Final answer:
Long-term cannabis use can lead to cognitive impairments, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular issues. Smoking cannabis poses similar risks to tobacco, such as COPD and heart disease, but research on cannabis is ongoing. It is recommended to avoid smoking to prevent these health risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Long-term cannabis use, especially when started during teenage years, can lead to issues with brain development affecting memory and learning. When smoked, cannabis can cause respiratory problems such as chronic coughing, similar to tobacco smoking. As for cardiovascular issues, short-term cannabis use may lead to respiratory symptoms and increased strain on the heart, potentially resulting in emergency visits and even premature mortality. Longer exposure risks the development of heart or lung diseases.
For pregnant women, smoking cannabis can negatively impact child development during and after pregnancy. It's important to note that while some effects may resemble those of smoking tobacco—such as the risk for developing COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and cardiovascular diseases—research into cannabis's health impacts is still evolving. Thus, complexities in its effects are still being unravelled.
Avoiding cannabis, especially when smoked, is advisable to prevent these health risks. This aligns with the general recommendation to avoid smoking, which is a major cause of preventable death from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.