Marijuana / Question
Published: May 9, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Well, my question is this. I just got done reading some post about whether or not smoking marijuana 6 - 9 times per week is bad for you. Who ever responded to that started spouting some crap off about how terrible it is for you, and how you might make unsafe decisions while under the influence of marijuana. Or maybe you'll get behind the wheel of a car and get in a terrible accident. Granted I'm not saying you can promote marijuana use, but the response to that question was false. Yes, smoking marijuana 6 - 9 times per week may not be the most healthy thing for you, because human lungs do not like smoke. But it is hardly terrible for you, and there are many more dangerous and legal things out there. Alcohol and cigarettes are extremely more dangerous. Cigarettes killed almost 500,000 people in the U.S. alone, yet they are legal. Alcohol destroys families with alcoholism, and destroys lives with drunk driving. Marijuana is no way as dangerous as the two drugs I just listed. And there you go perpetuating the lie that was handed down to you by your parents to another generation of American youth. Well I hope somebody reads my post and is not fooled into believing the crap response you posted in regards to the question, "Is Smoking Marijuana 6 - 9 Times Per Week Bad For You."
Signed: Disgruntled Marijuana Man
Dear Disgruntled Marijuana Man,
The question you were referring to was titled High Times. TeenHealthFX does not dispute that cigarettes and alcohol abuse are extremely unhealthy for you. However just because these items are destructive and legal does not have any bearing on the effects of marijuana. All three cause physical and emotional problems, not to mention the legal complications associated with marijuana use.
TeenHealthFX stands by the information presented in our response. FX assures you that our agenda is to present accurate information to our readers and not pass on misinformation that has been handed down through the generations. Our information about marijuana is based on scientific research taken from respected agencies or journals.
You did not say specifically which information in the response you objected to or believe to be false. If you would like to present any scientific research that shows our information to be erroneous we would be happy to review it and post it if it is appropriate. Scientific research means that the study follows the basic guidelines and methodology that all researchers are expected to follow. Remember, you cannot draw conclusions about the general population based on one person's experience.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
More than four in 10 young women become pregnant at least once before they reach the age of 20 - nearly one million a year teen pregnancies a year 
