Cardiologist reveals the effects of regular marijuana use: “…lungs look like coal mines”

A doctor shares that people who smoke marijuana regularly have their lungs totally black. (Picture Credit: Canva)

Cannabis has gained popularity in recent years for medical treatment, especially among cancer patients who suffer from nausea, pain, and loss of appetite. It is also used by patients with chronic pain. And while it offers certain benefits, experts say there is not enough research to claim whether the positives outweigh long-term risks.

There are also those who use marijuana for recreational purposes, and no matter what the reason, frequent and long-term use can harm you in more ways than one. Dr Jeremy London in his new post on Instagram explained if smoking marijuana regularly is bad for you.

“Well, let’s all agree on one thing that the lungs have one simple function, and that’s to bring air into and out of your lungs. Anything else is potentially harmful,” the cardiovascular surgeon said.

He went on to clarify the misconception people have about the psychoactive drug. “I hear all the time, marijuana must be safe because it’s natural. But here’s the truth: Smoking marijuana regularly increases your risk of coronary disease and acute heart attack by 1.3 to 2 times more than those that don’t smoke marijuana regularly. That’s the same increased risk as high blood pressure or increased cholesterol.”

Also read: Long walk Vs short walks: Apollo Neurologist says latter are better; Here's why

What makes its use scary are the effects it has on the lungs as Dr Jeremy London added, “I have operated on multiple patients over the years that smoke marijuana regularly and I can tell you that their lungs are totally black and it looks like they’ve worked in a coal mine.”

Take a look at the post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jeremy London, MD (@drjeremylondon)

He added that regular consumption leads to blockages, causing the necessity of a surgery. In most cases, patients aren’t even aware of the risks that are linked to frequent and prolonged consumption.

“And they’ve got such severe blockages that I have to do bypass surgery. And these are folks that have never smoked a cigarette in their lives, and they all say the same thing. I thought it was safe. What’s important to me is that you know the inherent risks,” he said.

Also read: Farah Khan shares 'I cried in bed for 2 days' after 2 failed IVFs; Gynaecologist shares common reasons behind it

Recent research also links frequent and long-term use of cannabis to cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition that causes severe nausea, intense abdominal pain, and frequent vomiting. Over the last decade, there has been a steady rise in the number of cases in the US that show up at the ER with such symptoms.

FAQs on regular consumption of marijuana:

1. Can regular marijuana use affect mental health?

Yes. Long-term use may increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and impaired memory in some people.

2. Does frequent marijuana use impact brain function?

It can affect attention, learning, and decision-making, especially with prolonged use.

3. Is marijuana addictive?

Yes, regular use can lead to dependence or cannabis use disorder in some individuals.

4. Can smoking marijuana harm the lungs?

Smoking it can irritate the lungs and lead to coughing, wheezing, or chronic bronchitis-like symptoms.

5. Does long-term marijuana use affect daily productivity?

For some people, it may reduce motivation, focus, and overall performance in work or studies.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.