Marijuana is a commonly abused substance in the United States, and around the entire world. As a matter of fact, it is the most used drug besides alcohol. Aside from perhaps prescription opioids, marijuana is the most hotly debated drug in our current political climate. Marijuana usage is especially popular among young adults and teenagers. Indeed, around 7% of all teenagers report using marijuana every month, according to one 2013 study. The frequency of marijuana usage can be seen in the rising amount of states that have legalized recreational marijuana use, including California in 2016.
Despite the fact that marijuana is so widespread, and isn’t as harmful as other dangerous drugs in its classification, marijuana shouldn’t be viewed as a safe substance. There are a host of dangers that come with marijuana abuse that should be discussed. Even if our country is moving towards complete marijuana legalization, people should still be educated on the effects of marijuana use, and regulations must still be in place.
Short term effects of marijuana abuse
Compared to other Schedule 1 substances, the high of marijuana isn’t as immediately obvious or noticeable. When a person gets high on marijuana, their senses are dulled and impaired, which leads to slower reflexes and comprehension of their surroundings. For this reason, a person should never drive when under the influence of marijuana. Marijuana usage can also lead a person to experience short-term memory loss, or develop feelings of anxiety and paranoia.
Long term effects of marijuana abuse
For many people, marijuana represents of a lifestyle that involves using it everyday. This can have drastic negative effects. Individuals who engage in chronic marijuana abuse can experience brain damage and a permanent decrease in IQ.
Aside from this, there are sociological issues that come with frequent marijuana usage. For example, studies have shown that university students who use marijuana regularly are more likely to drop out of school, and that marijuana usage can lead to lower incomes for individuals with similar educational backgrounds. However, it’s important to note that there are other factors than simply using marijuana in these studies. The criminalization of marijuana and social factors of the drug definitely have an impact on these types of statistics.