Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal substance in the U.S. and its use continues to grow. At the same time, the amount of THC in marijuana has steadily increased and the perception of how harmful marijuana use can be has declined.
Truth is, today's marijuana has 3x the concentration of THC compared to 25 years ago, increasing the risk for addiction. The higher the THC amount, the stronger the effects on the brain - approximately 1-in-10 adults and 1-in-6 teens who start using before age 18 will become addicted.
Teens tend to feel invincible, that nothing can harm them. Truth is that marijuana can do real damage to the still-developing brains of young people. Make sure you know the negative, long-term effects associated with marijuana use.
*Brain Health - marijuana can cause permanent IQ loss of as much as 8 points when use begins at a young age
*Mental Health - studies link marijuana use to anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and psychotic episodes
*Athletic Performance - research shows that marijuana affects timing, movement, and coordination
*Driving - driving under the influence of marijuana can result in slower reactions, decreased coordination, lane weaving, and difficulty reacting to signals/sounds on the road
*Baby's Health & Development - marijuana use during pregnancy may cause restriction in fetal growth, premature birth, stillbirth, and problems with brain development
*Daily Life - research shows marijuana users are more likely to have relationship problems, worse educational outcomes, lower career achievement, and reduced life satisfaction.
Protect your child's future by talking to them about the real risks associated with marijuana use. Click the helpful links below for tips that dispel common myths about marijuana. Take a quick quiz to learn more about the risks of marijuana use.
https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana
No comments:
Post a Comment