Marijuana

Marijuana

In 2019, 4 in 10 high school students reported using marijuana in their lifetime. Marijuana use among youth is becoming more common and regularly accepted as normal behavior. However, similar to alcohol and countless other drugs, marijuana affects the body as well as future outcomes. 

The Influence of Media and Pop Culture: Depending on what kind of music you listen to, your favorite artists may use marijuana and post images and/or videos of themselves using it on their social media. This may prompt you to use marijuana as well especially if you see that they are enjoying that experience. Overall, marijuana tends to be glorified in the music industry, however, the harms of marijuana are rarely discussed. It may be the case that you believe that there are no harms at all. Center of Addiction surveyed teens and a third reported that their main source of information about drugs is social media, other teenagers or the internet. This is alarming as there is a lot of misinformation, always make sure to find reliable sources. If you see your favorite artist consuming certain drugs, remember that they have pursued a lifestyle that is not healthy nor sustainable. Do not attempt to replicate this lifestyle as it can have serious effects. Instead, focus on activities you enjoy, academics, and friends and family.

Legalization: Throughout the country, there have been legalization efforts towards marijuana and in a number of states it is completely legal. Legalization does not mean that it is safe to use to all ages. National data reveals that in all states that have legalized recreational marijuana as of 2018, reported rates of first use among adolescents are 12-63% higher than the national average. The marijuana industry is also a culprit to youth use as they strategically advertise for this audience. This is seen with edibles that resemble candy and other snacks. 

The Effects of Marijuana

Short-term effects:

  • Inaccurate perception of time and sounds.

  • Slower reaction time, affecting driving and increasing injury risk.

  • Problems with memory and learning.

  • Poor judgment, increasing the likelihood of risky sexual behaviors and unlawful acts.

  • Panic attacks.

  • Suspicious or distrustful thoughts.

  • Seeing things that aren’t there and other symptoms of psychosis.

Long-term effects: 

  • The Developing Brain: Marijuana use during adolescence and young adulthood may harm the developing brain. Substances like marijuana directly interfere with brain development, especially the parts of the brain responsible for decision making, reward seeking and impulse control. Some symptoms that may occur as a result include difficulty thinking and problem-solving, problems with memory and learning, reduced coordination, difficulty maintaining attention. In turn, also causing problems with school and social life.

  • Increased Risk of Mental Health issues: Two of the most common mental health illnesses linked to marijuana use include social anxiety and depression. A short-term effect of marijuana is temporary psychosis, however, this could turn into a long-lasting disorder, such as schizophrenia. Schizophrenia affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, which causes significant distress for the individual, their family members, and friends. The development of schizophrenia is most common when marijuana use is begun at a young age and when regularly used. 

  • Potential for Addiction: Around 3 in 10 people who use marijuana have marijuana use disorder. Some signs and symptoms of marijuana use disorder include trying but failing to quit, or choosing to use marijuana instead of sound important activities with friends and family. The risk of developing marijuana use disorder is stronger in people who start using marijuana during youth or adolescence and who use marijuana more frequently.

“Research has found that young people who use marijuana are as much as 4-7 times more likely than adults to become addicted”

Here are some signs of marijuana use:

  • Slurred, slow, repetitive speech

  • inappropriate laughter 

  • Uses heavily-scented perfumes, candles, air freshener or dryer softener sheets to hide the smell

  • Lighters, roller papers or other small drug paraphernalia

  • New symptoms of asthma or breathing issues

  • Excessive eating and snacking

  • Skunk-like odor on clothes or belongings
    Dry, bloodshot eyes; uses eye drops to decrease dryness and redness

  • Decreased attendance

  • Changes in academic or work performance

Make sure to look for these signs in family, friends, classmates or coworkers. They may be dealing with an addiction, especially if you regularly see them with these signs. It is important that you help guide them to proper resources.