SMOKING GRASS HARMFUL TO TEEN'S ATTENTION, LEARNING, AND HEALTH

Dear Gary:

My stepmother invaded my privacy by going through my room. If that
wasn't bad enough, she found some marijuana and a pipe. Now I am in
all kinds of trouble with her and my father. Yes, I do smoke grass,
but it is not a big deal. I'm 16 and a half years old I go to school
every day and am doing fine. The grass helps me relax and concentrate
better. When I am with my friends we like to smoke and hang out. I'm
not hurting anyone and I don't see why my dad and stepmom are making
such a big deal out of this.

They think I am some kind of "junkie" or something. Can you tell them
to back off?

Busted in Loveland

Dear Busted in Loveland:

Thanks for sending your question. I'm not sure you are going to like
what I have to say to you. First of all, your parents have the right,
as long as you are under their roof, to check in your room. Now that
they have found marijuana in your room, you can expect them to check
your room often until trust is built back up.

I know that you feel that your smoking grass is harmless and that it
makes you feel better. My research found otherwise. We know much more
today about the damaging effects of using marijuana.

You should know that using marijuana affects the functioning of your
brain. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, heavy or
daily use of marijuana adversely affects the parts of the brain that
control memory, attention, and learning.

By using marijuana, you and your friends may have increased anxiety,
panic attacks, and depression. In addition, you should know that
marijuana contains the same cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco
smoke and that smoking marijuana can develop the same breathing
problems that cigarette smokers have: coughing and wheezing, more
chest colds, and a greater risk of lung infections like pneumonia.

Judging by your question, I would bet you are using marijuana often.
That worries me because we know that marijuana can be addictive. If
you are using daily or close to that, you have developed a habit. I
suggest you level with your parents and ask them to get you some help.

You may think smoking grass is not hurting you, but it is. I am not
naive enough to think that you will change your behavior based on my
advice. That is why you have parents. It's their job to try to keep
you safe. What seems unfair and invasive to you is their way of
helping you get back on a better road.

Good luck.