This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

The Truth about Marijuana

By Shamaila Bashir

This Sunday is April 20. And as many college students and others are aware, the date is also known as Weed Day, “4/20” or “420,” an unofficial holiday celebrated by marijuana devotees.

As a college intern for just a few months with the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of substance abuse and know that there is no doubt that marijuana has potential harmful long-term health effects, particularly on the developing teen and young adult brain.

Find out what's happening in Fairfax Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Marijuana is the illicit drug most likely to be used by teens in the United States. While prevalence rates have markedly declined over the past decade, marijuana is still widely used by adolescents, and the possible impact on adolescent development remains an important issue.

So what’s the prevalence of marijuana use that raises concerns? Past month prevalence of marijuana use in Fairfax County from 2010–2012 increases with the grade level. In 2012, the number of 8th graders using marijuana was 2.3% compared to 19.3% of 12th graders.

Find out what's happening in Fairfax Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Interestingly, youth who are in 10th and 12th grade hold lower risk perception of marijuana, which is associated with higher use. As grade level increases, perception of harm deceases. Looking at what we already know about marijuana and its prevalence, it’s evident that it’s dangerous to the youth in many ways. It detrimental affects the youth negatively both physically and mentally. Furthermore, the potency of marijuana has more than doubled from 1970s to 2008.

So what does that mean for our youth in today’s world? With today’s pot, it only takes a small amount to get high. As a result, marijuana abuse may conflict with college success, relationships with family and friends, and future jobs.

It is important for parents of teenagers to be educated on the negative consequences of marijuana, because they play a vital role in their children’s life from the beginning. Studies have proven that youth listen to their parents and consider their parents’ attitudes regarding drug use. Many parents may not be aware of their ability to influence their children’s life merely by talking to them, making it clear how they feel about drugs, and sharing their expectations for behavior.

Not only are parents a central agent of change, but schools also can play a major role in educating middle school and high school on the dangers of marijuana use in early age. It’s critical to acknowledge the dangers of marijuana -- ranging from impacting brain development and functions such as perception needed for driving and memory needed for athletics and schooling. Marijuana affects academic learning, and it is linked to poor performance in school and higher dropout rates. Additionally, weekly use of marijuana doubles a teen’s risk of depression and anxiety.

Did you know the physical consequences of smoking marijuana include heart problems such as increased heart beat, and lung infections? Not only that, marijuana is also the most prevalent illegal drug detected in impaired drivers, fatally injured drivers and motor vehicle crash victims. Driving under the influence of marijuana has the same level of dangerous effects as driving under the influence of alcohol.

What kind of community do we want for our kids? Given the current number of marijuana users and possibility of this number increasing with marijuana legalization in Washington and Colorado, we cannot afford to divert our focus from the central point. Legalization is increasing youth and young adult use. Even states that have legalized only medical marijuana are seeing double the rates of youth marijuana use.

Marijuana’s stigma as a harmful drug is diminishing, creating a more favorable perception among youth. We cannot jeopardize their chances of success by not taking this seriously now.

Shamaila Bashir, who graduates in May from George Mason University with a degree in global and community health, was an intern this year for the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County.

The Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County is a nonprofit organization with more than 60 community partners working together to keep youth and young adults safe and drug-free. Visit www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org and www.facebook.com/unifiedpreventioncoalition. Follow the group on Twitter at www.twitter.com/keepyouthsafe


We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?