Marijuana use negatively affects academic performance and personal success. Studies conducted in schools show that one of the reasons students drop out of school is marijuana addiction (Kalivas & Volkow 5). About 6.5% of the students included in the study admitted to using marijuana every day (Kalivas & Volkow 5). One of the effects of marijuana use is impaired cognitive function that may occur shortly after use or within a few days. This means that some students function at a cognitive level below their actual abilities when the effects of marijuana have not worn off (Kalivas & Volkow 5). For daily marijuana users, this represents a significant period of time. Serious effects usually disappear after a while. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get an original essay However, it is still not advisable to take marijuana, as frequent use can lead to long-term cognitive problems, especially for those who started using it as adolescents (Kalivas & Volkow 5). When a student is unable to learn, even if temporarily, it ultimately affects their grades and can prevent them from achieving their desired goals. Marijuana use is closely linked to poor grades. Some studies suggest that the long-term effects of marijuana on cognitive impairment cannot be reversed, even by stopping its use (Kalivas & Volkow 5). These effects can only become subtle. The fact that marijuana use affects the brain, interfering with memory and attention, can contribute to poor grades in school. When marijuana use and dependence continues, one may have a low or no source of income, lower socioeconomic status, criminal acts, and life dissatisfaction (Kalivas & Volkow 5). It's understandable that marijuana use is a controversial topic. Some people believe in the fact that it is useful and they may do so with reason, especially if they are taking it for medical purposes. For example, cancer patients know how vital marijuana is because it relieves them from the intense pain they experience. HIV patients can also support its consumption as it helps them regain their appetite. However, the fact that marijuana has certain adverse effects cannot be ignored. A society with frequent marijuana users is a society prone to high accident rates, poor academic performance, people living unfulfilled lives, premature deaths caused by hallucinations, psychotic episodes or accidents of the road and possibly high cases of cancer. The downsides of marijuana use and addiction far outweigh its benefits. Marijuana should only be used by patients under medical prescription, but not for recreational purposes, as it is harmful to individuals and society as a whole..