Marijuana / Question
Published: July 17, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have a few friends at school who smoke weed. Lately I've been thinking about trying it. I've gotten high off from inhalants before. That's all I've done. I've heard that trying weed one time isn't harmful at all. Is this true? There are also a few other things I want to try. I'll NEVER touch heroin, ecstasy, or anything else like those though. Please help me.
Signed: Drug Curious - Is Weed Really Not Harmful?
Dear Drug Curious - Is Weed Really Not Harmful?,
TeenHealthFX knows it sounds very tempting to try new things, especially if you think that it is not going to harm you. But really think about this before you try anything.
Marijuana is not only illegal, but is bad for you and can have some permanent side effects. Long and short term use of marijuana can lead to psychological 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.
Some teens start out using marijuana casually, which often leads to doing it more frequently, thereby causing more problems. If you have started doing drugs, STOP! If you haven't used drugs, DON'T START! For more information on marijuana, alcohol or drug use, see High Times, Alcohol Truths, and Alcohol Abuser and ask other questions. If you are concerned about your use of marijuana, drugs or alcohol, get help from a doctor, parent or hospital that has a substance abuse program.
If you live in northern
Another great resource is self help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Marijuana Anonymous.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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