Summary: The Negative Effects Of Marijuana

Some of the negative effects of marijuana include direct infiltration of the brain. Marijuana effects a part of the brain called the hippocampus. The hippocampus is thought to be the center of emotion, memory, and the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, when a person ingests marijuana it alters the way “information is processed and how memories are formed” (Welsh, Spector, and Astaiza). Animal studies, particularly in rats, have shown that if use starts during adolescence it can cause “cognitive impairment” in memory formation in adulthood (Welsh, Spector, and Astaiza). Apart from memory, marijuana can also effect a person's mental health. A study from the Netherlands found that “smoking cannabis increases the risk of depression for young

The worst effects seem to show up when the exposure of marijuana happens at a very young age. Studies show that there is a possibility that exposure to THC from adolescence, even in small quantities, can have negative effects on the brain. “Human studies have shown that some babies born to women who used marijuana during their pregnancies respond differently to visual stimuli, tremble more, and have a high-pitched cry, which could indicate problems with neurological development” (National Institute of Drug Abuse).Those exposed to THC at a young age - before, after, or during birth - show problems with specific learning and memory tasks as they get older. Alongside the youngsters, those who use marijuana very frequently can cause the “over-stimulation” of the endocannabinoid system, causing changes in the brain that lead to addiction (NIDA). Addiction happens when a person cannot stop using a drug, even though it interferes with many aspects of his or her

The number increases to 17 percent if they start using young and 25-50 percent for those who use it daily (NIDA). “According to the 2013 NSDUH, marijuana accounted for 4.2 million of the estimated 6.9 million Americans dependent on or abusing illicit drugs” (NIDA). Those who use marijuana regularly also show signs of impaired neural activity involved in functions like memory, learning, and impulse control (NIDA). Finally, although to the shock of others, there is mild withdrawal that accompanies marijuana including irritability, mood and sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, cravings, restlessness, etc. (NIDA). However, most of the negative effects that occur with the usage of marijuana have a very small chance of happening. Marijuana also has a wide range of positive effects and has been known for its medicinal