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Using marijuana has long been a debated issue in many circles, with some maintaining that it should be legalized for medicinal purposes, and some maintaining that it should not be legalized. Marijuana is the least addictive of all illicit drugs being used by teenagers these days, however, the effects of marijuana can vary depending on the strength and amount of marijuana taken, whether the drug was taken along with alcohol and other drugs, how frequent the person uses marijuana, and more.
Here are the most common effects of amrijuana on a teenager:
- Distortion on perception - First time users of marijuana sometimes say that they don't feel any effects, some say that they feel euphoric. One of the short-term effects of marijuana usage is an altered perception of reality which can differ in severity among users. It could hamper how you function, and this could get extended for a longer time with continued use.
- Confusion and poor coordination - Marijuana users may experience problems with coordination, disorientation, an unusual slowdown on their thinking process and a decreased ability in problem-solving.
- Other physiological symptoms - Reduced blood pressure which, in some cases can cause dizziness, fainting, etc. It could also induce an increased heart rate.
- Hallucinations - This is particularly common when marijuana is eaten rather than smoked. The active ingredient in marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol) has an adverse reaction in some parts of the brain which handles space, sensory and time perception, memory, thought, pleasure centers and movement. In some cases, it could also induce delusions and impaired memory.
- Respiratory issues - much like smoking cigarettes, smoking marijuana can also lead to respiratory issues like cough, phlegm, lung infections, chest pains, and could be a risk factor to lung cancer and emphysema. Studies show that marijuana has 50 percent more carcinogents and three times more tar than what can be found in tobacco smoke.
- Impaired immune system - Marijuana's active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol, impairs the immune system of the body, making it more susceptible to many kinds of illness.
- Neurological impairment - Babies born to mothers who were using marijuana during their pregnancy show neurological impairment such as distorted perception, altered responses to stimuli (especially visual stimuli), tremulousness, poor retentiveness, poor problem-solving skills, and more.
- Increased probability of trying hard drugs - Teens who used hard drugs, more often than not, started out with using marijuana. Statistically, it's a precedent to using hard street drugs, making it a concern that parents should not write off as mere experimentation.
- Addiction - According to statistics, young people who entered treatment for drug abuse in 2007 listed marijuana as their primary drug of choice. It gives them this sense of euphoria, a high that they chase after and makes them want to smoke marijuana again, and agan, and again. They chase after this high even if they know that it's not legal, and that it has negative repercussions on their personal, social and academic life. People who try to quit using marijuana may also experience withdrawal symptoms similar to what tobacco smokers experience.
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