As the legalization of marijuana gains momentum, more data pours in that is NOT good news. Here are some of the findings:

Sometimes, marijuana is addictive. If you begin as a teen, you have a higher chance of developing an addiction. According to the National Institute of Drug Use, about 9% who experiment will become addicted. The risk rises to 17% if you are in your teens when you begin using.

One of the problems is that today’s marijuana is much more potent than pot of the 1970s. Thus, more people are getting in to car accidents and overdosing. And if you get your hit from cookies or food, the impact is often felt later, causing people to consume more because they don’t feel the immediate effects.

Furthermore, the developing brain doesn’t do well with pot. This includes all people under the age of 25. Researchers point to a specific decline in IQ and cognitive functioning. Judgment is impaired and teens take more risks.

Also, consider the association of pot smoking and  a variety of lung problems–inflammation of the airways, chronic bronchitis, and an increase risk of respiratory infections and pneumonia.

Right now, the news isn’t good. We are adding another health issue to an already growing problem with other drugs including alcohol. So, if you haven’t tried pot, don’t. Just because it is legal, doesn’t mean it is harmless!