Are teenagers going to pot? According to a myriad mid 1990s studies by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Office of Applied Sciences, the unanimous answer is, YES.

Accordingly, you need to pay attention to the following facts. The facts will dispel any remaining myth that marijuana is a harmless drug.

Marijuana, (aka pot, kryp, ganja, weed, blunt, joint, grass, reefer, kif and skunk) is the most frequently abused illegal drug in the United States. Approximately 10 million people currently are abusing marijuana. Among teens ages 12-17 the average age of first contact with marijuana is 14.

Nearly 50 percent of teenagers try marijuana before high school graduation. Approximately 21 percent of 10th grade and 24 percent of 12th grade marijuana abusers report themselves as, "frequent" users.

The data suggests that those of you who are ingesting marijuana by the time you reach 10th grade will likely be doing so in your senior year of high school. Given the research findings, it is important for you (and your parents) to recognize the adverse effects of marijuana, particularly its most active and dangerous ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

A cluster of tell-tale signs of even minimal marijuana abuse indicate cardiac (heart) and central nervous systems (brain and spinal cord) involvement. The symptom cluster includes, bloodshot eyes, decreased coordination, distractibility, dizziness, fatigue, inappropriate silliness and giggling, impaired judgment and mild to moderate short-term memory loss.

More significant adverse effects (particularly with increased quantities or more potent forms of marijuana) include acne, delayed reaction time, hallucinations, hypertension, irrational thinking, moderate to severe depression, mood swings, rapid heart rate, significant loss of coordination, severe memory impairment and THC intoxication. These side effects are particularly dangerous and destructive to cardiac and cortical (brain) tissue.

The frequent or continuous ingestion of marijuana creates the two elements of (physical) addiction: Tolerance and Abstinence Syndrome. Tolerance exists when the marijuana abuser instinctively ingests greater quantities of the substance and yearns for increasingly potent forms of the drug, to effect a similar or enhanced "high." Abstinence Syndrome arises when marijuana ingestion is discontinued. Most notable characteristics of Abstinence Syndrome are agitation, increased appetite (munchies), chronic bronchitis, elevated weight, frustration intolerance, headache, impulsivity, paranoia, and toxic cravings for more potent drugs. Craving establishes the factual basis that, marijuana is a "gateway" drug.

So, in view of this information, you now know the scientifically established facts. Marijuana is an addictive drug. Marijuana does adversely impact heart and brain tissue. Marijuana can lead you to other, more dangerous and highly addictive drugs. Marijuana hampers concentration and short-term recall. As such, marijuana does not help your ability to study.

To quote a popular adage; "if you are abusing drugs—stop, if you haven’t started using drugs—don’t." Parents, do whatever you have to in order to get between your child and drugs.

Until next time, send your comments, ideas and inquiries to: Dr. Robert Hersh, PO. Box 43-2243. Miami, FL 33243.