Even though weed has been legalized in several US states, a heart surgeon has highlighted the harm smoking a joint can inflict on the body.
Recently, health experts have brought attention to a condition identified as cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), which manifests symptoms such as abdominal pain and persistent or severe vomiting.
Informally dubbed ‘scromiting’ (a combination of screaming and vomiting), specialists have noted that symptoms can persist for up to 48 hours, with some sufferers experiencing vomiting as often as 30 times a day.
The World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases has recognized CHS as a condition, although the exact cause remains uncertain. Cleveland Clinic suggests that one potential explanation is ‘long-term overstimulation of receptors in your endocannabinoid system (ECS)’.
Although many might assume that smoking marijuana is less harmful than other drugs, a heart surgeon has highlighted the risks associated with the drug and its effects on the body.
Dr. Jeremy London, MD, a heart surgeon known for sharing health insights on platforms like TikTok, stated: “Let’s all agree on one thing, that lungs have one simple function and that’s to bring air into and out of your lungs. Anything else is potentially harmful.”
The surgeon mentioned that he’s encountered numerous cannabis users who mistakenly believe the drug is safe due to its ‘natural’ origin, which is a misconception.
Dr London further explained: “Smoking marijuana increases your risk of coronary disease and acute heart attack by 1.3 to two times [compared] to those that don’t smoke marijuana regularly.”
This risk is equivalent to the increased risk associated with high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels, according to the healthcare expert.
The heart surgeon shared the severe consequences he has observed in patients who frequently smoke weed: “I have operated on multiple patients over the years that smoke marijuana regularly and I can tell you their lungs are totally black, and it looks like they’ve worked in a coal mine.”
“They’ve got such severe blockages that I have to do bypass surgery. These are folks that have never smoked a cigarette in their lives.”
Other experts support these assertions, with one study revealing a 50 percent heightened risk of heart attacks among cannabis users.
Moreover, the American Lung Association advises against smoking marijuana due to its potential harmful effects on lung health.