How Is Weed Used?

Weed, or Marijuana, is derived from a plant called Cannabis. It is then dried, and then usually rolled into a cigarette for users to smoke. Weed contains very powerful, addicting chemicals that give users the high that they desire. Unfortunately, weed is becoming more common year after year. To make matters worse, teens and young adults are using the potent drug to get high and have “fun”. What these teens soon find out, however, is that weed is anything but fun and it can cause serious health issues not far down the road.

Weed Is Affecting Our Teens

Weed has been around for many years, but use of the drug continues to rise each year. In fact, a recent study showed that weed, or marijuana, is the most frequently used illegal drug in the United States. Over 83 million Americans over the age of 12 have tried weed at least once. These young people enjoy the high they achieve during the initial use, but soon, they start to experience detrimental health problems. Because young people are growing and changing both physically and mentally, weed can have even more of a negative effect on their young bodies because of the dramatic changes they are already experiencing. Some of the health effects include:

Lung and bronchial problems (Long term use can lead to lung cancer)

Brain problems, such as memory loss and obstructed thinking and learning

Increased heart rate

Anxiety

Addiction

Depression, which may lead to suicide

Along with health problems come social, family, school and mental issues as well. Teens that use weed often begin to hang out with the wrong crowd, and may even participate in illegal, dangerous behaviors. Teens with weed addictions often turn their anger and frustrations toward their parents and siblings. Teens also start struggling in school, and their class and work performance beings to drastically decline. Weed-use among teens has the ability to cause heartache and even ruin the lives of many if treatment and help are not given.

How To Help Our Teens

How do we help our teens stay clean and stay away from illicit drugs, such as weed? It is in our opinion that educating our teens and being involved in their lives are two key practices that will help prevent the use of drugs, including weed. As children enter teenage years, it is important to educate and warn them on all drugs and help them to know how damaging drug-use can be. Communities often offer classes and workshops about drugs.

Families should make it a priority to attend such classes and together learn the harmful effects of weed and other drugs. Parental involvement is also vital in helping to keep teens on the right path. Involvement in all aspects of a teenagers life, including school, athletics, and other recreational activities show that parents truly care for their teen, and in turn gives teens a sense of worth and importance. These important actions can all lead to a drug-free life.