The use of marijuana in the United States is so common among teenagers and young adults. Most people favor the use of marijuana because they are unaware of the effects that it has on the human body. People who believe that smoking marijuana is not harmful to their health have been misinformed or not informed at all. Anyone who smokes marijuana is at risk of abusing this drug and having health problems in the future. I believe marijuana use should be discouraged because the bad effects of the drug's use outweigh its good effects.
Marijuana contains more than 400 chemicals, but the main compound is called tetrahydrocannabinol, which is also known as THC. It is classified as an addictive drug because it causes compulsive, often uncontrollable drug craving, seeking, and use, even in the face of negative health and social consequences. People who use marijuana excessively can become physically dependent on the drug. They can also experience withdrawal symptoms once they quit. Nonetheless, people claim to use it because it relaxes them and alleviates pain. These reasons are excuses to justify their use of a substance that is illegal (unless the state has legalized the use of marijuana).
The effects of marijuana include an increased heart rate, dryness of the mouth, reddening of the eyes, impaired motor skills and concentration, frequent hunger, and an increased desire for sweets. Effects of marijuana also include anxiety, panic attacks, and hallucinations. Although these effects are short term, the long-term effects of marijuana can have a negative impact on the brain and lungs. The chemical THC in marijuana affects one part of the limbic system in the brain called the hippocampus. The hippocampus helps regulate memory, learning, and emotion. THC suppresses the neurons of the hippocampus and the activity of the nerve fibers which alter the delivery of sensory information. Smoking marijuana habitually can also cause respiratory problems such as daily cough and phlegm, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and more frequent chest colds. It can also cause the lung tissue to function abnormally due to the marijuana smoke.
In addition to the effects of marijuana on the brain and lungs, smoking marijuana can also have an effect on learning and social behavior. There is a greater impairment of an individual’s critical skills related to memory, attention, and learning. An individual could have difficulty sustaining attention, shifting attention to meet the demands of changes in the environment, and registering, processing, and using information. People who are in favor of marijuana use may not know about the long-term effects of the drug. However, they are aware of the short-term effects because they experience them within 10 to 30 minutes of smoking marijuana.
Legalizing marijuana in all 50 states in the United States should be reconsidered by every American citizen. Instead of focusing on the pros, people should educate themselves about the cons of marijuana. Personally, I do not like smoking. I have never smoked a day in my life nor do I plan on doing so. I know the effects of smoking and how it can affect an individual’s family and friends. It is a nasty habit, and I would encourage anyone to reconsider smoking, overall, because ceasing could add 15 years to their life. I would also encourage all individuals to reevaluate their position on marijuana legalization. I am convinced that they will make the right choice once they are informed about the cons of the drug.
