Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug today throughout the world. Teens are more likely to abuse and get addicted to Marijuana.

Drug abuse in teens has many negative effects, both long-term as well as short-term. Proper awareness among teens about these effects can keep them alarmed and away from Marijuana abuse. Here are a few short-term and long-term effects of Marijuana drug abuse among teens.

Short term effects:

Impacts brain function

The THC compound in Marijuana is carried to the brain through the bloodstream whenever a person abuses it. THC binds with the cannabinoid receptors of the nerve cells and changes the activities of neurons. As these receptors control the memory, though, the sensation of pleasure, perception, and concentration power, Marijuana abuse affects all these functions of the brain.

Problem with thinking

Studies show that the cognitive abilities of users are altered due to Marijuana abuse. The abused will have less ability to learn and remember things and they perform worse in recalling the information. It impacts their studies.

Improper perception

Marijuana abuse results in increased sensory perceptions, distorted images of self, and time perception. Marijuana affects the readiness to respond, motivation, ability to identify and distinguish things.

Increases the heart rate, anxiety, and panic

Heartbeat will be increased more rapidly by smoking Marijuana. If a normal heart rate is 70 to 80 beats per minute, it is increased by 20 to 50 beats per minute or sometimes doubles after smoking Marijuana. Marijuana abuse also causes anxiety, fear, and panic.

It makes driving risky

THC affects the function of the cerebellum, which is a part of the brain that controls balance and coordination. It also affects reaction time and judgment ability. So users can not react or make decisions quickly. The abuser cannot respond to sounds and signals while driving which increases the risk of an accident.

Long term effects:

Effect on brain

The main chemical compound in Marijuana – THC, influences the vital nerve cells in the brain responsible for pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory, and time perception. The users’ ability to do complex tasks can be reduced by using Marijuana. Users might face many other mental problems such as poor thinking, memory loss, etc.

Affect on lungs and airways

Marijuana smokers are more likely to have breathing problems compared to tobacco smokers. The abused may frequently suffer from cough, chest cold, phlegm production, and chest illness. It also increases the risk of obstructed airways and lung infections.

Cancer

The smoke of Marijuana has some cancer causing compounds. Thus, smoking marijuana increases the chances of lung cancer. It also increases the risk of developing cancer in the head or neck of the user in the long run.

Immune system

The immune system in the human body protects it from many diseases. Marijuana usage affects the immune system of the users. Marijuana damages the ability of T lymphocytes in the lungs’ immune defense system that is vital to fighting off infections.

These are some of the negative effects of Marijuana. The abuse of marijuana affects teens in many other harmful ways. It is very important to spread awareness among teens about the health, safety, and legal risks of Marijuana abuse.

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