Marijuana vs. Tobacco: Why Marijuana is the New Tobacco

In the realm of substance consumption, a significant shift has been observed over the past decade. Marijuana has emerged as the new tobacco, redefining societal attitudes and legal landscapes.

Once stigmatized and strictly prohibited, marijuana has undergone a transformation in public perception, leading to its decriminalization and legalization in numerous U.S. states. This shift has been driven by evolving scientific research highlighting potential medicinal benefits and the recognition of the economic potential in the cannabis industry. However, with this change come important debates about regulation, usage guidelines and potential health consequences, echoing the conversations that surrounded tobacco in the past.

As marijuana continues to gain acceptance, society grapples with the challenge of striking a balance between personal freedom, public health and responsible consumption.

What is Tobacco?

Tobacco and marijuana are two substances with distinct origins, methods of consumption and effects on the human body. Tobacco, derived from the leaves of the Nicotiana plant, is primarily consumed by smoking, either in the form of tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes or cigars. It contains nicotine, a highly dependent compound that wreaks havoc on the cardiovascular system and is a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide.

Health Risks of Tobacco

Tobacco use, especially smoking, can seriously harm your health. Here are the main risks:

• Cancer: Tobacco can cause various types of cancer, like lung, mouth, and more.
• Breathing Issues: Smoking damages your lungs and can lead to breathing problems.
• Heart Problems: It increases the risk of heart diseases, heart attacks, and strokes.
• Pregnancy Risks: Pregnant smokers have higher chances of complications.
• Teeth and Gums: Smoking hurts oral health and can lead to bad breath.
• Vision Trouble: It's linked to eye problems, including blindness in older age.
• Weakened Immunity: Smoking weakens the body's ability to fight diseases.
• Bone Weakness: It can make your bones fragile.
• Addiction: Smoking is addictive because of nicotine.
• Harms Others: Secondhand smoke affects others' health too.
• Costs Money: Smoking is expensive and can lead to medical bills.

What is Marijuana?

On the other hand, marijuana, sourced from the Cannabis plant, is consumed in various ways, including smoking, vaping and edible consumption. Its active compound, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), produces psychoactive effects, altering mood and perception. Additionally, marijuana contains cannabidiol (CBD), which has been linked to potential therapeutic benefits.

Health Risks of Marijuana

Using marijuana can have various health risks:

• Thinking and Memory: It can temporarily affect how you think and remember moments

• Mental Health: Overuse can lead to feeling anxious and sad, or even make mental health conditions worse

• Becoming Dependent: Though not as much as some things, you could get used to using it and find it hard to stop

• Breathing Problems: Smoking marijuana can damage your lungs and cause coughing or infections

• Stomach Issues: Rarely, heavy use can lead to severe stomach pain and vomiting

• Teen Brains: Using it as a teen might affect how your brain grows and works

• Driving Danger: It makes it harder to drive safely and increases the risk of accidents

• Heart and Blood Pressure: Your heart rate and blood pressure might go up after using

• Focus and Goals: Regular use can make it difficult to stay motivated and do well in school or work

Comparing the Addiction Potential of Marijuana vs. Tobacco

Fueled by nicotine, tobacco can be highly addictive. In many cases, users rapidly develop a physical dependence on nicotine, which often results in the body regularly craving it. The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal (i.e., irritability, anxiety, urges, etc.) can make it very difficult to quit. Marijuana, on the other hand, isn't known to be physically addictive. However, psychological dependence can be common.

In many cases, users find it challenging to quit due to the mind-altering effects, cravings and the need to make lifestyle changes. At the end of the day, both substances can result in dependence, but the likelihood of being addicted to nicotine is much greater.

Respiratory Risks: Tobacco Smoke vs. Marijuana Smoke

There are differences between tobacco and cannabis smoke. What makes them similar is they both contain carcinogens, which can result in negative health effects over time. For example, whether you’re inhaling cigarette smoke or you’re a marijuana smoker, you’ll have an increased risk of the following due to inhaling toxic chemicals:

• Bronchitis

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Airway inflammation

• Decreased lung function

• Pregnancy risks

• Heart issues

• Teeth and gum problems

• Emphysema

• Asthma

• Other respiratory issues

In addition to respiratory problems and lung diseases, cigarette smokers are more likely to develop lung cancer. On the other hand, the effects of cannabis on the lungs also pose significant health risks. Both marijuana and tobacco smokers are harmful to non-smokers due to secondhand smoke inhalation.

Mental and Physical Health: Key Differences

For the most part, the risks associated with smoking tobacco are physical. That includes damage to the lungs and even vital organs over time.

Marijuana use is more closely associated with mental health risks, especially for long-term users. However, the physical ramifications of long-term marijuana use can’t be understated (i.e., breathing issues, high blood pressure, cancer, etc.). Regarding mental health, it can increase the likelihood of:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Psychosis

• Cognitive decline

Social Perceptions: How Society Views Tobacco and Marijuana Today

Due to greater awareness of the health risks associated with cigarette use, strict regulations and public health campaigns, there’s been a steep decline in tobacco use over the last few decades. Marijuana, on the other hand, has been increasingly accepted, even by some of the most conservative corners of the population. As society’s attitude evolves about recreational and medical marijuana use, it’s important to take into account the potential dangers of smoking cannabis long term.

New Studies on the Dangers of Marijuana Use

As marijuana legalization gains traction in many parts of the world, scientific scrutiny of its effects has intensified. Recent studies have unveiled potential risks associated with marijuana use, challenging the notion of its harmlessness.

• Mental Health Implications: Long-term marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis. According to an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia, Irving Medical Center found that cannabis use during adolescence is associated with a higher risk of developing depression and suicidal thoughts in young adulthood.

• Cognitive Decline: Regular marijuana use, especially in high doses, has been shown to impact cognitive functions like memory, attention, and decision-making. According to PNAS, heavy cannabis use during adolescence may lead to a significant decline in IQ.

• Respiratory Issues: Just like tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke contains harmful compounds that can damage the lungs with harmful carcinogens and lead to respiratory problems. According to the American Lung Association, the act of inhaling smoke, whether from tobacco or marijuana, increases the risk of chronic bronchitis, airway inflammation, lung disease, and lung cancer.

Recovering from Marijuana Dependence

Embarking on the journey to overcome marijuana dependence requires dedication, resilience and a supportive environment. This process involves not only breaking the physical reliance on the substance but also addressing the psychological aspects that contribute to the dependence. It's about rediscovering a life where clarity of mind and emotional stability take center stage.

The treatment options for marijuana dependence are similar to those of alcohol and other addictive drugs. This may include:

• Detoxification: Our state-of-the-art medical facility is staffed by full-time medical professionals who will safely guide you through the detox process.

• Medication-Assisted Treatment: MAT can be an effective treatment option to help individuals manage the withdrawal symptoms and reduce their use.

• Mental Health Treatment & Therapies: Our gender and age-specific treatment programs ensure support and privacy. Both individual and group counseling can help to address key issues that promote a lasting recovery.

Through personalized strategies, therapy and the unwavering encouragement of friends and family, individuals can navigate the challenges of withdrawal, confront underlying triggers and gradually build a life that is no longer defined by dependence. The road to recovery may have its hurdles, but with commitment and the right resources, a brighter, healthier future is attainable.

Detox from Marijuana Dependence with Caron Treatment Centers

The evolving legal landscape and marketing strategies echo the historical trajectory of tobacco, raising concerns that marijuana might be the new tobacco in terms of public health challenges. As society continues to grapple with the complexities of substance use and its consequences, a balanced and informed approach is crucial to navigate the evolving landscape of recreational substances. If you or a loved one is struggling with tobacco or marijuana dependence, contact Caron Treatment Centers today for recovery information.