Your Body on Marijuana

The lowdown on the dangers of getting high

You recently made a new group of friends, and tonight you’re going to a party at one of their houses. When your new friend opens the door, you notice an odd musky smell. You ask what it is, and your friend says it’s weed. Do you want some? Before you say yes, you should know that marijuana is an addictive drug that can be especially dangerous for teens. Some patients are prescribed marijuana for medical use; however, studies show that teens who use marijuana are almost twice as likely as adults to develop a use disorder. That means they become dependent on the drug and experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it. Not only can marijuana be addictive, it can also increase your risk of mental health issues. It can negatively affect your problem-solving abilities and reaction times as well, which is why you should never accept a ride from someone who’s high. Read on to discover how marijuana affects your body, mind, and mood, and why getting high just isn’t worth the risk.

Brain

A chemical in marijuana called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) affects parts of the brain related to concentration, memory, and thought. This can cause problems with learning new information and paying attention, and it can negatively affect your performance in school. 

Lungs

Smoking or vaping marijuana can cause lung irritation and inflammation. Regular, long-term use can lead to breathing problems or bronchitis.

Mood

Studies show that frequent users of marijuana experience an increase in depression, anxiety, and irritability. They also experience social difficulties. 

Heart

Using marijuana raises your resting heart rate, which causes your blood pressure to rise. Increased blood pressure can eventually lead to stroke or heart disease.

Motor Skills

Marijuana can slow reaction times. It can also affect coordination, impairing your ability to play a sport or drive a car.

Get the digital lesson plan for this article

Skills Sheets (3)
Skills Sheets (3)
Skills Sheets (3)
Lesson Plan (2)
Lesson Plan (2)
Text-to-Speech