Marijuana Awareness Month takes place every February and aims to spread knowledge about the negative effects of marijuana use. Several surveys carried out in the U.S. reveal that millions of people use marijuana, making it the most widely used illicit drug in the country. Marijuana use is on the rise in the U.S., causing a rise in addiction too. The popularity of the drug is a result of the perceived myth that the drug is harmless because of its recent legalization in some states.
Where does marijuana come from and how it effects the body in a negative way:
Marijuana is made from the hemp plant, cannabis Sativa, containing the psychoactive chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other related compounds. Inhalation (smoking) is the most common method of cannabis consumption including joints, pipes, blunts, bowls, bongs, dabs, and vaporizers. Food products can also be made with cannabis as well as sprays and pills.
Effects can include lack of balance and coordination, distorted senses, increased appetite, impaired judgment, elevated heart rate, anxiety, etc. Dangers of marijuana include: anxiety, loss of motivation, impaired short-term memory and learning, slowed thinking and reactions, and addiction.
The legalization of marijuana varied drastically between states as of 2025, with some lawmakers approving its use entirely, others allowing its use only for medical conditions, and some still punishing possession of the drug by a prison sentence.
Thirty-eight states had it legalized for medical use at first and than as of 2026 have it legalized in 40 states for medical usage and in 24 states for recreational use; this in the end is allowing many Americans to have access to marijuana, also known as weed, in one way or another if they are over the age of 21.
February is still Marijuana Awareness Month. Marijuana is a hot button topic in America these days. While it is still illegal for recreational use in many areas, a few states have legalized it. It is up to us to continue medical research, and create awareness around those results, to form our own opinions. Making blind assumptions about any kind of medicine or drug is dangerous, so get out there and know your facts!
What Marijuana can do to the body! The CDC states the following:
Regarding the Brain – Cannabis use directly affects brain function—specifically the parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning, attention, decision making, coordination, emotions, and reaction time. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol which is the primarypsychoactive compound in marijuana.
Regarding the Heart – Cannabis can make the heart beat faster and raise blood pressure immediately after use. It could also lead to increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and other vascular diseases.
Regarding Driving – Cannabis, like alcohol, negatively affects several skills required for safe driving. You can choose not to drive—and remind your friends and family to do the same—after using cannabis.
- It can slow reaction time and ability to make decisions.
- Cannabis can impair coordination and distort perception.
- The use of multiple substances (such as cannabis and alcohol) at the same time can increase impairment.
- Some studies have shown an association between cannabis use and car crashes; however, more research is needed.
- It can slow reaction time and ability to make decisions.
- Cannabis can impair coordination and distort perception.
- The use of multiple substances (such as cannabis and alcohol) at the same time can increase impairment.
- Some studies have shown an association between cannabis use and car crashes; however, more research is needed.
Regarding your lungs – Smoked cannabis, regardless of how it is smoked, can harm lung tissues and cause scarring and damage to small blood vessels.
