Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States
and Michigan. It tends to be the first illegal drug that teenagers use.
Nearly one in ten youth ages 12 to 17 currently used marijuana in the
United States. Nearly a quarter of eighth graders reported that they had
already tried it. A 1997 survey of Michigan high-school students showed
that 48 percent of students surveyed had tried marijuana and 28 percent
were current users.
Marijuana can be rolled into a cigarette (joint) or cigar (blunt), or
smoked in a pipe or bong. Today, there are stronger forms of marijuana
available than in the past. Stronger marijuana means stronger effects.
Within a few minutes of inhaling marijuana smoke, the user may
experience the following:
- Intoxication
- Dry mouth
- Rapid heartbeat
- Loss of coordination and a poor sense of balance
- Decreased reaction time
- Red (bloodshot) eyes.
- Anxiety, panic attacks and paranoid thoughts.
- Problems with memory and learning, with trouble thinking clearly
and with problem solving.
These effects increase when marijuana and other drugs are mixed.
Teens using marijuana may find it hard to study. Young athletes may find
their performance is poor. While there is no single strategy to prevent
teen marijuana use, parents can be influential by talking to their
children about the dangers of marijuana. Remain active in your children’s
lives. Research shows that parental involvement can reduce future drug
use, even among adolescents who may be rebellious or have difficulty
controlling their emotions. Remind your children that not "everyone
is doing it." Over 60 percent of teens do not use marijuana.
For more information, call the Genesee County Health Department at
(810) 257-3612.
