Facts & Risks
Educate Your Family on Dangers of Marijuana Use
Marijuana use comes with real risks that can impact a person’s health and life.
Whether marijuana is smoked, vaped, or eaten, there are adverse effects associated with use in any form.
Studies have found marijuana is an addictive, harmful, and mind altering drug. It over-activates parts of the brain and negatively affects brain development. Marijuana leads to physical health problems, mental health problems, and risk of addiction.
With the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana throughout the United States, marijuana potency has increased exponentially. Concentrates are not the traditional joint of the past. Concentrates are highly potent, THC-rich forms of marijuana that can be vaped, dabbed, and used in edibles.
Exposure to high levels of THC, the chemical in marijuana that causes impairment, increases the risks of physical dependence and addiction. Higher doses of THC are more likely to produce anxiety, agitation, paranoia, and psychosis.
Arizona Parents: Do you need tips on how to talk to your child about the new recreational marijuana laws? Download these talking tips today.
Surgeon General Advisory
– VADM Jerome Adams, the first Surgeon General Advisory on marijuana since 1982
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Almost 30% of teens have used marijuana - this is TOO many!
Latest Studies
ACOG Clinical Consensus No. 10: Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Lactation | ACOG | 2025
Abstract
SUMMARY
Cannabis refers to all products derived from the plants Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis and is the most commonly used illicit drug under U.S. federal law. With increasing social acceptability, accessibility, and legalization in many states, the prevalence of cannabis use among pregnant and lactating individuals has increased significantly. Substance use in pregnancy, including cannabis use, has been associated with adverse outcomes such as spontaneous preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental delay. Obstetrician–gynecologists and other obstetric health care professionals should be aware of the possibility of pregnant and lactating patients’ use of cannabis and be prepared to counsel and screen all patients and use evidence-based strategies to reduce cannabis use.
Cannabis use and atrial arrhythmias: A systematic review and meta-analysis of large populational studies | PubMed | 2025
Abstract
Background: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, a major component of cannabis, causes sympathetic stimulation and endothelial dysfunction. A recent American Heart Association consensus document has outlined cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use. However, there are limited data surrounding atrial arrhythmias (AA).
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between cannabis use and the risk of AAs.
Emerging evidence links cannabis use to increased risk of breast and testicular cancer in young Americans | Academia Oncology | 2025
Introduction: The aim of this study was to test the a priori hypothesis that the increasing incidence of testis and breast cancer in adolescent and young adult (AYA) Americans correlates with their increasing cannabis use.
Methods: The overall study design involved comparing breast and testis cancer incidence trends in jurisdictions that had or had not legalized cannabis use. Cancer incidence was assessed for the U.S. using the U.S. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data, and for Canada, using Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation data.
Convergence of Cannabis and Psychosis on the Dopamine System | JAMA | 2025
Key Points
Question Is cannabis associated with the same midbrain dopamine pathway involved in psychosis?
Findings In this cohort study including 61 individuals, participants with cannabis use disorder exhibited increased neuromelanin–magnetic resonance imaging signals in specific voxels of the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA). This subregion has previously shown elevated signals associated with untreated psychotic symptoms.
Meaning Increased dopamine functioning in the SN/VTA may be associated with the risk of psychosis in people with cannabis use disorder.
A multi-case study on the connections between cannabis, tobacco, alcohol and pharmaceutical companies in legalized cannabis markets | PubMed | 2025
Abstract
Background: As of 2024, cannabis legalization in Northern American countries has spurred industry growth, intersecting with alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceuticals. This study examines the investments and employee movement between five cannabis companies and alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceutical companies in order to explore the connections between the industries. While these relationships may bolster cannabis businesses, they also pose risks such as profit-driven practices that could undermine public health protections.
Latest NEWS Commentary
Nearly half of drivers killed in crashes had THC in their blood | Science Daily | 10/6/2025
Over 40% of fatal crash victims had THC levels far above legal limits, showing cannabis use before driving remains widespread. The rate didn’t drop after legalization, suggesting policy changes haven’t altered risky habits. Experts warn that the lack of public awareness around marijuana’s dangers behind the wheel is putting lives at risk.
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Marijuana hospital visits linked to dementia diagnosis within 5 years, study finds | CNN | 4/20/2025
Sunday is 420 day, when lovers of marijuana get together to celebrate their fondness for weed. Yet research shows that regular users of marijuana are at risk for serious conditions, including strokes, heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure and myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart muscle.