We’ve always heard about cannabis being beneficial to plenty of people (with and without ailments) way before its widespread legalization. And thanks to cannabis becoming more accessible, we’re now hearing more positive effects it’s had on hundreds and thousands of people — even the ones that researchers didn’t know about beforehand; they, too, are continuously finding out more about the benefits of pot and its derivatives. However, as inspiring as it is to try using weed, there are certain people who shouldn’t take cannabis for a few very good reasons!

Find out if cannabis is (or isn’t) for you.

Who Shouldn’t Take Cannabis and Why?

Over the recent years, we’ve heard nearly nothing but good things about cannabis. But it doesn’t mean that weed is for everyone to try! There are certain diseases and conditions that you may have.

You should ask or inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions — especially BEFORE trying the herb:

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Even if it’s not weed-related, moms and soon-to-be moms should be wary about everything they ingest, smoke, or breathe. Unfortunately, cannabis isn’t advised to be a part of your motherhood journey — especially if you smoke it with tobacco. It’s said that pregnant women who smoke weed have a higher chance of giving birth to a premature child.

Breastfeeding women also shouldn’t dabble in cannabis. The THC compound is  said to pass into breast milk.

Lung Disease

One of the most common methods of incorporating cannabis into your system is by smoking it (whether via a bong, joint, vape, etc.). But if your lung health is already compromised, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) aims to discourage you from smoking weed. Moreover, it’s not just the ones with lung problems that should limit or avoid smoking pot.

The American Lung Association also states that smoking weed can cause irritation to the lungs — and you might get acute or chronic bronchitis and/or phlegm and mucus production oddities (that can lead to having a cough). Better to opt for the edibles.

Heart Ailments

Cannabis is widely reported to calm people down. However, if you’re suffering from blood pressure problems or your heart health isn’t at its peak conditioning, weed is probably not the best for you. Because as calming as marijuana is reported to be, it’s also known to make a person’s heart beat faster.

Once your heartbeat elevates or your blood pressure spikes (from using cannabis) — according to several studies published by universities like Harvard and Stanford — your chances of having a stroke or heart attack are increased.

Kidney and Liver Problems

Cannabis use and its correlation with the liver and kidneys are quite complicated — because there are conflicting studies and reports on whether or not pot is beneficial or detrimental to these organs. Some say it reduces the chances of liver and lung cancer, while others note that it’s been linked to the likelihood of developing the said diseases.

Mental Health Disorder

We often hear about cannabis being a well-loved aid to those who need soothing and relaxation. Sadly, weed isn’t always the answer to that — especially if you suffer from depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health problems.

As stated, cannabis can elevate a person’s heart rate — so, smoking pot isn’t encouraged for people with high stress levels, anxiety, and panic attacks as one of their symptoms. Furthermore, some people may experience a “bad trip” from pot; as paranoia is a common side effect of weed. If you think — or already know — that you suffer from any of these conditions, your symptoms may be triggered or exacerbated by cannabis.

What Are My Alternatives to Cannabis?

Just because smoking weed doesn’t seem to be the one for you, that doesn’t mean there are no other alternatives to relieve you from the symptoms of a condition that you have. Fortunately — and if your physician allows you — you can try other forms of cannabis; like tinctures or gummies.

However, medical professionals are still the most knowledgeable experts when it comes to health — and they’re the ones who know the first line of treatment for illnesses. If your conditions worry you, and your doctor thinks cannabis isn’t for you, you should follow their medical advice as to which medication you should be on instead.

Ultimately…

Physicians are the best professionals who can say who shouldn’t take cannabis — and they’re the same people who can give the go signal to certain people who can benefit from it. Even though weed is becoming more available in the country, purchasing cannabis should always be done with caution. Cannabis may not be the direct cause of a person’s death, but the effects of it can negatively impact you if you’re not healthy enough to take it.

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