New Complications Linked to Marijuana Use

Marijuana has long been argued to be among the least harmful illegal drugs in America.  Some argue that it is less detrimental to a person’s health than alcohol, tobacco and even caffeine.  Most Florida detox and rehab centers do not even offer treatment options for marijuana abuse.  However some new research that has been published in the last few months has linked marijuana to a lot of new health complications. A few studies have been published recently that outline new dangers of prolonged marijuana abuse.  Most notably, smoking pot may cause issues with the reproductive organs of both men and women.

Researchers at the University of Southern California recently published a new study that found a link between testicular cancer and marijuana use in males.  Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 50 years old.  The data taken from over 350 male participants noted that men with a history of marijuana use were twice as likely to have developed non-seminoma tumors.  Although they are unsure of how marijuana actually triggers this type of cancer, it seems to be playing a major role in the development of tumors.  The study also noted that the chances of developing cancer were greater if the individual had began using marijuana while they were only teenagers.  It’s possible that using marijuana during puberty may have some adverse effects on a male testis.

Marijuana use causes problems in women almost as often as it does in men.  A new study published in The Journal of Biological Chemistry, produces evidence that links preeclampsia with marijuana use in women.  Preeclampsia is a pregnancy condition in which the mother develops high blood pressure and it affects the functionality of the placenta. The endocannabinoid signaling process is important in pregnancy and seems to be disrupted by marijuana use.  This can lead to development issues in the baby as well as complications during childbirth.

Males who use marijuana tend to have more difficulty with their fertility than men who do not use pot.  A study conducted by the director of andrology at the University of Buffalo showed that THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, causes complications with males fertility.  THC causes hyperactivity in sperm and causes the cells to behave abnormally.  In fact, men who are already borderline infertile, will likely become completely infertile just by using marijuana.