A new study by The Lancet Psychiatry found that there could be consequences of using marijuana before the age of seventeen-years-old. Depending if that person never uses it, less than monthly, more than monthly, weekly, and daily will all lead to different affects on the person.
“A study was found that frequent use of marijuana at a younger age were 18 times more likely to become dependent on marijuana, seven times more likely to attempt suicide, and eight times more likely to use other illegal drugs in the future,” as stated by CNN Health News.
There are currently two states (Colorado and Washington) that have legalized marijuana for recreational use and twenty-one who have legalized it in some form. Is this really something that we would like our children to fall into? Why did people use it when they were young?
A senior at William Peace University said, “I heard it relaxes you and I was extremely stressed out because of school.”
Many are depressed, stressed, or were upset about something. Journal of Studies and Alcohol and Drugs found that young people reported having a negative affect in the 24 hours prior to using marijuana.
NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow stated this: “Findings show that heavy marijuana users generally report lower life satisfaction, poorer mental and physical health, more relationship problems, and less academic and career success compared to non-marijuana-using peers. The risk of addiction is also higher when use initiates as a teen. It is important that we continue to discourage young people from using marijuana (CNN Health News).”
Students should be careful with decisions made now so they can prevent future consequences due to frequent marijuana use. It may feel great in the time being, but is it worth ruining the future you could have? Think about that.