Marijuana use carries significant risks that can impact a person’s health and life, yet its use continues to rise, especially among all adult age groups, both sexes, and pregnant women. In the U.S., marijuana is the most commonly used illegal substance, and despite growing usage, the perception of its potential harm is declining. Many young people today do not view marijuana use as risky. However, the dangers are very real, particularly for youth, young adults, and pregnant or nursing women. Today’s marijuana is stronger than ever, and addiction to it is a genuine concern.
Marijuana Risks
Marijuana use can lead to negative and lasting effects:
Brain health: Marijuana can cause permanent IQ loss of as much as 8 points when people start using it at a young age. These IQ points do not come back, even after quitting marijuana.
Mental health: Studies link marijuana use to depression, anxiety, suicide planning, and psychotic episodes. It is not known, however, if marijuana use is the cause of these conditions.
Athletic Performance: Research shows that marijuana affects timing, movement, and coordination, which can harm athletic performance.
Driving: People who drive under the influence of marijuana can experience dangerous effects: slower reactions, lane weaving, decreased coordination, and difficulty reacting to signals and sounds on the road.
Baby’s health and development: Marijuana use during pregnancy may cause fetal growth restriction, premature birth, stillbirth, and problems with brain development, resulting in hyperactivity and poor cognitive function. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other chemicals from marijuana can also be passed from a mother to her baby through breast milk, further impacting a child’s healthy development.
Daily life: Using marijuana can affect performance and how well people do in life. Research shows that people who use marijuana are more likely to have relationship problems, worse educational outcomes, lower career achievement, and reduced life satisfaction.
In conclusion, it’s important to recognize that marijuana is addictive, contrary to the common belief that it’s harmless. Research shows that 1 in 6 people who start using marijuana before the age of 18 can become addicted, and 1 in 10 adults who use it face the same risk. Over the years, the potency of marijuana has significantly increased, with today’s marijuana containing three times the THC concentration compared to 25 years ago. The higher the THC content, the more intense the effects on the brain, likely contributing to the rise in marijuana-related emergency room visits. While the long-term risks of higher potency marijuana are still being studied, it’s clear that increased THC levels likely lead to higher rates of dependency and addiction. Understanding these risks is crucial for making informed decisions about marijuana use.
Reference: https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/learn/marijuana/risks
