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Does Occasional Marijuana Usage Lead To Long Term Side Effects On Health?

Posted on Fri, 25 Sep 2015

Question: Ive smoked marijuana lightly (a few puffs a week total) for most of my adult life ( i am 41 now) - as a musician it is always around and available to me... ive been told that it does not interfere with my musicianship or playing, my music pqartners (all there of them) say that it really has no bearing on my performances when we play live... or in the studio. Heres my question... sre tyhere any long term addictive effects? unlike many of my music aquaintences, i stay away from heavier drugs like cocaine, and heroin... etc crack etc... i have seen people destroy their lives... but im not sure i cqan say that ive seen people truly have a bad or negative result forom occational;llly smoking pot... what is your opinion?

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
take care to stay away from other drugs.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.

I understand your concerns.

Ocassional Marijuana use does not have long term serious ill effects on health.
Although, every individual responds differently to every drug. It can sometimes cause cognitive decline plus the effects of smoking (cough, sneezing etc.)

Considering your profession, there are no specific adverse effects on vocal cords which should affect your singing (it has not affected you till now!!).

But I would like to tell you that marijuana is known as 'gateway to drugs'. The person usually becomes vulnerable and tempted to use other drugs as well.

Since you have been away from other drugs, I would request you to keep your motivation high to maintain this distance.

However, its always safe to stay away from any kind of such drugs.

Hope this helps.
Feel free toask further.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (4 days later)

oh yes definitely... im 41 years old, and learned a long time ago... not to go near other recreational drugs out there... (in college did a ton of acid... but that was college) (I wouldn't do that now... and id certainly never say that its something ive used functionally) - no gatways here... funny youd merntion my voice.... im actually a violinist/fiddle player. I was classically trained and give lessons, while also playing professionally in different bands, and studio situations... to go any further would be promotional lol- however 6 years ago, I started playing guitar and singing. I have found that when it comes to my cvoice... the most important thing... is sleep. if ive slept well, I will never have a vocal problem... its actually so closely related that if my voice is not totally... clear, my partners and bandmates know that I haven't been sleeping well. :) if however it were to interfere with my vocal ( it hasn't so far but I have not really... I don't actualy smoke that much to effect it) IF IT ever did. I would quit.... smoking... not singing... thank you

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I wish you well.

Detailed Answer:
Its great that you have a strong will power and do not urge for other recreational drugs now.

Hope to hear a piece of your music sometime :)

If you need further medical advice, I would be happy to help.

Take care.

Regards.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar