Marijuana is Bad for Your Mental Health

Marijuana's recent popularity may be largely based on the perception that it is safer than cigarettes and alcohol, according to an editorial in the British Medical Journal. But studies show marijuana is not the harmless drug many believe it is, it can have a negative impact on your mental health. A recent study found that marijuana users have abnormal brain structure and poor memory and that chronic marijuana abuse may lead to brain changes resembling schizophrenia. In a study of 50,000 Swedish military draftees, the use of marijuana during adolescence was associated with a 30% increase in risk of developing schizophrenia. This same study also showed that more frequent marijuana use gives a higher risk of schizophrenia. A separate study by Northwestern University reported that the younger the person starts using marijuana, the worse the effects are. By legalizing Marijuana in Pennsylvania the government is only encouraging Marijuana use and the risk for poor mental health and schizophrenia increases.

  

                           

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Resources:
5 Reasons Marijuana Should Remain Illegal
Marijuana use may be harmful to mental health