4/20 Should Be the Date of Your Next Dental Appointment
The findings were based on a 20-year study of about 1,037 men, 675 of whom admitted to hitting the cannabis daily. The research was conducted in light of the growing we-don’t-give-a-f*ck-and-will-smoke-it-in-the-streets popularity of pot, which, in case you’ve been happily hiding under a rock the past decade, is now legal in several US states. Led by Dr. Madeline Meier, the study results were self-reported by participants (all living in New Zealand, interestingly enough…what if this is all a hoax and those Kiwis just need better dentists?) and analyzed gum health as well as “lung function, systemic inflammation and metabolic health.”
Dr. Meier declared, “Cannabis use for up to 20 years is not associated with a specific set of physical health problems in early midlife. The sole exception is that cannabis use is associated with periodontal disease.” So crappy gums seemed to be the only major health ailment coming from this particular group of pot users, but researchers were quick to reference other studies that concluded that marijuana habits are also linked to cardiovascular issues, bronchitis and even some cancer or infectious disease. I assume these experts want to avoid a headline that reads “Only Downside to Pot is Losing Teeth and That Takes at Least 20 Years!” encouraging stoners to happily light-up with the invincible mind-set of youth that this will never, ever happen to them.
It Will Catch Up To You, Be It Pot Brownies or Just Brownies
There are other consequences to abusing ganja day after day, just like there are for abusing anything that’s not designated as “good for you” over time. (Aside: what about stuff that is supposedly good for you, though? If there are health risks associated with consuming too many chia seeds day after day, I’m screwed). As for the non-superfood stuff, at one point I had a solid habit of downing a pack or two of HARIBO gummi bears each day which couldn’t have been good for my teeth or gums either. Was it better than guzzling a six-pack of beer or a bottle of wine? For this alcoholic, most definitely. But just because the consequences aren’t waking up unaware of my car’s location or almost vomiting on my fellow passengers boarding a Southwest flight, that doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences.
But back to cannabis. The researchers don’t have tell us anything twice. Just on AfterParty alone we’ve reported weed’s potential to mess with a dude’s semen (gross), cause brain damage (especially pot of the skunk variety) and disrupt a fetus incubating in a women’s womb (translation: if you’re with child, don’t get high). Of course, having said all that, there are still arguments that the regular overindulgence on alcohol is still way worse. Oh, and let’s not forget the whole heroin/opiate issues to contend with. At the end of the day, everyone picks their poison—and users or abusers of these substances are usually willing to risk the damage to their mouth or their liver. Being human is hard. I just know one thing: if I were to start regularly enjoying weed, I’d make damn sure I have good dental insurance first.