Behavior Health and Wellness Blog
As cannabis use becomes increasingly common and widely discussed across the United States, it’s crucial to understand its health impacts, especially among youth and vulnerable populations. Cannabis remains the most widely used federally illegal drug, with over 52 million Americans reporting use in 2021. Of concern, about 3 in 10 cannabis users may develop cannabis use disorder, and those who start before age 18 are at greater risk. Cannabis impacts
Despite popular belief, smoking cannabis is not a safer alternative to tobacco—it still poses serious risks to your lung health. Whether it’s through joints, bongs, blunts, or bowls, cannabis smoke contains many of the same harmful toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. These substances can damage lung tissue, scar small blood vessels, and increase the risk of bronchitis, chronic coughing, and excessive mucus production. Although these symptoms may improve
As marijuana becomes legal in more places, new research raises concerns about its impact on heart health—even in young, otherwise healthy individuals. Two recent studies presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 2025 Annual Scientific Session found that cannabis users under 50 were significantly more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and cardiovascular-related deaths compared to non-users. One retrospective study involving over 4.6 million people revealed a sixfold
Marijuana, known for its mind-altering effects due to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is one of the most widely used substances in the United States. In 2021, 11.8 million young adults aged 18 to 25 reported using marijuana, while 30.7% of 12th graders admitted to using it within the past year. With the legalization of marijuana in many states, its use has become more socially acceptable, particularly among teens and young adults. However,