Cannabis pros and cons
Around 17% of U.S. adults smoke marijuana and 15% consume marijuana edibles, according to a recent Gallup poll. Psychology Today reports that many people use it for medical reasons, such as pain and stress relief (29%), others say it's purely recreational (38%), and some say it's a combo of the two (33%). There are even studies showing it can ease nausea associated with chemotherapy, temporarily improve symptoms of multiple sclerosis and improve depression. Pharmaceutical-grade CBD derived from marijuana is approved to help manage certain rare forms of epilepsy.
But many people don't understand the risks that come along with use. Studies show that cannabis might interfere with the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments for cancer. It also can lead to addiction, aggravate cardiovascular conditions, increase your risk of heart attack during or shortly after surgery by 46% and cause changes in brain function and structure -- especially in teens and young adults. And now, a study in Epilepsia shows that when people with drug-resistant epilepsy use marijuana at least 20 days a month, 91% experience convulsive seizures compared with 57% of nonusers.
If you use or are thinking about using cannabis -- smoked, vaped, as a gummy or a cream -- talk to your doctor to make sure it won't negatively impact medical conditions you have or medications you take, and don't smoke it -- ever. It can damage your lungs, cardiovascular system and brain as much as smoking tobacco. Need pain and stress relief? Check out "The Great Age Reboot" for all the latest and safest ways to thrive.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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