The use of marijuana negatively affects academic performance and personal achievements. Studies conducted in schools show that one of the reasons students drop out of school is marijuana addiction (Kalivas & Volkow 5). Approximately 6.5% of students included in the study admitted to taking marijuana every day (Kalivas & Volkow 5). One of the effects of marijuana use is the deterioration of cognitive functions that can occur immediately after consumption or days later. This means that some students function at a lower cognitive level than their actual abilities when the effects of marijuana have not worn off (Kalivas & Volkow 5). For daily marijuana users, this constitutes a significant period. Severe effects usually wear off after some time. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay However, it is still not recommended to take marijuana because frequent use can lead to long-term cognitive problems, especially for those who started using it as teenagers (Kalivas and Volkow 5). When a student is unable to learn, even if temporarily, it ultimately affects their grades and may prevent them from achieving their desired goals. Marijuana use is closely related to poor grades. Some studies suggest that it is not possible to reverse the long-term cognitive impairment effects of marijuana even when you stop using it (Kalivas & Volkow 5). These effects can only become subtle. The fact that marijuana use affects the brain and interferes with memory and attention may contribute to poor academic grades. When marijuana use and dependence continues, one may have a lower or no source of income, lower socioeconomic status, criminal acts, and become dissatisfied with life (Kalivas & Volkow 5). It's understandable why marijuana use is a controversial topic. Some people believe that it is useful and may have good reason to do so, especially if they take it for medicinal purposes. For example, cancer patients know how vital marijuana is because it relieves them of the severe pain they feel. Even HIV patients can support its consumption because it helps them regain their appetite. However, the fact that marijuana has some negative effects cannot be ignored. A society with frequent marijuana users is a society prone to high accident rates, low academic achievement, people living unfulfilled lives, premature deaths caused by hallucinations or psychotic episodes or traffic accidents, and possibly high cases of cancer. The disadvantages of marijuana use and addiction far outweigh its benefits. Marijuana should be used by patients only on prescription, but not for recreational purposes because it is harmful to individuals and society as a whole.