Effects of Teen Marijuana Use
Sydney Schumann
Mrs. Taube
English 11
16 April 2014
Teens and Marijuana According to a 2012 Monitoring the Future study, marijuana is the illicit drug most likely to be used by teens (Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey). Marijuana comes from the plant Cannabis Sativa and appears as a green/brown mix of flowers, stems, and leaves (Teens Health 1). Marijuana is also known as pot, weed, MJ, Mary Jane, reefer, dope, ganja, herb, and grass. Marijuana is most often smoked in cigarettes, hollowed-out cigars, pipes, or water pipes, but is sometimes mixed into food or tea (1). Why are there concerns about teen use of marijuana? During adolescence, many developmental changes are occurring and poor choices could affect a teen’s future (University of Washington ADAI). As a result of teen marijuana use, teens engage in problematic behavior, neglect their education, and risk their health. Problematic behavior remains an effect of teen marijuana use. “A 2008 longitudinal study of heavy cannabis users from ages 14 to 25 in a New Zealand birth cohort found that increasing cannabis use in late adolescence and early adulthood is associated with a range of adverse outcomes in later life” (University of Washington ADAI). Ashbridge found that there is an increased risk of driving, a doubled risk of being in an accident, under the influence of marijuana (qtd. In U of W ADAI). Driving while under the influence of marijuana risks not only the user’s life, but also the lives of others. An accident caused by a driver under the influence of marijuana could potentially ruin many lives, and could easily be prevented with smart behavior. Marijuana affects ones concentration, perception, coordination, and reaction time; all skills needed for safe driving (courtinfo.ca.gov). Data has shown people who drive under the influence of marijuana show the same lack of coordination as those who drive under the influence of alcohol (courtinfo.ca.gov). Driving under the influence of marijuana is
Mrs. Taube
English 11
16 April 2014
Teens and Marijuana According to a 2012 Monitoring the Future study, marijuana is the illicit drug most likely to be used by teens (Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey). Marijuana comes from the plant Cannabis Sativa and appears as a green/brown mix of flowers, stems, and leaves (Teens Health 1). Marijuana is also known as pot, weed, MJ, Mary Jane, reefer, dope, ganja, herb, and grass. Marijuana is most often smoked in cigarettes, hollowed-out cigars, pipes, or water pipes, but is sometimes mixed into food or tea (1). Why are there concerns about teen use of marijuana? During adolescence, many developmental changes are occurring and poor choices could affect a teen’s future (University of Washington ADAI). As a result of teen marijuana use, teens engage in problematic behavior, neglect their education, and risk their health. Problematic behavior remains an effect of teen marijuana use. “A 2008 longitudinal study of heavy cannabis users from ages 14 to 25 in a New Zealand birth cohort found that increasing cannabis use in late adolescence and early adulthood is associated with a range of adverse outcomes in later life” (University of Washington ADAI). Ashbridge found that there is an increased risk of driving, a doubled risk of being in an accident, under the influence of marijuana (qtd. In U of W ADAI). Driving while under the influence of marijuana risks not only the user’s life, but also the lives of others. An accident caused by a driver under the influence of marijuana could potentially ruin many lives, and could easily be prevented with smart behavior. Marijuana affects ones concentration, perception, coordination, and reaction time; all skills needed for safe driving (courtinfo.ca.gov). Data has shown people who drive under the influence of marijuana show the same lack of coordination as those who drive under the influence of alcohol (courtinfo.ca.gov). Driving under the influence of marijuana is
Cited: “Consequences of youth substance abuse.” OJJDP. USA.gov, May. 1998. Web. 16 April 2014 Finn, Kristin V. “Marijuana Use at School and Achievement-Linked Behavior.” The High School Journal 95.3 (2012): 3-13 Maine.gov. 2011. Web. 16 April 2014. “Marijuana.” TeensHealth. The Nemours Foundation, April. 2009. Web. 16 April 2014