Marijuana, also known as cannabis or weed, is legal in Canada and many parts of the U.S., where it is even used medically with a prescription. However, opinions about marijuana are polarized. Some believe it’s harmful, while others see it as beneficial.
The most well-known benefit of marijuana is its ability to relieve stress. It’s also considered natural because it’s an herb. But can it really be called “natural”? While it is a green plant, its effects—altering the state of your mind—could be seen as unnatural. Alcohol operates in a similar way. It makes you drunk, while marijuana makes you high.
Let’s take a closer look at these effects.
Alcohol vs. Marijuana
Alcohol is widely known to harm the body. It damages organs, drains energy, and depletes essential vitamins and minerals, leaving you feeling terrible in the long run. While it might make you temporarily forget your worries and have fun, the price is steep: nutrient loss, energy depletion, and long-term health damage. This is why people who drink heavily often feel miserable when they try to quit.
Marijuana, on the other hand, also has its pros and cons. It’s known to relieve stress, stimulate appetite, and help with sleep. Some even find it beneficial for managing depression. But there’s more to the story.
The Hidden Cost of Marijuana
Marijuana impacts the body in ways many don’t realize. For instance, cannabis uses up essential nutrients, particularly zinc, which is crucial for producing stomach acid and supporting digestion. Over time, heavy cannabis use can deplete your zinc levels, leading to digestive issues.
Low stomach acid caused by zinc deficiency can disrupt digestion, and when combined with the junk food many consume while high, it creates a vicious cycle. Poor diet further ruins digestion, making it even harder for the body to absorb nutrients.
People who use marijuana long-term often report withdrawal symptoms like nausea, lack of appetite, and indigestion. These are not coincidences—they’re the consequences of nutrient depletion and digestive disruption.
Effects on the Brain
Marijuana doesn’t just affect digestion; it also impacts the brain. Cannabis depletes vital minerals needed for brain function, leading to reduced focus, impaired memory, and diminished mental clarity over time.
Everything Has Its Price
While occasional use might not be harmful, depending on marijuana as a crutch for stress or other issues can lead to long-term consequences. Just like alcohol, cannabis comes with a cost: nutrient depletion, digestive problems, and cognitive decline.
A Better Way to Cope
Instead of relying on marijuana, consider healthier alternatives for stress relief and overall well-being:
- Yoga: Helps calm the mind and strengthen the body.
- Meditation: Builds mental resilience and reduces stress.
- Prayer: Offers spiritual grounding and clarity.
- Proper Rest and Diet: Vital for maintaining balance and energy.
Achieving lasting health and peace requires knowledge, experimentation, and wisdom. Marijuana might seem like a shortcut, but in the end, it’s not a free ride—it comes with consequences.
Everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s essential to make informed decisions and choose sustainable habits for long-term health.
Matt M. Eccles is the founder of Vitality and Happiness Blog. He is a philosopher, psychology enthusiast, wellness and digestion expert, author, and world traveler who is passionate about helping others reach and experience optimum health, true happiness, and increased vitality. The purpose of this website is to motivate and inspire people to handle life’s challenges. Uplift and encourage you to succeed in life and be happy and healthy, increase life quality, and become the best version of yourself.