Marijuana / Question
Published: December 7, 1999
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Does marijuana really have drastic long-term effects on ones mental and/or physical health?
Signed: Scared To Be Stoned
Dear Scared To Be Stoned,
Yes, marijuana can have long term physical and mental side effects on the body!
Long-term, heavy use of drugs can lead a person to become BURNT OUT, not as quick and smart as they once were (decreased cognitive functions), and have physical effects on the body like lung damage. Also, the person is usually using drugs to escape their reality because this makes them feel good. When the person becomes sober or straight, they realize their own life and it's problems are still there. Oftentimes, using drugs causes more problems like bad relationships with friends and family members, poor grades in school and financial concerns.
If the use is short term many times the body repairs itself and there are no noticeable differences. Other times, there is a recognizable difference in someone that has suffered from addiction. Many people probably know someone like this!
If you are using drugs and are worried about it, you should be! You are to young and your life is worth to much to become burnt out. Get help if you feel you may have a problem. Call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health if you live in Northern New Jersey at (973) 971.5199. Outside of New Jersey, please call Marijuana Anonymous @ 1.800.766.6779 or your local Alcoholics Anonymous.
For more information on marijuana, check out High Times and Marijuana's Permanent Side Effects!
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Persons aged 15-24, who represent only 14% of the 
