Many people consider cannabis smoking to be less harmful than its tobacco equivalent, yet a shocking simulation has revealed quite how damaging the habit can be for your body.
There are more people than ever before smoking weed with an increasing number of countries, states, and cities opting to legalize marijuana across the world, yet there could be more to the somewhat 'harmless' reputation of the drug.
While there's a strong argument that it's not as harmful as nicotine and tobacco-based cigarettes, it still causes damage to your body and health, and an increase in scientific studies are revealing a number of alarming effects over time.
One shocking simulation shared on TikTok by dr.boogie reveals the major side effects of smoking weed on your body, particular in those people who engage in the habit on a daily basis.
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One of the most obvious aspects that should be expected from smoking weed is the negative effect it has on your lungs, occupying a similar role to tobacco cigarettes.
"Daily cannabis irritates the lungs and airways immediately," the simulation reveals, which can lead to some serious issues down the line like a chronic cough or even bronchitis.
Additionally, one side effect that's not considered as much as it should is the effect of prolonged THC exposure on the brain, as while it does bring a temporary high that many appreciate as part of the weed smoking process, it actually dulls receptors in your brain.
Daily exposure causes your tolerance levels to increase, meaning that you require a greater level of exposure to experience the same effects. This can also lead to issues in both memory and learning areas, which only increase the more you smoke and if you picked up the habit at an early age.
"Over years of daily use, especially starting young, chronic exposure can cause lasting changes in brain structure and function like reduced volume in areas for decision making and memory with potential cognitive impacts," the study explains.
Your heart rate is also raised with daily cannabis usage, causing your blood vessels to strain in tandem. Studies have linked heavy cannabis usage with an increased risk of heart attacks, heart failures, and even strokes according to the simulation.
The damage can be avoided or toned down however by reducing or completely cutting out the habit. Depending on when you started using the drug and how frequent you smoked it, recovery can be more challenging however.
"I'm so glad I stopped," wrote one user in the video's comments, with another noting that it gave them an inflamed throat, prompting them to cease the habit.