Is Cannabis Really as Safe as We Think?

The article addresses the growing disconnect between the public’s perception of cannabis safety, influenced by legalization, and the scientific reality of its risks. It details the dangers of chronic cannabis use, including addiction (cannabis use disorder), a robust link to psychotic disorders, and physical health complications affecting the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal systems (like CHS). The piece concludes that for recreational users, the chronic health complications, particularly with the rise of high-potency THC products and early adolescent use, appear to outweigh the potential benefits, urging readers to make informed choices

With cannabis becoming increasingly mainstream, it’s time to ask a question: Is cannabis really as safe as we think? The narrative surrounding cannabis has shifted dramatically, with legalization efforts often painting a picture of a relatively harmless substance. But what does science actually say? This isn’t about scare tactics; it’s about providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions, especially if you’re someone who uses cannabis or is dealing with substance use disorders.

Read on to learn about cannabis risks, examining the marijuana safety claims, and uncovering the potential long-term weed effects. Topics discussed include chronic cannabis use, addressing the question of “Is cannabis addictive?”, and dissecting the consequences of high-potency THC. It’s time to weigh the cannabis legalization risks and understand the scientific reality of marijuana safety.

Public Perception vs. Scientific Evidence

Cannabis legalization has swept across the nation, normalizing its use and influencing public opinion. As of December 2025, recreational cannabis is legal in 24 states, and the majority of Americans live near a dispensary. Support for legalization is high, with approximately 87 percent favoring it for medical or recreational purposes.

However, this normalization has created a concerning disconnect. While legalization campaigns often highlight economic benefits and criminal justice reform, they often downplay potential harms. This has led to a situation where the public perception of cannabis safety is increasingly out of sync with the research.

Between 2002 and 2014, the percentage of Americans perceiving great risk from weekly cannabis smoking dropped significantly. This trend has continued, with only a quarter of people in 2022 seeing great risk in smoking cannabis once or twice a week. This underestimation of risk is particularly pronounced among younger and frequent users, who are more likely to believe in the existence of a “safe” way to use marijuana. Some even believe that daily use improves mental health, academic performance, and job success, which are beliefs that starkly contrast with scientific findings.

Unmasking the Risks: What the Research Reveals

It’s crucial to understand that while cannabis may not carry the risk of fatal overdose like opioids, it’s not without its dangers. The physical health dangers of chronic cannabis use are diverse and can affect various systems in the body.

• Cardiovascular system: Cannabis can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Alarmingly, research indicates that cannabis users under 50 face a significantly higher risk of heart attack compared to non-users.
• Pulmonary system: Smoking cannabis damages lung tissue and can lead to chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and respiratory infections.
• Reproductive system: Marijuana use can reduce sperm quality and decrease testosterone levels in men. Cannabis use during pregnancy increases the risk of lower birth weight, premature birth, and developmental problems in children
• Gastrointestinal system: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition we’ll discuss in detail later, is a severe consequence of chronic use that many are unaware of.

Is Marijuana Really Addictive?

A common misconception is that cannabis isn’t addictive. However, the reality is that approximately three in ten cannabis users develop cannabis use disorder, the clinical term for cannabis addiction. The risk is even higher for those who start using before age 18. Is cannabis addictive? Yes, and the addictive potential appears to be increasing with the rise of high-potency THC products.

The risk of dependence with chronic cannabis consumption escalates with frequency and intensity of use. Weekly users are significantly more likely to develop cannabis use disorder compared to occasional users. The mechanisms behind cannabis addiction involve changes in the brain’s dopamine and endocannabinoid systems.

The Potency Problem: High-THC and its Consequences

The cannabis landscape has changed dramatically with the rise of high-potency THC products. The average THC content in cannabis flower has quadrupled since the 1990s, and concentrates can contain THC levels exceeding 50 to 95 percent. This increase in THC potency and health consequences is concerning.

How does high-potency THC affect the developing brain? Research suggests that adolescents using high-potency products experience greater cognitive impairment, alterations in brain structure, and earlier onset of psychiatric symptoms. This is particularly alarming, as the developing brain is more vulnerable to the effects of concentrated THC.

Marijuana and Psychotic Disorders

The relationship between cannabis use and mental health is well-documented. Is there a link between cannabis use and psychotic disorders? The answer is yes. There’s a robust, dose-dependent relationship between cannabis use and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. Cannabis-induced psychosis risk factors include a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia, early age of initiation, high frequency of use, and use of high-potency products.

What are the long-term mental health effects of daily cannabis use? Frequent use is associated with depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. Contrary to the “self-medication hypothesis,” cannabis use often worsens these symptoms over time and can hinder the effectiveness of professional mental health treatment.

The Developing Brain

Does regular marijuana use cause permanent brain damage? The evidence suggests that it can, especially when use begins during adolescence. Long-term cognitive impairment from marijuana is particularly pronounced for those who start using it in early adolescence and use it frequently.

How does high-potency THC affect the developing brain? Adolescent brains exposed to regular cannabis use show alterations in structure, white matter integrity, and functional connectivity. These changes can lead to slower processing speed, poorer verbal learning and memory, and reduced sequencing abilities.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): The Unspoken Risk

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a condition causing severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in long-term, frequent cannabis users. It’s paradoxical, as cannabis is often used to treat nausea. Symptoms can cycle through phases, with hot showers sometimes providing temporary relief. This condition develops after years of regular use, and the only cure is cannabis cessation. If you use cannabis and experience these symptoms, CHS might be the cause. 

Weighing the Risks and Benefits: A Balanced Perspective

Weighing the risks and benefits of cannabis requires distinguishing between its potential therapeutic applications and its recreational use. While cannabis may have limited medical applications for certain conditions, the chronic health complications documented in research appear to outweigh the potential benefits for most recreational users.

Informed Choices

The goal isn’t to demonize cannabis but to empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Understand the risks, be aware of the potency of the products you’re using, and consider the potential long-term consequences, especially if you’re an adolescent or have a predisposition to mental health disorders.

Action Items

• Educate yourself: Share this article with friends and family. Talk to your doctor: Discuss your cannabis use and any potential risks.
• Seek help if needed: If you’re struggling with cannabis use disorder, resources are available.
• Stay informed: Follow reputable sources for the latest cannabis research.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, Mountainside can help. We offer individualized and comprehensive treatment that meets people where they are. Speak with an admissions specialist today to discover your options!