““...A number of studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and mental illness. High doses of marijuana can produce a temporary psychotic reaction (involving hallucinations and paranoia) in some users, and using marijuana can worsen the course of illness in patients with schizophrenia. A series of large prospective studies also showed a link between marijuana use and later development of psychosis....”
Virtually every study has shown that chronic alcohol use is associated with many severe health effects, several of which can lead to death. Brain damage has been documented in alcoholics. Heavy alcohol use also raises the risk of dementia. Alcohol abuse is also often associated with violent and criminal behavior. Alcohol is a poisonous substance, and an overdose may be immediately fatal.
Virtually every study has shown that chronic tobacco use is associated with severe health effects, several of which can lead to death. It is also extremely physically addictive. It often severely impacts the quality of life of long-term users.
Marijuana, on the other hand, is non-toxic. It is not physically addictive. Its use is not generally associated with violent or antisocial behavior. Researchers have been surprised to find that smoking it, even in large amounts, does not increase the incidence of lung cancer.
I’m the last one to defend 0 in most circumstances - but even he is occasionally correct about something.
Until you have seen someone you love go thru one of these pot induced “psychotic episodes” you are welcome to hold your delusional opinion at your own peril but you are a fool worse than I to share it with others.
____________________________________
“...Its use is not generally associated with violent or antisocial behavior...”
Well, impaired judgment has many consequences, the list of which is potentially limitless in discussion. And no sane or sober person enjoys dealing with a Pothead's brain numbed idiocy. So it depends on how you view ‘antisocial behavior’. I consider a stoner a very antisocial person. They hide behind the personality the drug gives them and are numbing up to avoid reality and sobriety. Seems pretty antisocial IMO.
As for the other potential effects of the drug:
“Risks of Marijuana Use
The risks of smoking marijuana go up with heavy use. Although the link has never been proven, many experts believe heavy pot smokers are at increased risk for lung cancer.
Heavy marijuana use lowers men's testosterone levels and sperm count and quality. Pot could decrease libido and fertility in some heavy-smoking men.
Contrary to what many pot smokers may tell you, marijuana is addictive, at least psychologically. Even among occasional users, one in 12 can feel withdrawal symptoms if they can't get high when they want to. Among heavy pot smokers, the rates of dependence are higher.
Many experts also believe that marijuana is physically addictive. Symptoms of withdrawal from pot might include:
Aggression
Anxiety
Depressed mood
Decreased appetite”
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/marijuana-use-and-its-effects
And this:
“Lungs
Smoking marijuana has a direct impact on lung function. The NIDA reports that marijuana smoke contains up to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons, which are toxic chemicals, than regular tobacco smoke. The repeated introduction of marijuana smoke to the lungs increases the risk of developing respiratory problems such as bronchitis, cancer of the respiratory tract and chronic lung infections. The Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard further implicates marijuana smoking in diminished immune system functioning, making the body more susceptible to fungi, bacteria and tumor cell development in the lungs...”
Heart
After smoking marijuana, the heart rate increases by up to 100 percent, which can last for three hours. The NIDA explains that due to the increased heart rate, the likelihood of a heart attack within the first hour after use is four times higher than no use at all. Additionally, people with existing cardiac problems are vulnerable to the risk of abnormal heart rhythm and palpitations after smoking marijuana. Other research from the NIDA suggests that cardiac problems are likely in marijuana smokers because the drug itself raises blood pressure rapidly while also reducing the oxygen carried to and from the heart in the blood.”
http://www.livestrong.com/article/161333-health-effects-from-marijuana/