Recent surveys have found that the majority of Canadians believe that marijuana should be decriminalized. Most believe mild marijuana use is harmless, which worries Amy Porath-Waller, senior research and policy analyst for the Canadian Center on Substance Abuse.

“Porath-Waller said chronic marijuana use can cause neuro-cognitive impairment such as memory and retention loss as well as mental health problems like psychosis, depression and anxiety. And because cannabis is often smoked unfiltered in larger puffs with longer breath-holding, it can also lead to respiratory problems and possibly lung cancer, she said.” [Source: Toronto Sun]

Because chronic marijuana use can affect cognitive development, it can also indirectly affect academic and vocational achievement.

Labels: health_problems, marijuana, brain_chemistry

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton