Marijuana / Question
Published: November 20, 2002

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Hi. I have a very close male friend who smokes "weed" and I really want him to quit cause it scares me. One time him and a friend even sold some. But that was one time only thing. Every time I mention it to him about quitting he gets mad and we end up not talking for a few days. What should I do?

Signed: Want Friend To Quit Smoking Weed

Dear Want Friend To Quit Smoking Weed,

 

You are right to be concerned for your friend. It is hard to see someone we care for get involved in dangerous things. Weed or marijuana can be very dangerous; it can often lead to very damaging health effects.

 

Marijuana's short-term effects are:

1. Risk of Tainted Marijuana - Marijuana could be laced without your knowledge with anything making it even more dangerous. If it is mixed with other drugs or other addidtives, it can do physical damage to your body (sometimes deadly).
2. Decreased Mental Abilities - You may put yourself in situations where you practice unsafe sex, which can lead to a sexually transmitted disease. You may also get behind the wheel of a car to drive, leading to a deadly accident.
3. Difficulty with Concentration & Mental Confusion - Marijuana may cause you to forget easily, and have difficulty studying and learning.
4. Bloodshot Eyes - It just doesn't look good!
5. Excessive hunger - You may eat unhealthy food that you are craving due to marijuana use. This can lead to weight gain.
6. Sleepiness - Your weekend's no fun if you sleep through it.

Marijuana's long term effects are:

1. Psychological Dependence - You may start feeling like you need the drug to get by in your daily living, which is not good for you and very expensive.
2. Increased Tolerance - Your body may require more and more marijuana to get the desired effect.
3. Sexual Issues - Marijuana affects your hormone levels causing a lack of sexual pleasure, decreased sperm count in males and infertility in females.

Research shows that marijuana can be pshchologically addicting but there does not seem to be any physical dependance associated with it. It is often called a gateway drug because it can lead to the use of other, more addicting drugs.

 

Smoking marijuana can get you into trouble, but selling it can get you jail time. Your friend could suffer severe penalties for selling marijuana. He may be fined, arrested and have certain privileges taken away. You need to convey your concerns to your friend. He may get angry but perhaps does not see the bigger picture. Each time your friend smokes or sells marijuana he is taking a huge risk.

 

You can share with your friend what the damaging effects of marijuana are and express your concern for his well being. You caqnnot make him quit; that is something he must decide on his own, but you may be able to influence him to think twice about what he is doing.

 

You can check out Marijuana Anonymous at 1.800.766.6779 for more information. 

Signed: TeenHealthFX

While 93% of teenage women report that their first intercourse was voluntary, one-quarter of these young women report that it was unwanted. ⁷