Marijuana and Youth Young people's brains continue to develop until their mid-20s. As a result, marijuana affects them differently than adults. Research has shown teens who use marijuana are more likely to report decreases in brain volume, poorer attention, verbal skills, and self-regulatory behaviors. According to research, here are some of the reasons teens have told us why they use marijuana To get more of a high (“cross-faded”) To relax or reduce stress. To counteract the effects of drinking (e.g., reduce spinning, vomiting, headache) Coping strategy (e.g., trouble in personal life) Social anxiety. Peer pressure: Friends combine alcohol and marijuana. To increase the effects of alcohol. It feels good. Not all teens use marijuana, and here are some reasons they told us they don't To avoid greening out (where they get so high they pass out). Loss of control. Sick feeling (e.g., nausea, vomiting). It makes them feel anxious.
It makes their heart race. It makes them feel paranoid. They have responsibilities. It makes them feel tired the next morning. It may lead to poor decisions. It makes it difficult to do well in school. Marijuana is illegal in ALL states for individuals under 21.
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