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Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame
Marijuana-induced psychosis and impaired accidents are a very real thing, and users who haven't gone to the ER or psychiatry for it (yet) will wax poetic about its benefits and how its harmless. Repeated, sustained exposure to it does create an additional pressure on our healthcare system.
However, when you look at how accepted alcohol is and the damaging effects it has on society, marijuana is relatively "safer" in a nutshell. However, it is not risk-free by any means, nor have we seen how it would impact society on a mass scale with increased and regular usage, a very likely scenario of legalization.
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The psychosis is generally not psychosis and the actual danger is twofold (according to peer reviewed university biopsych research)
1. Between the ages of 18-22 is the most common time for someone to exhibit signs of schizophrenia, usually a longterm debilitating ailment. There is a correlation between cannabis use and schizophrenia being unlocked in genetically susceptible individuals. Meaning those with a family history of psychological illness should stay away from it especially before 25 years old.
2. The human brain changes neuroplasticly (ie physical changes to the cerebral cortex) until around 19-20. Individuals that smoke before this age show lowered IQ because the brain development is altered.
These are the two major negative aspects of cannabis. The rest is situational and debatable. The lazy, stupid unmotivated emotional stoner stereotype is usually a reflection of other lifestyle choices (e.g.sitting on the couch and playing video games all day turns your brain to mush high or not high).