The Facts On Marijuana
How is marijuana dangerous?
Marijuana use is risky, especially for youth and young adults. Marijuana is increasingly becoming more potent and it is addictive. Marijuana impairs your motor skills and cognitive thinking for up to 36 hours after use.
Availability and Accessibility
Over 14% of youth in Kansas report they have used marijuana. Douglas County youth have reported that marijuana is less harmful than cigarettes, easy to obtain, and bought and sold on social media such as Snapchat.
What’s the Big Deal?
Our brains do not fully develop until around the age of 25. Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that contains close to 500 different chemicals, including THC which is a mind-altering chemical compound. These chemicals and carcinogens can lead to serious health consequences and hinder brain development.
Our brains do not fully develop until around the age of 25, and even in states where marijuana is legal, it is still illegal for those under age.
CONSEQUENCES OF MARIJUANA USE
Marijuana use has lead to increased high school dropout rates and poor academic performance.
Young students who regularly use marijuana have an increased risk of developing mental illness.
Legal consequences such as possession of marijuana can result in jail time and fines. More serious offenses such as distribution can result in 1-30 years in prison.
In car accidents, marijuana is the second leading drug found in the driver’s blood stream.
Know the warning signs
Poor physical coordination, slow reflexes
Irritability, anxiety, fatigue, trouble sleeping
Declining grades or school work
Memory issues, forgetfulness
Unusual smell on clothing
Slurred speech
Abandoning academic, social, and recreational activities
Strategies to prevent marijuana use
Talk with your children about having an ‘exit plan’ if they are offered marijuana and practice it with them
Communicate the consequences of marijuana use
Clearly define rules and expectations and enforce consequences
Give them a curfew, talk to them when they get home
Get to know their friends and other parents
Praise good decision making
Promote healthy activities and hobbies
Stay up to date on drug trends
If you or someone you know needs help with addiction call:
DCCCA Outpatient Substance Use Treatment 785-830-8238
Kansas Substance Use Treatment Referral Line 1-866-645-8216
SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP
You’re not alone
Explore local and national resources to help with marijuana use.