A recent survey has revealed that half of 16-year-olds believe cannabis is harmless. The study, which was conducted by DrugAbuse.com, polled 1,000 teenagers and found that 50% of them did not see cannabis as a harmful drug.

The Importance of Education

One of the key takeaways from this survey is the importance of education. While cannabis is legal in some form in many states, it is still a drug with potential risks and side effects.

Educating young people about these risks is crucial to ensure they make informed decisions about drug use.

Unfortunately, research has shown that many teenagers do not receive adequate drug education in school.

According to a study conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, only 10% of high schools provide comprehensive drug education that covers all substances, including drugs like cannabis.

This lack of education can leave teenagers vulnerable to the influence of their peers and media, which often portray cannabis as harmless.

In fact, the DrugAbuse.com survey found that 59% of respondents had been exposed to pro-cannabis messages on social media.

The Risks of Cannabis Use

While cannabis may be legal in some states, it is important to remember that it is not without risks. Here are some potential side effects and risks associated with cannabis use:.

1. Impaired driving

Driving under the influence of cannabis can impair your ability to operate a vehicle, which can lead to accidents and injuries.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cannabis can slow reaction time, impair judgment, and cause problems with coordination and perception of time and distance.

2. Addiction

Like any drug, cannabis has the potential for addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, around 9% of people who use cannabis will become addicted.

This number increases to 17% for those who start using in their teens, and 25-50% for those who use it daily.

3. Mental health concerns

Cannabis use has been linked to a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and psychotic symptoms.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, young people who use cannabis may be at increased risk of developing mental illness.

4. Academic performance

Cannabis use can also have negative effects on academic performance. A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that students who used cannabis had lower GPA scores and were more likely to drop out of high school.

Conclusion

The results of the DrugAbuse.com survey highlight the need for greater education around cannabis use. While it may be legal in some states, it is important to remember that it is not without risks.

Educating young people about these risks is crucial to ensure they make informed decisions about drug use.