Following up on yesterday's blog about today's higher potency marijuana, we want to share the "Dirty Dozen" - a list of 12 significant negative consequences of adolescent marijuana use compiled by the organization Johnny's Ambassadors and based on scientific evidence. These harms are particularly concerning because the adolescent brain is still developing until around age 25.
The "Dirty Dozen" Negative Outcomes of Teen Marijuana Use include:
Marijuana Dependence - nearly half of regular marijuana users may develop Cannabis Use Disorder CUD) characterized by cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
IQ Decline - persistent use during adolescence can lead to a significant and potentially permanent loss of IQ points and cognitive decline, affecting memory and learning.
Anxiety & Depression - there's a strong association between cannabis use and increased rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts.
Increase Odds of Other Substance Use - marijuana users are more likely to use alcohol and other drugs concurrently or later in life.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) - regular heavy use of marijuana can lead to severe cyclic nausea and vomiting.
School Dropout - marijuana use is correlated with lower grades, disengagement from school activities, and an increased likelihood of dropping out, which impacts future success.
Psychosis & Schizophrenia - High-THC products can trigger paranoia, delusional thinking, and psychotic breaks, potentially leading to long-term mental illnesses like schizophrenia, specially in genetically susceptible individuals.
Decreased Fertility Rates - regular marijuana use may lower fertility rates in both males and females and increase the risk of premature and low-birth weight babies.
Lowers Your Motivation to Do Things - researchers tested the short-term effects of cannabis on motivation in humans and found smoking the equivalent of a single "spliff" of cannabis makes people less willing to do things including work for money while high.
Impacts Brain Development - use during critical growth periods interferes with normal brain function and development, which may derail cognitive processes and increase likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Addiction & Health Risks - high-potency THC products increase the likelihood of addiction and early use correlates with higher risks for dependence. Smoking marijuana can harm lung health and long-term use is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and arrhythmias.
Impaired Driving - marijuana use impairs judgment, coordination, reaction time, and perception, making driving under the influence very risky both to yourself and to others.
Effects of marijuana use can impair you for the rest of your life. Know the Facts &
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