Why I Don't Smoke Weed
By Whitney, age 16, New Jersey
When you smoke weed it affects you in more than one way. In Seventeen it says it's like you're smoking five cancer causing cigarettes. Also, it affects your mind because it makes your thinking slower. That's not good, especially if you drive, because it causes accidents. And it can be very addicting because getting high is all you can think about. And how can you pass those mid-terms if your mind is on something else?
Weed can make you gain weight and cause acne. And who wants a harsh cough all the time and not be able to breathe when it's a hundred degrees outside? Once you mess your lungs up you will always have breathing problems. How can you play sports if you get tired in the game easily? Or, if you have a job and your boss needs a drug test, how will you have a job if it's on your record? Who wants bloodshot red eyes for school? You know, a teacher can find out because you're loud and out of your normal character. Then you get arrested or suspended. What's more, the smell gets in your hair and clothes.
Be above the influence like me. If your friends have drugs, don't be around it because it can be very tempting to try it. I had lots of people who wanted to sell me some, but I said no because I didn't know how to smoke it. And they knew I'd never had it so they would probably cheat me out of my money. Hang with friends who don't smoke because who wants to hang out with tired friends all the time? If they see you not doing it they may stop as well. :)
