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so there is no really good way to go about it, but one place to start is to make sure that he knows the facts about the drug that he may or may not be smoking.

Initially, marijuana's side effects may seem minimal. Short term side effects may include: problems with memory and learning, distorted perception (sights, sounds, time, touch), trouble with thinking and problem-solving, loss of coordination, and increased heart rate. These side effects of marijuana become exaggerated when the user takes additional drugs such as alcohol and cocaine. There are many long term side effects due to marijuana use that are detrimental to the users health.

Individuals who use marijuana on a regular basis may develop cancer, breathing problems, and problems with their immune system. It is hard to know for certain whether repeated use of marijuana causes cancer, but it is well known that it contains some of the same if not more or the cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Studies show that those who smoke five marijuana joints a day maybe taking in as many cancer-causing chemicals as an individual who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day. Imagine now, individuals who smoke marijuana and cigarettes are doubling their chances at developing cancer.

Those who smoke marijuana frequently often develop similar types of breathing problems as those who smoke cigarettes. Side effects such as coughing, wheezing, and chest colds are not uncommon with habitual users. Additionally, they are more susceptible to contracting lung infections such as pneumonia due to their deteriorated lungs. The THC in marijuana may increase the users risk of developing infections. This is because the THC inhibits normal disease-preventing reactions that are necessary to fight infections.

Marijuana's side effects also vary depending on the sex of the user. In males, marijuana typically affects parts of the bran that control the sex and growth hormones. This may mean a decrease in testosterone levels. Habitual use of marijuana can also decrease sperm count, in addition to increasing abnormal and immature sperm. The side effects of marijuana in women as includes effecting the part of the brain which controls hormones. These hormones determine the sequence of the females menstrual cycle and may lead to irregular periods. This particular side effect is reversible, but may take several months of not smoking marijuana before the female users menstrual cycle becomes normal again.

Typical Marijuana Side Effects:

Enhanced cancer risk

Decrease in testosterone levels and lower sperm counts for men

Increase in testosterone levels for women and increased risk of infertility

Diminished or extinguished sexual pleasure

Psychological dependence requiring more of the drug to get the same effect

Sleepiness

Difficulty keeping track of time, impaired or reduced short-term memory

Reduced ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination,

such as driving a car

Increased heart rate

Potential cardiac dangers for those with preexisting heart disease

Bloodshot eyes

Dry mouth and throat

Decreased social inhibitions

Paranoia, hallucinations

Impaired or reduced short-term memory

Impaired or reduced comprehension

Altered motivation and cognition, making the acquisition of new information difficult

Paranoia

Psychological dependence

Impairments in learning and memory, perception, and judgment - difficulty

speaking, listening effectively, thinking, retaining knowledge, problem solving,

and forming concepts

Intense anxiety or panic attacks

People who use, commonly think there is nothing wrong with it, and that there is nothing wrong with them while they are high. I used in my past, and now, much smarter, realize that it was such a waste of my life.

Talk to your son, hopefully your relationship has been fairly open when it comes to communication and that he wont just pull back and rebell furth. Good Luck!