Marijuana Use in Teens may Decrease IQ: Study

Marijuana continues to be a controversial topic as more states accept the medical and recreational use of the drug. Yet what's going on in the mind of young users? Though many have written marijuana off as a relatively harmless drug, a recent study shows that smoking this drug, particularly for teens, could lower IQ. 

Researchers from the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that the effects of smoking the drug tended to persist long after a user stopped. For instance, the immediate effect of the drug--such as impaired critical thinking and memory--could last for days in some cases.

Marijuana can also greatly increase the risk of a car accident, particularly when combined with alcohol, according to the study findings. Extended use of the drug can even impair long-term cognitive function in some individuals, as well. 

"It is important to alert the public that using marijuana in the teen years brings health, social, and academic risk," said lead author and NIDA director Dr. Nora D. Volkow, according to The Daily Mail.

"Physicians in particular can play a role in conveying to families that early marijuana use can interfere with crucial social and developmental milestones and can impair cognitive development."

What do you think?