Know the health effects
Today’s marijuana is stronger than ever before.
Today’s marijuana has more than 6 times the concentration of THC than marijuana from 25 years ago. More THC – the mind-altering chemical in marijuana – may lead to an increase in dependency and addiction. It is being smoked, vaped, put in food, candies or beverages, and being made even more potent converting it to concentrates (with up to 99% THC).
Using marijuana carries real risks for your health and quality of life. Some might be surprising to you. Learn the risks and share your knowledge with your family and community.
Marijuana Talk Kit
Impairs mental health
Chronic use of marijuana is related to mild cognitive impairments, depression, anxiety, suicide planning and an increased risk of psychosis.
Lowers brain power
Marijuana affects your brain development. Use by adolescents has been linked to a decline in IQ scores -up tp 8 points! It also affects critical thinking and can lead to injury and death.
Poses a Risk of addiction
About 1 in 10 people who use marijuana may become addicted to it – and 1 in 7 of those who start using marijuana in their teens become addicted. Recent data suggest that 30% of those who use marijuana may have some degree of marijuana use disorder. People who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder than adults.
Kids are using marijuana at increasing rates
According to the Arizona Youth Survey, youth marijuana use increased 48% from 2008 to 2021
- Youth Marijuana Usage in AZ in 2008 16%
- Youth Marijuana Usage in AZ in 2021 20.14%
Affects your performance
Using marijuana can lead to worse educational outcomes. It impairs your memory, learning, concentration, and attention. It causes difficulty with thinking and problem solving. Compared with teens who don’t use, students who use marijuana are more likely not to finish high school or get a college degree.
Endangers Children
Marijuana can put children of any age in danger. Child marijuana exposure rates are rising. Children exposed to high potency marijuana require hospital admission, experience neglect and abuse, and involve a range of symptoms from cognitive issues to coma.
Makes driving dangerous
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.