It became a major political issue in 1968 and in the 70's, marijuana violations were prosecuted like never before (Gottfried). In 1970, the Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Control Act began to regulate marijuana. As years have gone on, the use of marijuana has increased (Marijuana). .
The use of marijuana has been believed to produce anxiety, fear, distrust, and or panic. Other complications that go along with the use of marijuana are the impairment of a person's ability to form memories and to focus and the disruption of a person's coordination and balance. Because of these complications, learning, doing complicated tasks, participating in athletics and driving are therefore affected. The use of marijuana has caused many disorders such as schizophrenia and psychosis. Studies have shown that chronic use can cause consistent alterations to the brain (Marijuana Use is Harmful). The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that it may affect thought, pleasure, time perception, concentration and coordination. N.I.D.A. states that the smoking of marijuana "can cause burning and stinging of the mouth and throat, often accompanied by a heavy cough" and that there is "a heightened risk of lung infections and a greater tendency to obstruct airways." Because of these affects and complications, it is believed that smoking may promote cancer of the respiratory tract and lungs and can even cause the chance of having a heart attack to quadruple. N.I.D.A. also believes that chronic smokers are more prone to having health problems and can even cause them to miss work and school due to the effects of use. Marijuana is also more likely to cause traffic accidents due to the lack of awareness while on the road. Recent studies have shown that marijuana users have a 30% higher chance of having an injury than a nonuser (Gottfried).
The Lancet, has written that the smoking of marijuana, even if it is long term, "is not harmful to health".