Teens who engage in smoking marijuana are at risk for what?

Teens who engage in smoking marijuana face an increased likelihood of using cocaine, among other substances. This connection arises from the patterns of substance use and the gateway theory, which suggests that the use of less harmful drugs can lead to the use of more dangerous ones. Research indicates that adolescents who use marijuana may be more likely to experiment with other illicit drugs, including cocaine, as they develop a tolerance or seek new experiences. The social environments where marijuana is used often include other drug use, further enabling this transition.

The other options do not reflect the established relationships found in psychological and sociological studies regarding substance use. For instance, while marijuana use might affect personality traits over time, such as levels of extroversion or introversion, it does not directly correlate with an increased likelihood of becoming more introverted. Additionally, while some individuals may misuse prescription drugs, this is not a definitive or direct consequence of marijuana use. Similarly, there is no evidence to suggest that marijuana leads to improved academic performance; in fact, studies often show the opposite trend, highlighting potential negative impacts on cognitive and academic outcomes.