Marijuana / Question
Published: December 7, 1999
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Does marijuana have any permanent side effects?
Signed: Marijauna's Permanent Side Effects
Dear Marijauna's Permanent Side Effects,
Marijuana is illegal (side effect of a criminal record) and can have some permanent side effects. Long and short term use of marijuana can lead to addiction, the possibility of bad pot (causing medical problems and conditions), decreased mental abilities and burnt out brain cells, mental confusion, lung damage, weight gain, increased tolerance (requiring more of the drug to get you high) and decreased sexual performance. All of these can lead to the permanent side effect of doing damage to your body.
Use of drugs or alcohol can make people do things they normally wouldn't like drive a car while high or have unsafe sex because it impairs judgment.
For more information on marijuana , check out High Times. If you are concerned about your use of marijuana, get help from a doctor, parent or a hospital that has a substance abuse program. If you cannot find a trusted adult to talk to and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.5199 to meet with a doctor and/or social worker. If you live outside of northern New Jersey, please call Marijuana Anonymous at 1.800.766.6779.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Among male drivers between 15 and 20 years of age who were involved in fatal crashes in 2005, 38% were speeding at the time of the crash and 24% had been drinking.
