From Deseret News archives:
Marijuana use is 'depressing'
According to a new analysis by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy of about a dozen studies on marijuana use, teens who use marijuana increase their risk of developing mental disorders by 40 percent. Teens who use marijuana at least once a month over a year are three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than nonusers. Teen girls who use marijuana daily are five times more likely to develop depression than girls who do not use it.
Worse yet, this is not your father's marijuana. Today's marijuana is at least twice as potent as it was in the mid-1980s, according to studies sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Some research shows that the higher potency of marijuana may contribute to an increase in the number of American teens seeking treatment for marijuana dependence.
Somehow, Americans need to move away from the thinking that marijuana is the stuff of youthful experimentation. For far too long, marijuana has been viewed differently from other narcotics. For many years, marijuana use was parodied in popular culture.
This analysis raises other questions, however. Why are so many teens depressed? What can be done to assist them so they do not turn to illegal drugs or alcohol to self-medicate? What can be done to further break down the stigma of undergoing mental health treatment for conditions that respond well to therapy and prescription medication?
Left to their own devices, youths can make poor choices when they attempt to self-medicate their way out of depression or other mental illness. Alcohol and narcotics are no solution. They're a means to a more desperate predicament, if not death.
Recent comments
yes... depressed people that self medicate rather than seeking...
Chris Plummer | May 12, 2008 at 12:34 p.m.
Notice that none of the comments agree with the editorial. People who...
Larry Bergan | May 11, 2008 at 5:24 p.m.
Everything in moderation... including moderation.
Anonymous | May 10, 2008 at 7:03 p.m.
- NFL: Titans win with field goal 11:06 p.m.
- Afghan policy could be a tough sell 11:05 p.m.
- World datelines 11:05 p.m.
- 24 killed in Philippines massacre 11:03 p.m.
- China: Coal mine was too crowded 10:59 p.m.
- NHL roundup: Crosby lifts Pens 10:57 p.m.
- Israel, Hamas near prisoner deal 10:57 p.m.
- Suffocations prompt crib recall 10:57 p.m.
- Photos: Season of sharing, giving 10:38 p.m.
- Correction: town hall meetings 10:35 p.m.
- Real Champions
- Bronco, Kyle rubber match
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
- BYU's Lamb, Jorgensen reprimanded
- Plenty on line for rivalry game
- Time for big matchups in WAC, MWC
- BCS at-large bids up for grabs
- Hall, Johnson matchup key
- Is talking about religion taboo?
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
212 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
195 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - BYU records with win
132 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
132 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
130 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
110 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
103 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99
I know Mya is the best dancer but Donny is our family favorite and has been...
Olympus not just beat provo. they will CRUSH provo.
Easiest way to fix the BCS. Have the Big 10 (Notre Dame) & Pac 10 (Utah & CU)...
"We like BYU and they've been a great partner over the years."
The 41-40 Cyprus/Kearns game!!! Come on Desnews you need to open your eyes!!!
Olympus has more talent than anyone this year. They have the best shooter in...
Kellie was adorable but Donny really was a show stopper!
re: Simple Test | 2:04 p.m. Nov. 23, 2009 [Know why I'm confident that...
I wish he would stop shooting so many threes!! I was at this game and it...
About a mile down Pinnacle Peak from the site of the proposed new temple,...

