What are some of the harmful effects of smoking marijuana?
The use of marijuana will impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car. Research also shows that people do not retain knowledge when they are “high.” Cognition can be altered, making the acquisition of new information difficult. Marijuana can also produce paranoia and psychosis. Because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and then hold it in their lungs as long as possible, marijuana is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system. Marijuana smoke contains more cancer-causing agents than tobacco smoke. Long-term users of marijuana can develop psychological dependence and require more of the drug to get the same effect. The drug then can become the center of their lives. For more information, check out these Web sites: • National Institute on Drug Abuse • National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens Posted 3-20-00 Do you have a question? As a reminder,
