Substance Abuse News about Marijuana M arijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States and tends to be the first illegal drug teens use. However, this is not to say that the majority of teens use marijuana. In fact, according to a 1994 survey of high school seniors, while 30.7 percent used marijuana sometime within the past year, 69.3 percent did not use marijuana. Additionally, most marijuana users do not go on to use other illegal drugs.
Marijuana has several negative physical and mental effects.
Use of marijuana may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car. Some people find that marijuana can increase their appetites, which may lead to gorging on junk food and possible weight gain. If you or someone you know has been using marijuana, help is available. Talk to a school counselor, a friend, or a parent, and check out the resources listed below. Henderson Mill Rd.