10 Facts About Marijuana

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Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the U.S. and the world, and was a well-established medicine until it was federally criminalized in 1937. A majority of Americans believe marijuana should be legally regulated.

Fact #1: Roughly 750,000 people are arrested for marijuana each year, the vast majority of them for simple possession, with racial minorities over-represented.

Fact #2: Most marijuana users never use any other illicit drug.

Fact #3: Increasing admissions for treatment are a reflection of the criminal justice system’s predominant role, rather than increasing rates of clinical dependence.

Fact #4: Marijuana potency is not related to risk of dependence or health impacts.

Fact #5: Marijuana can be good for mental health.

Fact #6: Marijuana can be protective against the formation of cancer.

Fact #7: Marijuana has been proven helpful for treating the symptoms of a variety of medical conditions. The body's endocannabinoid system may explain why.

Fact #8:  Rates of marijuana use among young people tend to DECREASE when a state adopts medical marijuana.

Fact #9:  Marijuana does not cause long-term cognitive impairment in adult users.

Fact #10: There is no compelling evidence that marijuana contributes substantially to traffic accidents and fatalities
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