Smoking POT before 18 affects the brains of the users. (Over 18 ia ok)

http://www.thelatestnews.com/starting-age-of-marijuana-use-affects-users-brains/

The data was drawn from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 42 heavy users of marijuana, and noting when they took up the habit. Those who began smoking the psychoactive substance at a typical age of 13 years old showed the effect of cognitive decline; whereas those who started later showed a moderate effect of brain aging (thinner cortical thickness, so that their brains resembled the brains of people who were significant older). By heavy users, this meant at least once per week for a period of more than five years.

Speaking with Laboratory Roots, one of the lead researchers, Dr. Francesca Filbey said:

“Science has shown us that changes in the brain occurring during adolescence are complex. Our findings suggest that the timing of cannabis use can result in very disparate patterns of effects.”

The research was undertaken at the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas, Dallas. The research sends out a warning to teenagers not to start smoking marijuana too early, assuming they are tempted. The evidence of brain aging represents an avenue for future research and this carries wider implications for those who engage in the cannabis habit.