The Teen Brain and Marijuana 02/16/2012 |
Even after controlling for the confounding effect of mental illness symptoms preceding marijuana use, these studies showed an increased risk of developing schizophrenia or mood disorders (depression, anxiety) in adulthood if individuals regularly smoked marijuana during adolescence. The risk was particularly heightened if there was any family history of mental illness (i.e., “genetics provided the loaded gun and marijuana pulled the trigger”). Also, mental illness, among those at risk, tended to show up earlier with marijuana use.
Brain, mental health, Teen, CEASAR |
Marijuana History- CEASAR 01/01/2010 |
Long-term marijuana abuse has several negative impacts on the user, including:10
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Limiting the brain's capacity to store and retrieve information
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Damage to the brain's memory functions, as well as math and verbal skills
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Sexual dysfunction and reproductive problems, including irregular sperm and lowered sperm count in men and menstrual and ovulatory disruption in women
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Weakening of the immune system
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Increased risk of cancer and lung damage
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Increased blood pressure and risk of heart attack
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Loss of motivation and interest in everyday activities and future plans
History, illegal, CEASAR, Long-term |