Marijuana is the most common illicit drug used in Canada and the United States today. Why do people use it? It dulls the senses and gives them a high. Some say marijuana is no more harmful or addictive than alcohol and tobacco, and the laws around possession and use should be relaxed.

But the Canadian Public Health Association reports that, "Marijuana use can have a long list of negative health impacts including forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, slower reactions (making it unsafe to drive or to operate machinery). Heavy use at a young age can affect brain development leading to long-term problems with concentration, learning, abstract thinking, and short-term memory. Marijuana smoke contains more carcinogenic tar than tobacco smoke. Long-term use can result in respiratory ailments, throat and lung cancer, anxiety, depression, paranoia and schizophrenia. Women who use marijuana during pregnancy are more likely to have premature or underweight babies. Alcohol stays in the body for a few hours, but cannabis can stay for up to 4 weeks."

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