Hidden danger of smoking weed in your 20s and 30s that can often go undetected
There are hundreds of different drugs out there and weed has long been thought of as one of the 'safer' options.
However, while the dangers of substances like cocaine and heroin are clear for (nearly) everyone to see, there's a hidden danger to smoking weed that you might only suffer from many years after taking it.
Studies have revealed the impact that smoking cannabis can have on your brain, which is just one of several reasons to avoid the drug, particularly in your younger years.
Although one doctor came out to suggest that smoking weed from an early age can put you at risk of turning the vital organ into 'cannabis soup', which is neither good for retaining information nor dipping bread in, a 2024 study found otherwise.
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What did the study find?
While cannabis exposure can affect things like memory and attention span, scientists in Amsterdam saw participants register an average IQ of just 1.3 less if they confirmed they'd taken it in their life.
"The estimated difference in cognitive decline between cannabis users and nonusers was modest and may not hold clinical significance," the study explained.
"Among cannabis users, no significant associations with age‐related cognitive decline could be demonstrated for age of initiation of cannabis use.
"Years of frequent cannabis use were generally associated with no significant difference in cognitive decline when compared with no frequent use."
What is the hidden danger of smoking weed?
So, while your brain might just survive your experiences with weed as a young adult, your lungs are a different story altogether.
Now it's no secret that smoking anything isn't good for your lung function, and you only need to look at the health issues of young folks who've become addicted to vaping in recent years to comprehend that.
But in the case of weed, it's a long-term impact that you might not even notice for many years, which presents the real problem.
NiQuitin, which is used by people who want to stop smoking, says that 'smoking reduces lung capacity and impacts the health of your lungs'.
The website adds: "If you’re a younger smoker in your 20s and 30s you might not even notice the impact of smoking on your lung function unless you are taking part in physical activity.
"It is only as you get older and your lung function naturally diminishes as well that you might start to feel the impact of smoking on your lung health."
How do things improve when you stop smoking?
If the threat of long-term lung damage wasn't enough to already convince you to quit, then there are plenty of other benefits you'll notice when you stop smoking.
According to Medical News Today, after just 20 minutes without a cigarette or joint your blood pressure will drop, and after a whole day your chances of a heart attack also lower.
Once you've managed two days, your taste buds will have improved, and after two weeks it's said that you'll be able to breathe easier and your organs will perform better.
If you get to a whole month, then the magic really starts to happen as your lungs will regain their typical function and you can now fight off illness and infection more easily.
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week.
James Moorhouse