Kaylee Davis
Writer
With the world forever changing and problems seeming to
continuously pile on, people all across the country have looked
for some type of solution to the stress that comes with it.
Described as an amazing cure to chronic pain, anxiety and
depression with absolutely no side effects, many Americans
turn to uncontrolled substances as a solution.
Unlike the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved
medical marijana that is grown and processed to include no
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), recreational Cannabis goes

through no regulations, meaning it could give symptoms rang-
ing anywhere from mood swings to hallucinations.

These issues seem to come out of nowhere, developing in

one in four users with no history of mental illness, and often-
times continue long term after usage stops.

The backlash this causes is often more severe within young-
er users, as their brain is more susceptible to harm.

According to a 2017 study completed by the National Cen-
ter for Drug Abuse Statistics, 78 million Americans reported

using Marijuana in the past, with 55 million Americans using
it regularly.
With the growing number of people using illegal substances
for recreational use, it brings up the question of why people
begin using them in the first place.
According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, most teens
start taking drugs for one of four reasons: to settle curiosity,

to relax, to fight negative feelings or to fit it with other social
groups.

The article further states that, unlike these seemingly posi-
tive results, cannabis can lead to the exact opposite of this.

Some warning signs of Cannabis usage include loss of inter-
est, poorer academic performance and social withdrawal.

As a plan to discourage students from and educate students

on the dangers of this drug, MHS showed all students an edu-
cational video about the effects in early December.

This video, by Dr. Drew Pinsky, broke down the issues that
are caused by usage as well as the shocking amount of rising
use.
High school principal Bryan Brantley sent the video out to
teachers because of the recent increases occurring.
“I feel that it is our responsibility to educate our students
on not just academic studies, but also certain health and safety
issues that become a problem,” Brantley said. “It does affect
student behavior, initiative, drive and performance,”

Though the idea of quitting may seem intimidating, addic-
tion is not something that has to be permanent.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, individuals are encour-
aged to begin by finding ways to treat any underlying prob-
lems they may have, these treatments range anywhere from

evaluating life choices to seeking professional help.
Afterwards, people are encouraged to make a quitting plan
that works for them and to stay determined to complete their
goals.
Though it is still a growing issue, action will continue being
taken to lower and prevent the use of unregulated cannabis.