What is Marijuana?
Marijuana has been around for centuries. Its source, the
cannabis plant, was first cultivated for its
psychoactive properties more than 2,000 years ago.
Although cannabis contains at least 400 different
chemicals, its main mind-altering ingredient is THC
(delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).
Marijuana is by far the world's most commonly used
illicit drug and is more dangerous than most users
realize.
Today's marijuana is stronger than ever because most is
grown indoors and bred for potency. The average THC
levels rose from less than 1% in 1970 to more than 7% in
2005.
What are the Dangers for Teens Using Marijuana?
Although dangers exist for marijuana users of all ages,
the risk is greatest for teens. Studies show that teens
using marijuana develop more slowly than their peers and
are less able to master coping skills or make healthy
choices.
Another concern is marijuana's role as a "gateway drug."
The Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia
University found that adolescents who smoke marijuana
are 85 times more likely to use cocaine than their
non—pot smoking peers. Sixty percent of youngsters who
use marijuana before they turn 15 later go on to use
cocaine.
By itself, marijuana is a high-risk substance for
adolescents. Teens are more likely to be victims of
automobile accidents caused by marijuana's impact on
judgment and perception. Feeling uninhibited, teens are
also more likely to have unprotected sex which can
result in unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted
disease (STD).
