Recently, marijuana has been approved for medical use in the state of California. However, this does not mean anyone can claim to have a medical condition and request marijuana for treatment. Under California state law, only certain conditions warrant the legal prescription of medical marijuana. A doctor makes decisions about who can and who cannot use medical marijuana are made on a case-by-case basis.
In addition, Proposition 64 made the recreational use of marijuana legal in the state of California. The law states that adults over the age of 21 may use, possess and share cannabis, as well as grow it at home in the state of California. However, It’s still illegal to use marijuana and operate a vehicle, boat, aircraft, or any other such vessel.1
The Problem with Legalization
While some people might consider the legalization of marijuana usage a good thing, others believe it will actually cause more harm than good. Since marijuana is legal to use, some people will fail to recognize the negative consequences of marijuana usage.
While this poses a real danger to all people who use marijuana without being aware of its potential drawbacks, the effects can be particularly devastating to young adults. In 2015, more than 11 million young adults ages 18 to 25 used marijuana in the past year.2
Young people are naturally curious, so they are more likely to experiment with drugs. This is especially true if teens are regularly exposed to drugs or if their peers or others in their environment use drugs—even for medical purposes. Those who use marijuana are more likely to be involved in:
- Risky sexual activity
- Participate in crime
- Driving under the influence
- Other harmful, sometimes even fatal, behaviors
The Effects of Marijuana
While marijuana might seem harmless, it is actually anything but safe. There are many consequences and negative effects associated with marijuana use. They include:
- Decreased overall life satisfaction
- Higher risk of mental health problems
- Higher risk of physical health problems
- Relationship problems
- Difficulties with work or school
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Coughing
- Chest illnesses
- Lung infections
- Increased risk of certain types of cancer
- Addiction
Marijuana Is Addictive
While marijuana may not be physically addictive like heroin or methamphetamine, a person can become reliant on any behavior. For example, shopping addiction and food addiction are common examples of addictions that occur without the person being physically dependent. Some studies even conclude that marijuana is physically addictive as marijuana users experience significant physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug.
The fact remains, however, that whether marijuana addiction is physical, mental, or both, marijuana use is dangerous and unsafe. For this reason, it is important that you encourage your loved one to get help if he or she is regularly abusing marijuana.
Getting Help in California
Because many California residents view marijuana as harmless, finding a local treatment facility that offers treatment for marijuana addiction can be challenging. Here at Michael’s House in Southern California, we offer comprehensive care for marijuana dependence. We understand your struggles and have seen proven results from our marijuana treatment program. Please call 760.548.4032 now for more information. Today can be the day you decide to move past drug addiction and live a sober life.
Sources
1 Steinmetz, Katy. "California Legalizes Marijuana: Everything You Need to Know." Time. Time, 9 Nov. 2016. Web. 02 Aug. 2017.
2 "Marijuana." National Institute on Drug Abuse. N.p., Feb. 2017. Web. 02 Aug. 2017.
