Complications of Marijuana
My name is William Conway, MD. I am a general internist with a subspecialty in addiction medicine. I have practiced addiction medicine since 2012. My current addiction treatment practice is Suboxone+Primary Care™ in Nashville. My current practice of general internal medicine is Nashville Concierge Medicines.
Marijuana is both complicated and controversial. To provide you with key take-home messages, I, Dr. Conway, will write several blogs on marijuana addiction and its medical complications.
Executive Summary of Complications of Marijuana Use
- Persistent marijuana use in childhood and adolescence is known to reduce intelligence quotient (IQ) by eight points.
- The reduction of IQ in adolescence from persistent marijuana use can result in lifelong setbacks and loss of future income
- Marijuana use is commonly associated with mental health disturbances, making you anxious, depressed, or feeling trapped in a world of intrusive thoughts.
- Marijuana use involves widespread complications across many organs with varying levels of severity.
- Traffic accidents with loss of license are commonly associated with marijuana.
Persistent Marijuana Use in Adolescents Permanently Reduces Your IQ
In a well-known and oft-cited New Zealand study, subjects were followed for decades to measure IQ changes related to cannabis use. IQ levels were taken in early adolescence prior to exposure to marijuana. These levels were then compared to IQ levels in later adolescence, early adult life, and midlife. Marijuana use, including frequency and persistence of use, was recorded.
This classic work, a foundation in addiction medicine, shows that cannabis use in adolescence can make you less smart. IQ does matter. While an IQ is not everything, IQ is a measure of how fast and how far you can run life’s daily mental race. Beginning marijuana in adolescence can make you a step, or several steps slower in life’s mental race. We will explore what this means to you.
Your risk of becoming mentally slower or duller, or both is related.
- The earlier you start.
- The more you take.
- The longer you take.
What is the Significance of an IQ Drop of 8 Points from Marijuana Means in Nashville
Small drops in IQ might not be noticeable in everyday life, especially in someone who starts out with average or above-average intelligence. But even small drops can affect standardized tests, which can affect academic placement and future academic options.
A small drop of eight points will also become a hindrance in certain jobs, especially those requiring quick critical thinking skills or those requiring a great deal of analysis. These highly competitive (and often high-paying) jobs might become out-of-reach with even a modest drop in IQ.
The Reduction in IQ From Persistent Cannabis Use Can Negatively Affect Your Academic Success
Marijuana use beginning in adolescence makes it less likely that a person will graduate high school or attend or complete college. Non-users are twice as likely to complete a college education. Non-users are about four times more likely than persistent cannabis users to obtain an advanced degree.
Persistent Marijuana Use in Adolescence Reduces Your Career Prospects, and Subsequently Your Income Potential
It is difficult to make money in America. Certain jobs and professions are paid much more than others. Becoming a plastic surgeon is different from becoming a nurse of a plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeons usually make much more money than the RN in the operating room for the plastic surgeon.
Becoming an RN is different from becoming a medical assistant. RN working in intensive care makes much more money than medical assistants in the office.
Electricians make much more money than construction workers.
Compare school to a track meet in the 100-yard dash. Number one, two, and three get a medal. Number four, five, and six ran the race, but they got nothing. Whoever gets into the school or the trade necessary to make money and who does not is often remarkably close.
An eight-point drop in IQ is the difference between living comfortably versus struggling through life- a lasting setback that limits you.
Persistent Marijuana Use Increases Your Chance of Doing Unskilled Work or of Being Unemployed
Think of football. Where you begin affects where you end up. If your grandfather, father, and uncle played professional football, you have advantages that most do not. However, because you have advantages it does not mean that you will play as well as your family. You may play football in college while not making it to the pros. A slight drop from Cannabis use only keeps from playing pro.
On the other hand, if you are talented player in high school, but not a great player, a slight use of marijuana may keep you on the second string versus playing first string. A significant use of cannabis may get you cut.
In the race that adolescents run for their future, use of marijuana can reduce their chances of winning. Marijuana can be expensive in a way you have never considered.
Persistent marijuana users are found less often in professional careers or having employment in skilled trades. They are found more often in semi-skilled or unskilled work, or altogether unemployed- a diminished vocational trajectory that often persists for decades
Marijuana Use Increases Your Risk of Mood Disorders
Certain mood disorders are found to be at significantly higher rates among heavy users of cannabis. This correlation appears strongest when marijuana use is begun in adolescence.
- Depression: Frequent cannabis use, especially when begun in adolescence, is associated with an increased risk of later depression.
- Anxiety: While marijuana may cause some users to feel temporarily more relaxed, the longer-term effects include an increased risk for anxiety and anxiety disorders.
- Psychosis: In those whose genes make them susceptible, there is an association between prolonged heavy cannabis use and long-term symptoms of psychosis.
Marijuana Use Increases Your Risk of Severe Thinking Disorder associated with Loss of Touch with Reality
In some people, cannabis can make them where they are severely confused .It can make them hear voices that others do not, not recognize their family, and make them where they cannot think. We have a fancy word for this which we call psychosis. This is a disease of thinking. This can be temporary. Often it is permanent.
Taking marijuana in adolescence can make you lose life’s lottery- a profound deterioration in thought that you may never recover..
Marijuana Increases Your Risk of Traffic Accidents in Nashville
You take your chances when you drive on Cannabis. Your risk of an accident is twice on marijuana. When you add alcohol, it gets worse. Your risk of a serious accident is ten times higher. Mixing marijuana and alcohol at a party in Nashville is potentially fatal.
Cannabis slows your reaction time and changes your perception. Sitting at a traffic light, not moving while you appreciate the beauty of a green light, will get you rear-ended.
Marijuana can last a long time. You get used to its effects upon you.
I, Dr. Conway, have many patients who have lost their licenses. I have observed that this complicates their lives enormously.
Conclusion
Life is about choices. In my clinic, Nashville Concierge Medicines, I, Dr. Conway, respect your freedom. I listen to you and reflect what the range of medical choices you should consider. If you are seeking a Nashville addiction doctor, please reach out.
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