Cannabis and Other Sins

As we all know cannabis is a psychoactive drug that expands the mind and the consciousness. Whether people refer to it as pot, grass, weed, reefer, it is now legal in many American states and in all of Canada so users are not afraid to be open about their habit. When I complained to a 93- year-old relative that the smell coming from my neighbor’s cannabis smoking was bothering me, her answer surprised me: Tell them they don’t have to smoke it, they can put it in food. I have never studied the many ways to use cannabis, but I wonder how my relative seems to know them! Does she bake “special” goodies for her buddies?

She should remember that overdoing cannabis can prematurely age the human brain by a number of years a new study on brain aging has found. So, does that mean that the forty-something pot heads are really in their 50s when it comes to brain age? Wow!

And what about those who use cannabis for medical reasons? Do they have to worry about their brains aging faster than other people? I’ll let the researchers tackle that one.

And let’s not forget that we don’t know the long-term effects of pot smoking on various organs including lungs. Many people still remember that at some point not so long ago doctors recommended smoking cigarettes! It seems we learn the hard way.

            There are other sins that affect brain health. What about those heavy alcohol drinkers? Alcohol has been found to contribute to some 60 different health conditions, and those who overdo it can expect the heart to circulate the blood alcohol throughout the body, leading to changes in normal body functions. Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of many chronic diseases and other serious health problems.

Certainly something people should keep in mind before pouring themselves another drink!

And what about cigarette smoking? Many people feel they are simply unable to quit.

A couple in their early 60s I know are still smoking and hold on to the notion that it’s too late for them to stop. It’s never too late especially with all the various medications and emotional support available today. 

            To overcome bad habits humans have to be committed to making an effort. That certainly applies to another sin: swearing. Something to remember is that children have youthful hearing and absorb whatever reaches their ears.