, especially while pregnant. There is NO way that there are NO risks!

[Richard Davidson]

My grandaughter uses marijuana and is pregnant.  What are the risks to the child?

[Missy]

I am curious too about the lung cancer ordeal. I too was ONCE a "smoker" but for some reason if I do now I get really "weird".
Scared, feeling like I cant breathe and really paranoid. I had one episode where I passed out (1st time ever) and I think that scared me. (not from the smoke) anyhow is it the smoke that does it or me, my mind??? In other words is it really hurting me that I feel that way, or is it just me??