Despite the attractive picture the media paints for marijuana, you should always keep in mind that (no matter what way you slice it) the little green plant contains mind-altering substances and inflict damage on your body, especially if you are under the age of 21. As a wave of medical science opens up the floodgates for marijuana medicine, some researchers in Canada (ironically, a hot spot for the plant) may have found a connection between recreational cannabis use and strokes. On the surface, this might sound a bit outlandish, even for a study on marijuana. Still, scientists have collected a plethora of statistics that, for lack of a better word, are very interesting. So what have they discovered that has added to the profile of notoriety for the green herb? Let’s take a closer look at how researchers are investigating the link between marijuana and strokes.
Straight to the Brain
When a person consumes marijuana (via smoking, vaping, or eating), the psychoactive chemicals of the plant (specifically THC) enter the bloodstream and head straight for the brain. Once there, these cannabinoids interact with the reward center and stimulate the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical that produces a euphoric high. Overall, this system takes place when the drug interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a vital part of our brains that control our equilibrium and homogeny.
Interestingly, certain portions of the brain contain particularly large quantities of cannabinoid receptors, particularly areas called the basal ganglia, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus. So, when you consume weed, your judgment, coordination, and memory are foggy and uncontrollable.
Stroke of Misguidance
Sure, we are all familiar with the way pot affects your brain, but did you ever consider the little plant could induce a stroke? Outlined at the World Stroke Congress, the recent Montreal study investigated 5 years’ worth of hospital stats and discovered a remarkable yet disturbing trend: rates of stroke increased among recreational cannabis users. From 2010 to 2014, 32,000 out of 2.3 million hospitalized marijuana users (1.3% out of the total) had experienced a stroke. In fact, during this 5-year period, the rate of strokes increased from 1.3% to 1.5%.
So why is a plant that is considered relatively harmless wreaking so much havoc? Researchers believe this study sheds light on the cerebrovascular effects of the little herb’s cannabinoids.
Always remember that marijuana does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
