THE EFFECTS, RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA
Education & Awareness
Marijuana use comes with real risks that can impact a person’s health and life.
Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal substance in the U.S. and its use is growing. Marijuana use among all adult age groups, both sexes and pregnant women is going up. At the same time, the perception of how harmful marijuana use can be is declining. Increasingly, young people today do not consider marijuana use a risky behavior.
But there are real risks for people who use marijuana, especially youth and young adults and women who are pregnant or nursing. Today’s marijuana is stronger than ever before. People can and do become addicted to marijuana.
Approximately 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will become addicted. When they start before age 18, the rate of addiction rises to 1 in 6.
Marijuana Risks
Marijuana use can have negative and long-term effects.
Brain Health
Marijuana can cause permanent IQ loss of as much as eight points when people start using it at a young age. These IQ points do not come back, even after quitting marijuana.
Mental Health
Studies link marijuana use to depression, anxiety, suicide planning and psychotic episodes. It is not known, however, if marijuana use is the cause of these conditions.
Athletic Performance
Research shows that marijuana affects timing, movement and coordination, which can harm athletic performance.
Driving
People who drive under the influence of marijuana can experience dangerous effects: slower reactions, lane weaving, decreased coordination and difficulty reacting to signals and sounds on the road.
Pregnancy and Infant Development
Marijuana use during pregnancy may cause fetal growth restriction, premature birth, stillbirth and problems with brain development, resulting in hyperactivity and poor cognitive function. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other chemicals from marijuana can also be passed from a mother to her baby through breast milk, further impacting a child’s healthy development.
Daily Life
Using marijuana can affect performance and how well people do in life. Research shows that people who use marijuana are more likely to have relationship problems, worse educational outcomes, lower career achievement and reduced life satisfaction.
Content courtesy of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Resources
Learn more about the risks high-potency THC poses for Montana individuals, families and communities.
