- Myth: Marijuana is Harmless:
Truth: Well it can’t kill you—but it certainly isn’t risk free. Regular marijuana use has been associated with long term problems, including poor academic performance, memory loss, and lung cancer. It is especially toxic to the developing teenage brain—it can lead to panic attacks, depression, and increased anxiety, not to mention a decrease in IQ points (as many as 6 points with ongoing daily use!).
- Myth: Marijuana is Not Addictive
Truth: More teens enter treatment each year with marijuana as the main substance being abused. Marijuana is addictive, as it meets the criteria for substance dependence established by the American Psychiatric Association.
- Myth: Marijuana isn’t as Bad as Cigarettes
Truth: Pot actually contains many of the same cancer causing chemicals found in tobacco.
Puff for puff, smoking marijuana may increase your risk for cancer more than smoking
tobacco. Marijuana smoke contains more than 400 chemicals!
- Myth: Driving High is Safer Than Driving Drunk
Truth: Hardly–Marijuana even in moderate doses affects many of the essential skills required for safe driving, such as: alertness, concentration, perception, coordination, and reaction time. Research shows that 1 in 5 crash victims under the age of 18 tested positive for marijuana.
- Myth: I Can Smoke Pot and Still Get Straight A’s
Truth: Well anything is possible—but there has been a lot of research done which states the opposite. Research shows that heavy marijuana use may be especially problematic during a teens’ peak learning years, when the brain is still developing, particularly because smoking pot impairs your ability to concentrate and retain information.
Source: Marijuana Myths and Facts: The Truth Behind Popular Misperceptions
ONDCP and NIDA