Article Options

Presentation View
Teaching Resources

Your Body on Marijuana

The lowdown on the dangers of getting high

April 2023
Lily Kalczewski

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.

Thanks, But No Thanks

To turn down an offer to get high, try:

  • “I have practice in the morning.” 
  • “I don’t want to smell like a skunk.”
  • A simple “No thanks!”

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.

Weeding Out the Facts

Can you separate the truths from the myths about marijuana?

1

True or False? Recreational marijuana use by children and teenagers is legal in the United States.

FALSE! Recreational marijuana use by anyone under the age of 21 is illegal in every state. 


Note: this answer originally stated that recreational marijuana use is illegal for anyone under the age of 18, not 21. We regret the error.
2

True or False? Driving after you’ve used marijuana is safer than driving after you’ve used alcohol.

FALSE! Both marijuana and alcohol impair your judgment and slow your reaction times. You’re more likely to be involved in a car crash if you drive while under the influence of either substance. 
3

True or False? Your risk of becoming addicted to marijuana increases the younger you start and the more often you use it.

TRUE! People who use marijuana before age 18 are 4-7 times more likely to develop a dependence on the drug and feel withdrawal symptoms when not using it. 
Take the quiz again
Substance Abuse

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