Over the past several years, perception of marijuana, especially among our teens, has shifted. From music, to major news outlets, to your next door neighbor, we are being bombarded with messages claiming that marijuana is harmless and in many cases a cure all drug. Many of these claims however are unfounded and not backed up by reliable research.
While use of this drug is not a new phenomenon by any means, there is surprisingly little comprehensive and trustworthy research that can speak to the true impact marijuana has on our bodies, society, and most importantly our youth. With marijuana being such a “hot-button” topic in the media, we are now starting to see more dependable studies being conducted, the results of which often refute many of the claims made by pro-marijuana advocates.
One of the most common misconceptions is that a person cannot become addicted to marijuana. This is simply not true. Research shows that approximately 1 in 11 marijuana users become addicted and, of those who start using marijuana in their teen years, 17 percent will become dependent on the drug. For individuals who are daily users, 25 to 50 percent will become addicted. Users attempting to break free from their addiction to marijuana report withdrawals similar to that from other drugs, such as restlessness, irritability, trouble sleeping, and other physical discomforts.1
You have probably heard something along the lines, “Marijuana is safe because it’s natural and comes from the earth.” Marijuana has been shown to have a number of adverse effects including increased heart rate, anxiety, impaired judgment and coordination, respiratory complications, depression, and many more.2 Something being “from the earth” does not necessarily mean that it is without negative consequences to our health.
Marijuana is also claimed by many to be a miracle drug that can treat a variety of diseases with glaucoma being one of the most popular claims. This too is not based on accurate scientific research. Any possible temporary benefit from the drug is outweighed by the adverse effects of marijuana related to, not only glaucoma, but the rest of the body as well. This is why the Glaucoma Research Foundation does not support the use of Marijuana to treat glaucoma.3
These are just a few of marijuana’s many misconceptions. On March 11th, DrugFreeAZKids.org will host a free lunchtime webinar “Up In Smoke: Marijuana’s Many Misconceptions” that will take a deeper look at these and other common misconceptions. Participants will learn the facts based on reliable research and have the opportunity to ask questions. To register for the webinar, click the link below.
Up in Smoke: Marijuana’s Many Misconceptions
March 11, 2015 – 12:00pm - 12:30pm (MST)
(CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RECORDING OF THE WEBINAR)
For resources and tips on talking to your kids about drugs, go to www.DrugFreeAZKids.org/TalkWithYourKids.
Sources:
1NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
