Marijuana abuse is one of the most widespread problems in the United States. Marijuana is illegal in most states, except for medical use due to its  function as a narcotic. Marijuana abuse can cause people to become forgetful, unambitious and can cost a lot of money.

Statistics on marijuana abuse show that the abuse of this drug is a frightening and rising thing in the United States. Marijuana abuse can result from easy access. It is often grown for money, and can be sold at a high price, which gives a profit to the dealer. This is especially prevalent in California, where marijuana is the most widely grown.Because marijuana abuse is illegal, even simply possessing the drug can lead to prison time. The majority of people arrested for marijuana-related crimes have been arrested simply for possessing it. However, the real issue lies in the fact that many people who abuse this drug often lead an ultimate life of severe substance abuse.

The United Nations estimates that roughly 141 million people around the world use marijuana on a regular basis. This is approximately 2.5% of the world population. When you consider that about half of that number will also experiment or have an issue with other drug addiction, it is simply staggering.

Marijuana abuse can start at a very young age – in the United States, teens from 12 to 17 years of age were asked about marijuana abuse, and the average age at which they begin using marijuana is 14. Getting teens into drug addiction treatment early is the best way to head off long term substance abuse.

People who engage in marijuana abuse often aren’t aware of what they’re putting in their bodies; marijuana has over 400 chemicals such as THC, and there are 60 of these chemicals which are only found in marijuana.
Marijuana abuse can cause a lack of coordination on driving tests and in other tasks requiring motor skills – marijuana affects this part of the brain in much the same way as alcohol does. For example, reaction time is reduced on an average of 41% after smoking one marijuana joint, and 63% after two.