Teenagers and Marijuana

Many parents do not understand their teens desire to use Marijuana. However, most can relate to the desires below. Listed are some of the reasons and feeling behind why teenagers smoke pot:

• Get out from underneath all the pressures weighing down on them
• The feeling of wanting to stop the world for a few hours
• Wanting to get away from responsibility
• Feelings of wanting to relax or lighten up
• Feeling of wanting to rebel, let loose, and not care what others think
• Wanting to take a risk
• Longing for more risk and suspense in their lives

Certainly, many parents and people in general can relate to the above mentioned feelings. These are just some of the many reasons why teens are attracted to experimenting with marijuana. As adults, we learn better coping mechanisms for these urges, but teens often don't understand the consequences or concerns that come along with using pot.

Adolescence is a time of great change. Too many adults mistakenly think that teenage rebellion is necessary and part of the necessary separation process. But this is not true. Rebellion using drugs in not "normal" and parents should be highly concerned about it. Adolescence is though a time for discovery. This curiosity may make marijuana seem appealing, when in fact, they are ignoring the risks and consequences of using pot.

When asked why they think kids use drugs, kids had the following responses:

• "I wanted to see how they would make me feel."
• "I wanted to be accepted as parted of the group."
• "I didn't want to be the dork or the nerd."
• "I just wanted to have a good time."
• "I want to be a risk-taker."
• "I'm an adult. I can do what I want."
• "I wanted to try new things."
• "I wanted to be an adult."

Health risks of pot

Severe Health risks are common when using marijuana. Some studies have shown that when teens smoke large amounts of marijuana, the drug takes its toll on mental functions. Heavy or daily use of marijuana affects the parts of the brain that control memory, attention, and learning. A working short-term memory is needed to learn in school and be successful in life. Teens that frequently smoke pot may find that their thinking has been impaired.

One common myth that teens have about pot is they think they can't become addicted. However, long term marijuana use leads to addiction in some people. They end up not being able to control their urges to use and it affects their family, and other relationships.

A greater fear with pot use is that teens that use frequently and in large amounts can become "tolerant" to its effects-which means, that they need higher and higher amounts to get the same desired high.