facts_about_marijuana

The 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 cordiantaion, 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 for infertility
diminished or extinguished sexual pleasure
psychological dependence requiring more of the drug to get the same effect

Marijuana blocks the messages to your brain and alters you perceptions and emotions, vision, hearing and coordination. For a habitual user, although the chemical THC will exit the blood in approximately one month, it will take about four months for many of the effects such as poor concentration to wear off.