Marijuana use can pose many risks. Firstly, it can impart cognitive function, memory, attention and motor skills, which can negatively impact daily activities such as work, driving and school performance. Marijuana use may also lead to addiction which then brings in even more risks for those that use the substance. It’s not uncommon for some people to develop long-term effects on their mental health, these long-term effects include anxiety, depression and even psychosis.
Marijuana Risks
Here are some of the risks associated with marijuana use:
- Brain health: Marijuana can cause permanent IQ loss of as much as 8 points when people start using it at a young age. These IQ points do not come back, even after quitting marijuana.
- Mental health: Studies link marijuana use to depression, anxiety, suicide planning, and psychotic episodes. It is not known, however, if marijuana use is the cause of these conditions.
- Athletic Performance: Research shows that marijuana affects timing, movement, and coordination, which can harm athletic performance.
- Driving: People who drive under the influence of marijuana can experience dangerous effects: slower reactions, lane weaving, decreased coordination, and difficulty reacting to signals and sounds on the road.
- Baby’s health and development: Marijuana use during pregnancy may cause fetal growth restriction, premature birth, stillbirth, and problems with brain development, resulting in hyperactivity and poor cognitive function. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other chemicals from marijuana can also be passed from a mother to her baby through breast milk, further impacting a child’s healthy development.
- Daily life: Using marijuana can affect performance and how well people do in life. Research shows that people who use marijuana are more likely to have relationship problems, worse educational outcomes, lower career achievement, and reduced life satisfaction.
It is important to maintain a healthy and substance free lifestyle, this can be done by encouraging yourself to not use drugs, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep each night. Building a strong support group of friends, family members or mentors who you can reach out to for support or encouragement can also be quite helpful. Making a commitment to avoid using marijuana and educating yourself on the many risks involved can prevent relapsing as well. If you’re struggling with an addiction you can seek professional help and counseling which will improve your life and rebuild your health.
References: https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/marijuana-infographic-risks-are-real.pdf
