Lately, there has been a lot of different ongoing discussions about marijuana that you've probably heard and maybe have voiced your opinion on. We know that it can be a pretty controversial topic about whether it is safe or unsafe. Before diving into more specific details, I would just like to point out that this topic's information is geared toward recreational use and not medicinal use.
There is a ton of information out there about marijuana that may make it difficult to know if it is consistent with scientific facts or just word of mouth. That is why it's important to know where you can get reliable, credible information from. Take a moment to think to yourself about some reliable sources you could turn to for information about the effects that marijuana can have. Then, take a look below to see if any of the sources you mentioned match with the ones we have provided for reference.
Credible Sources
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
National Institutes on Health (NIH)
Be sure to always double check any facts you may hear or see before sharing with others. That way you can make yourself look good and share correct information.
Impacted Development
Do you remember at what age we said in our underage drinking post that the brain stops developing at? Yes, great job, 25! In that blog we mentioned some of the harmful affects that alcohol can have on an adolescent brain. Well, I'm here to tell you that the same goes for marijuana use. Using marijuana at a young age for recreational use can do some hefty long term damage on your brain. To give you a better picture, see the image below at what a healthy brain looks like vs. a long term marijuana user who began during their teen years.
Amen Clinics, 2016.
As you can see, the healthy brain looks smooth and put together. However, the marijuana user's brain is a bit more rigid and there are missing portions of the brain otherwise known as holes. Engaging in marijuana use at a young age can begin the development of an unhealthy brain since it does not officially stop developing until 25. Different areas of your brain that are responsible for learning, memory, decision making, motor skills, and reactions can be at jeopardy from marijuana use, both short term & long term.
Not only can marijuana use impact your brain but it can also reduce your motivation to do things with friends, family and even interfere with you accomplishing your goals in life. If you let it, it can weaken trust within relationships which can result in disappointment from your friends or family members. It may even lead you to pull away from them or end relationships because they don't use. Think about your goals in life and how much your family and friends mean to you. Now, how would you feel if you lost those bonds and goals you had for yourself?
So, my advice for you is to just think twice before choosing to use marijuana and remember how it could potentially impact your brain as you get older and not only you but also the people you care about.
Would You Want A....
I want you to stop and think about all the occupations that are out there in this world. Too many to count if we're being honest. Now, think about if those people who are doing their jobs were under the influence of marijuana. How would that affect them but also how could that affect you? All occupations have different responsibilities to obtain. Some are responsible for saving your life like a surgeon/doctor; others fly you to another destination safely; and some make sure that you're safe when driving a vehicle. If they use marijuana before they may not perform at their best and put not only themselves at risk but others as well. Read through the occupations below and think about what they do and how marijuana could impact their jobs & put safety at risk.
Occupations
Surgeon
Airplane Pilot
Auto Mechanic
Construction Worker
Teacher
Pharmacist
911 Dispatcher
Student
Hopefully you were able to think of a few reasons how marijuana could affect these job titles and you. I mean would you really want a surgeon performing a major surgery on you while they were under the influence? I sure wouldn't. For you, your main job right now is being a student and that comes with a lot of responsibility. As previously mentioned, marijuana has the ability to interfere with your learning and if we don't have students then we wouldn't have any of these other occupations. Just something to keep in mind.
Check out this short clip we made on marijuana and be sure to check out our challenges that are happening just for you! View our social media on Instagram and Facebook to learn more!
As always, make sure to join the SQUAD & stay HYPE!
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