Researchers report marijuana use among teenagers is up nearly 250% since the year 2000, and teens are turning to marijuana over alcohol — neither of which is good for developing brains.

Below is a recent report from WGGB News out of Massachusetts.

growing body of scientific evidence reveals that marijuana is harmful.

Researchers have found teens who use marijuana are 11 times more likely to develop a psychotic disorder.

Marijuana use is closely linked with depression and bipolar disorder and higher rates of schizophrenia in young men.

A recent study by the American Heart Association found that marijuana users face increased risk of heart attack and stroke compared to non-users.

Women who often smoke marijuana are at significantly higher risk of death from heart disease compared to women who do not use marijuana.

Marijuana smoke contains toxins and carcinogens similar to tobacco smoke.

Right now the group Arkansans for Patient Access is actively working to drastically expand marijuana in Arkansas.

The group has until July 5 to collect 90,704 petition signatures from registered voters to place the marijuana amendment on the ballot.

If passed, the amendment would give free marijuana cards to immigrants and out-of-state residents who come to Arkansas to use marijuana.

The amendment would guarantee marijuana growers and sellers a monopoly over the state’s marijuana industry.

Marijuana users would no longer need to show they suffer from a specific medical condition listed in state law — making it easier to use marijuana recreationally.

The measure also fails to limit the amount of THC that marijuana products can contain, and it repeals restrictions on marijuana advertising.

All of this would lead to more marijuana in the state.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.