Marijuana Use Controversy

Marijuana presents a unique challenge to parents and educators, because of the recent rise of medical marijuana, decriminalization efforts and mixed messages as to its harmful effects. Marijuana, once demonized as the source of all society’s ills through propaganda movies, is now promoted by some politicians.  The message can be confusing and parents need to know the truth.

Marijuana came to represent love and peace in the 60s and has never quite lost that image but this is far from the truth.  Anyone who uses marijuana regularly is more likely to engage in aggressive and violent behavior, cause trouble at school and destroy property. 

Violence at a global level is connected with marijuana trafficking. Criminal groups operating from Mexico promote their version of love and peace through torture, executions and other acts of violence.

The fact is that marijuana is a drug and is not harmless, contrary to common misconception.  The use of marijuana can lead to health, safety, learning and social problems and abuse of other harmful drugs.  Scientist’s in Europe have found “convincing evidence” that smoking marijuana may cause genetic damage which may in turn cause the formation of cancer cells. This data comes in light of the known dangers of cigarette smoking and scientists have long worried that marijuana may in fact have a similar effect. 

Another common misconception is that marijuana is not addictive. Regular users behave like any other drug dependent persons.  They will use it compulsively even if it is creating problems with family, work, health or their social life.  

Marijuana users are likely to be low academic performers. Marijuana can cause problems with concentration and thinking.  One study found that college students who used marijuana regularly had impaired attention and memory skills 24 hours after using the drug.   Their poor academic performance and later frequent absenteeism from work, puts users low on the list of those “most likely to succeed”.

There is no doubt that marijuana can be hazardous to your health and many who abuse it need effective drug treatment.

Narconon of Georgia has great success with Marijuana users through a sauna detoxification procedure that helps restore clear thinking and motivation, which are lost through regular marijuana use.  Many of our clients have returned to school and finished their degrees, while others have progressed professionally.

There is no reason that marijuana should ruin anyone’s life.