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Consequences
of Marijuana Use
Marijuana is seen by some college students as a
"recreational" drug that serves as a rite of passage from adolescence into
adulthood. Just as with the use of alcohol, this dangerous perception fails to
acknowledge the potential dangers of marijuana use. Contrary to popular
opinion, marijuana can be addictive.
The use of alcohol and other drugs may be
associated with a wide range of negative consequences, such as decreased
academic performance, fighting, vandalism, acquaintance rape, and unprotected
sex.6,7 While these consequences are associated with marijuana use,
there is no evidence that marijuana use directly causes these behaviors to
happen.
The specific effects of marijuana depend
upon the type of cannabis used, the way in which it is taken, the setting in
which it is used, the expectations of the user, and whether or not it is used
in conjunction with other drugs.8
Potential short-term effects of
marijuana use are as follows:9
- feelings of intoxication
- rapid heartbeat
- dry mouth and throat
- bloodshot eyes
- loss of coordination or poor sense of
balance
- decreased reaction time
- difficulty in listening or speaking
- impaired or reduced short-term memory
- impaired or reduced comprehension
- impairments in learning and memory,
perception, problem solving, and judgment
- altered sense of time
- reduced ability to perform tasks
requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car
- altered motivation and cognition,
making the acquisition of new information difficult
- paranoia
- intense anxiety or panic attacks
- psychological dependence
Long-term effects.10
Because marijuana use is highly associated with cigarette smoking, determining
which consequences may be attributed to marijuana use rather than to cigarette
use is difficult. While not enough research has been done to determine the
specific effects of marijuana, according to the American Council for Drug
Education there is growing evidence that it may affect the brain,
lungs, heart, and immune system. Marijuana use may
- lead to a decreased ability to
concentrate
- lead to a decreased ability to learn
and remember things
- delay the onset of puberty in men
- decrease sperm production in men
- disrupt the menstrual cycle and
inhibit discharge of eggs from the ovaries
- damage the immune system
- increase cancer rates
- increase rates of respiratory problems
and disease
6
Presley, C.A.; Meilman, P.W.; Cashin, J.R.; and Lyerla, R. Alcohol and Drugs
on American College Campuses: Use, Consequences, and Perceptions of the Campus
Environment, Volume III, 1991–1993 (Carbondale, Ill.: Core Institute, Southern
Illinois University, 1996); 7
Abbey, A. "Acquaintance Rape and Alcohol Consumption on College Campuses: How
Are They Linked?" Journal of American College Health 39 (1991): 165–169;
8 NIDA. "Marijuana:
Facts Parents Need to Know." (External site) ; 9
Partnership for a
Drug-Free America Homepage.; (External site) 10
American Council for Drug Education.
Basic Facts About Drugs:
Marijuana (1999); (External Site)
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