The Effects Of Marijuana On Young Minds

What are the effects of marijuana on young minds? Ask a few parents of teenagers who have a marijuana problem, and you will probably get similar answers. Never mind what some authorities say, just listen to the sorrow in their voice.

Certainly, there are varying degrees of marijuana use. For some people it is minimal, with minimal side effects. Others might get caught up in a short-term summer fling of sorts. Then there are those who smoke it every single day, often several times a day. Probably none of these groups would even recognize that they had a habit.

For a parent to watch their once bright-eyed, inquisitive, curious, helpful, considerate child become a pot-head, the pain is heartbreaking. It is like watching a beautiful flower wilt a little more everyday. This is a lot different than the flower children of my youth!

The 60's were a unique time of awakening. They were mostly innocent times, plus the marijuana today is up to 25 times more potent! The effects of marijuana are much different today, as is our culture.

What are some of the negative effects of marijuana?

• Indifference. Those precious childhood interests are dropped, as are the relationships. These things are no longer cool, so they become worthless. School becomes almost meaningless, it is almost torture to wait for class to end. The thought of getting high is always buzzing in the thoughts.

• Lack of motivation. It is like the engine is gone, there is so little drive, so little enthusiasm for the little or big things in life. Maybe hacky-sack or Frisbee.

• Poor stewardship. Personal possessions are neglected. Things get lost. Items are borrowed, but never returned, and when they are they might be damaged. This is one of the most frustrating effects of marijuana.

• Forgetting things. Maybe they forget to pick up their brother at soccer practice and he is left sitting for two hours. They miss appointments, lose things.

• Endless alibis and lies to cover up. Because there are more important things to do, like getting high, something must give. So, other people get neglected, responsibilities are overlooked, all so the hunger can be fed. Because it is illegal, marijuana use must usually be done in secret.

• Lethargy. A lot like a lack of motivation, but a little more pervasive. Lots of sleeping in, lounging around (chillin'), the good ideas just never happen. You feel like poking them to see if they will react.

• Inability to concentrate. Well, they can concentrate on drawing intricate stoner pictures, or playing certain games, such as chess. But trying to do some practical work, forget it! Spaced out in the land of cannabis.

What can a parent do?

Never give up hope! For some teenagers, this phase passes and they blossom into wonderful adults. They might have a wasted year or two, but are able to rebound and catch up. Others, unfortunately, just have a very hard time growing out of their marijuana dependency. For these young minds, the effects of marijuana can be devastating.

The best thing is to act quickly and with love. They may act as thought they don't hear a word you are saying, but the feeling is absorbed. Every person is different, some respond to rules and submit to your demands for accountability. Others simply ignore you and do their own thing.

Ask for help. Ask your school guidance counselor for advice. They are well versed in this arena and have many resources available. There are many excellent family therapists who specialize in treating addictions. There are also some excellent ebooks available on the Internet, besides the bound books at your local bookstore.

More than anything, you must be there for the long haul. You may need to separate yourself for your own welfare, but you can still be there, on their side.

Never underestimate the addictive effects of marijuana. Many people take this lightly, and push for legalization, etc.. Yet, if you have ever been the heartbroken parent of a full-blown pothead, you would see things quite differently.

There is a very effective audio series that has helped many marijuana users to get free from their habit. It is called the Cannabis Coach Quit Smoking Guide.

This progam is guaranteed to work, or you money back. It was developed by a former marijuana addict and really works.