HERE ARE THE STRAIGHT FACTS...
About Marijuana
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States and tends to be the first illegal drug teens use.
The physical effects of marijuana use, particularly on developing adolescents, can be acute.
Short-term effects of using marijuana:
sleepiness
difficulty keeping track of time, impaired or reduced short-term memory
reduced ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car
increased heart rate
potential cardiac dangers for those with preexisting heart disease
bloodshot eyes
dry mouth and throat
decreased social inhibitions
paranoia, hallucinations
Long-term effects of using marijuana:
enhanced cancer risk
decrease in testosterone levels for men; also lower sperm counts and difficulty having children
increase in testosterone levels for women; also increased risk of infertility
diminished or extinguished sexual pleasure
psychological dependence requiring more of the drug to get the same effect
Marijuana blocks the messages going to your brain and alters your perceptions and emotions, vision, hearing, and coordination.
A recent study of 1,023 trauma patients admitted to a shock trauma unit found that one-third had marijuana in their blood.