Negative Effects of

Regular or Habitual Use of Marijuana

Regular and habitual use of marijuana has proven to negatively impact the learning, memory, physical and rational capabilities of users. 

Learning and memory. A recent study followed people from age 13 to 38 and found that those who used marijuana a lot in their teens had up to an 8 point drop in IQ, even if they quit in adulthood.3,4

Coordination. THC in marijuana affects the cerebellum, the area of our brain that controls balance and coordination, and the basal ganglia, another part of the brain that helps control movement.

Judgment. Since THC affects areas of the frontal cortex involved in decision making, using it can cause you to do things you might not do when you are not under the influence of drugs—such as engaging in risky sexual behavior, or getting in a car with someone who’s been drinking or is high on marijuana.

Decision making, concentration, and memory can suffer for days after use, especially in regular users.2

Also:

  • Increased heart rate. When someone uses marijuana, heart rate—normally 70 to 80 beats per minute—may increase by 20 to 50 beats per minute or, in some cases, even double.
  • Respiratory (lung and breathing) problems from smoke.
  • Increased risk for mental health problems. Marijuana use has been linked with depression and anxiety, as well as suicidal thoughts among adolescents. In addition, research has suggested that in people with a genetic risk for developing schizophrenia, smoking marijuana during adolescence may increase the risk for developing psychosis and developing it at an earlier age.
  • Increased risk of problems for an unborn baby. Pregnant women who use marijuana may risk changing the developing brain of the unborn baby. These changes could contribute to problems with attention, memory, and problem solving.
  • Reduced school performance. Students who smoke marijuana tend to get lower grades and are more likely to drop out of high school than their peers who do not use. The effects of marijuana on attention, memory, and learning can last for days or weeks.
  • Impaired driving.
  • Potential gateway to other drugs.

 (from www.teens.drugbuse.gov.com)