Pubdate: Mon, 12 May 2014
Source: Courier, The (Conroy, TX)
Contact:  2014 The Courier
Website: http://www.thecourier-online.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3366
Author: Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D.

STRESS TO TEENS THAT MARIJUANA HAS ITS DANGERS

DEAR DOCTOR K: I have a teenager, and I'm worried he might try 
marijuana. I'd like to give my teen some facts about marijuana that 
will make him think twice about using it. What can I tell him?

DEAR READER: You've asked an important and timely question. Marijuana 
use is on the rise, especially among teens. It's easier to get than 
many other drugs - and cheaper. Also, teens think that it is safer 
than other illicit drugs. Two states have legalized recreational use 
of marijuana by adults. The message that it is safe to use is 
stronger than ever. That's why it's vital for parents to talk to 
their pre-teens and teens about marijuana.

Certainly, it's important to keep some perspective. There surely are 
more dangerous drugs, such as heroin or cocaine. And cigarettes and 
alcohol are just as dangerous, if not more so. But marijuana isn't 
safe, and many people don't know its dangers.

The safety of marijuana is a controversial area. There are not many 
large, long-term, good studies. So no doctor should have a dogmatic 
and confident opinion about its safety. Here's my best current 
judgment for what you need to make sure your son understands.

Marijuana affects the parts of the brain that influence pleasure, 
sensation, concentration and memory. But that's not all. Marijuana 
also: - Affects the developing brain. These effects may be permanent 
in people who start using it heavily during adolescence. There is 
reasonable evidence that regular, heavy use of marijuana in the teen 
years - when the brain still is developing - can lower IQ and alter 
memory and thinking.

- - Can lead to psychosis. Regular, heavy use of marijuana also can 
raise the lifelong risk of schizophrenia. It has been linked to 
anxiety, depression and other mental health problems. - Can damage 
the lungs. It's never a good idea to inhale any kind of smoke into 
the lungs. Marijuana smoke can lead to infections, asthma and other 
lung problems. - Makes the heart beat faster. It can cause the heart 
to beat extremely fast for a long period. When that happens, it can 
increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythms that can lead to sudden 
death - even in a teenager.

- - Can impair concentration and judgment. It is dangerous to smoke pot 
and then drive. Driving performance can be as impaired as when a 
person is intoxicated by alcohol. - Can be addictive in some people.

Finally, make sure your teen understands that, in most states, having 
or using marijuana is illegal. It can lead to jail time.

Talk to your son early and often. Make sure he knows the facts so he 
can make the best choices for his health and future.

Dr. Komaroff is a physician and professor at Harvard Medical School.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom