Pubdate: Wed, 23 Jul 2014
Source: Journal-Pioneer, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2014 Journal-Pioneer
Contact:  http://www.journalpioneer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2789
Author: Mehmet Oz, M.D. and Mike Roizen, M.D.
Note: Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of "The Dr. Oz Show," and Mike Roizen, 
M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at 
Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into "The Dr. Oz 
Show" or visit www.sha)
Page: B4

IS YOUR HEALTH GOING UP IN SMOKE?

When Cheech and Chong lit up the movie screens with their 
marijuana-fogged dialogue - "Hey man, how's my driving?" "I think 
we're parked, man" - they probably never imagined cannabis would become legal.

But today more than 20 states have authorized medical marijuana, 
while Colorado and Washington have legalized it for personal use.

So we say it's time to back up (carefully) and take a look at the 
health risks associated with recreational use (addressing medical use 
is for another column).

The active ingredient in marijuana (THC or 9 
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) has been engineered to be much more 
concentrated in today's crops than it was in the 1970s.

That, combined with the highly individual way the drug affects the 
brain (20-somethings, listen up, you're still developing neural 
wiring), makes it hard to predict who might be at risk for long-term 
marijuana-related problems.

What is known, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, is 
that regular or heavy use is linked to traffic accidents and reduced 
lung function (the smoke contains carcinogens) and can encourage 
addictions. In addition, for some folks, THC's effect on 
neurotransmitters may increase the risk for depression and the 
development of psychosis. It also can cause memory and attention deficits.

And particular to eating THC, there may be an increased risk of panic 
or anxiety.

Our advice? Go for a free twofer: An exercise high from aerobic 
routines, like interval walking (see doctoroz.com for how-to), boosts 
both serotonin and endorphin levels. You'll get smokin' hot without 
craving a peanut butter and jelly pizza.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom