Keeping Kids Away from Marijuana More Important Today

This is an interesting summary for those wishing to understand the marijuana implications going forward. Mostly, try to keep our young people away from it as long as possible. Their brains, while developing, are very susceptible to damage from it. Also, psychological issues and other toxic effects remain a problem in adults as well. Heavy use should be avoided.

From the article:

The adverse effects of marijuana have been well documented. Numerous published studies have shown the potential negative consequences of short- and long-term use of recreational marijuana in adolescents. These consequences include impaired short-term memory and decreased concentration, attention span, and problem-solving skills, all of which interfere with learning. Alterations in motor control, coordination, judgment, reaction time, and tracking ability have also been documented. These effects may contribute to unintentional deaths and injuries among adolescents, especially those who drive after using marijuana. Negative health effects on lung function associated with smoking marijuana also have been documented; in addition, longitudinal studies linking marijuana use with higher rates of mental health disorders, such as depression and psychosis, recently have been published, raising concerns about longer-term psychiatric effects. Secondhand marijuana smoke can also be detected in adults who are passively exposed, and new data also suggest that secondhand marijuana smoke may be harmful to children. A recent study found that in an inpatient sample of infants admitted for respiratory compromise, one in six had detectable traces of marijuana in their systems.

To read the full article:

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2017/02/23/peds.2016-4069