Dr. Vishal Rastogi, Head of Interventional Cardiology at Fortis Hospital in Okhla, New Delhi, highlights the controversy surrounding marijuana due to its medicinal benefits and addictive nature. He explains that marijuana can cause rapid changes in brain chemicals, and that can make one feel different, light and happy. The effect will vary according to the amount consumed.”
Dr. Vishal Rastogi cites the example of some states in the United States where the substance was made legal, and informs that the rate of organ transplantation increased in many of those regions. ”They found more people dying in road accidents because of being high on marijuana, and so more organs were available. This is something not being discussed. Marijuana is addictive, causes changes in the brain and also impacts the heart. It is doubly harmful if you [have consumed it and] are driving,” he says.
Doctors strongly advise against any drug overuse by believing it to be non-addictive or healthy. The impact of marijuana cannot be seen right away, but it puts severe stress on the body all the same. ”You might be looking healthy but your organs will be working at peak capacity. So all it will take is a small thing to go wrong to set off a chain of other medical issues in your body,” adds Dr. Rastogi.
A better option for being healthy and combating stress is a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management through counselling or meditation.