Educating both youth and parents on the effects of marijuana use by teens is becoming increasingly important,  as marijuana use is relatively common among today’s teens, and appears to be on the increase.  There is mounting evidence that marijuana use, especially during the critical years of brain development during adolescence, may have long term cognitive and mental health implications.
 
Marijuana is riskier than you may have realized.  It can affect a young person’s ability to take in, learn and remember information.  Regular marijuana users also often demonstrate poor judgment, short attention spans and decreased motivation and energy – all factors that impede learning.  Thus, regular users are at an increased risk of school failure and dropping out of school.
 
Regular use of marijuana has also been shown to increase the chances a teen will become depressed or have suicidal thoughts.  New research shows a link between heavy marijuana use and schizophrenia.
 
In a great many cases, teens use both alcohol and marijuana, and the combination can lead to even greater negative health effects.
 
Parents and kids need to know the real facts about marijuana.  Our marijuana prevention resources, drug prevention games, and drug prevention posters can help.