Frontal Cortex and Marijuana don’t seem to reflect a harmonious relationship. As difficult as it may be, parents must be the anti–drug and provide information to their teens regarding the short and long term effects of marijuana on the brain’s Frontal Cortex. This area of the brain continues to develop well into the persons twenties. The frontal lobes are responsible for decision making, judgment and reasoning and realization of long term consequences. Marijuana or more specifically tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) slows blood flow to theses areas affecting functioning in an already slow developing process. Many teens that live just for today and fail to accept or have the foresight for long term consequences will find it even more challenging after smoking weed.

Frontal Cortex and Marijuana consumption can lead to other problems. The person that smokes marijuana often becomes involved in risky behavior as a result of impaired judgment and difficulty with making serious decisions. They have problems with short term memory and reduced inhibitions which lead to other problems. Proponents of legalizing Marijuana argue that it does not lead to other drug use. With the impairment listed above it should be obvious how marijuana leads to the use of other drugs.

Parents have to be on the front lines of this anti-drug champagne because they should be the first to recognize the symptoms. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has reported that to date more than 656,000 people have entered drug rehab centers with marijuana as their primary addiction.