THE DANGERS OF MARIJUANA
By: The SAFE Foundation
Marijuana is derived from the Cannabis plant. The main psychoactive part of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC.) It is prepared in a variety of ways. Some of the street names for Marijuana are Pot, Weed, Grass, Ganga, Dope, Joint, Blunt, Reefer.
People often turn to Marijuana to get high or to escape unpleasant situations, thoughts, or feelings. Tolerance to the drug builds quickly, though, making the impact less powerful. When that happens, the person usually turns to stronger, dangerous substances to achieve the sought-out effect. Ike Dweck, Founder and Executive Director of The SAFE Foundation says, “At SAFE, we see it all the time. Marijuana users usually progress to taking other serious drugs.”
Ike continues, “One of the reasons people today may think Marijuana is not detrimental is because certain states in America have made it legal, but they do so to make money on taxes. For example, in one fiscal year, Colorado collected almost $70 million from Marijuana sales. ”
Here is a list of some of the reasons why Marijuana is not good for you, your children, or our world:
- Marijuana was found to be in the top 8 of the 20 drugs studied for drug harm to self and
- Marijuana has proven to be a gateway to other highly addictive and dangerous drugs.
- There is a connection between Marijuana and decreased motivation, persistent procrastination, low self-confidence, and low
- Marijuana has negative effects on attention, memory, and learning.
- Pot smokers tend to get lower school grades, have higher rates of unemployment, and have lower relationship and life satisfaction.
- Marijuana is addictive. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, increased aggression, anxiety, insomnia, and craving for the drug.
- Long-term users are at risk for anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
- Marijuana smokers are more likely to have respiratory problems and affected bone metabolism.
- Cannabis smoke has many poisonous chemicals, which can have harmful effects on the body’s organs.
- Studies show that marijuana use can have a detrimental effect on both male and female fertility.
Using Marijuana while pregnant may cause low birth weights, major malformations, and neurobehavioral abnormalities in the exposed offspring.
- Using Marijuana while pregnant may cause low birth weights, major malformations, and neurobehavioral abnormalities in the exposed offspring.
- The difficulties in the person’s life that existed before the drug use are usually exacerbated by constant escapism and lack of real problem-solving.
Please relay some or all of this information the next time someone defends Marijuana use with the all-too-familiar phrase, “But it’s natural!”
