Denver Criminal Defense Attorney Urges Families To Discuss Health Risks Associated With Legal Marijuana

The city of Denver and the state of Colorado, in particular, is one of the few places in the United States that had revised its constitution to allow the recreational use of marijuana for adults. While the proponents of legal marijuana find this as a big improvement when it comes to the acceptance of marijuana as a regulated substance, those who oppose the legalization cite health risks as one of the main reasons for their opposition. Since legal marijuana is still a hot topic in our society, it is the responsibility of the families to have a discussion on the risks associated with the use of marijuana.

What are the Primary Effects of Marijuana?

Marijuana is rich in cannabinoids, but the active ingredient found in marijuana is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and creates the “high” sensation that many users feel. The primary and immediate effects of marijuana include the following:

- Distorted perception of time and senses (sights, sounds, touch)

- Problems with memory and learning

- Loss of coordination and proper judgment

- The trouble with thinking and problem-solving

- Increased heart rate

These immediate effects can seriously affect the way people handle activities that need careful attention and vigilance such as driving. This is the reason why Denver Criminal Defense Attorney M. Trent Trani and his associates highly recommend that families discuss the immediate brain-altering effects of legal marijuana and its health risks. They believe that the key to lowering the incidences of marijuana abuse and DUI cases is to start with society’s most basic structure – the family. When there are a clear understanding and awareness among family members about the effects and risks associated with marijuana use, the first effective steps can be taken to prevent abusing the substance or facilitate its responsible use.

What are the Health Effects of Marijuana?

Most people who use marijuana don’t think it is harmful because it’s a natural product. However, if you look at it closely, there has to be an adverse effect of inhaling a burnt substance into the body or taking in a substance that has varying degrees of interaction with our body. Some of the health risks carried by marijuana are lung problems, such as chronic cough and breathing difficulties, intense nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate, which can raise the risk of a heart attack and mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.

How Can Marijuana Be Used Responsibly?

In a state where recreational use of marijuana is legal, chances are you or your family member may be using the substance occasionally. The key to having fewer health risks and less potential for troubles with the law is to follow the provisions of the law itself. The law’s provisions only allow for adult recreational use only. It means you have to be at least 21 years old and you have to use a limited amount of 1 ounce (28 grams) on a certain occasion. Recreational use doesn’t equate to regular use, so use it within the prescribed amount and only during certain events where marijuana use can be allowed. People get into trouble when they go beyond the prescribed amount or use marijuana on a regular basis.

The family has an important role as a building block of society. When it comes to sensitive issues like the use of recreational marijuana, it would be wise to discuss every possible aspect, including the health risks and its effects on the body after long-term use. The important thing is that families should agree on how to avoid having trouble with the law over marijuana use. It can be either through abstinence or through responsible and lawful use.