What are the potential health risks associated with cannabis use?

The potential health risks associated with cannabis use include impairment of cognitive functions and the risk of dependency. Cannabis has been shown to affect short-term memory, attention, and decision-making abilities, particularly in users who start consuming it at a young age or use it frequently. The psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, can lead to alterations in mood, coordination, and reaction time, which may impair tasks that require critical thinking and attention.

Additionally, regular and heavy use of cannabis can increase the risk of developing a dependency. This can manifest as a need to consume the substance to feel normal, leading to withdrawal symptoms when not using it. Research indicates that dependency rates can vary but are generally higher among those who start using in adolescence and due to the increasing potency of cannabis products available today.

The other options fail to accurately represent the potential health risks. Positive effects on cognitive function and increased productivity and focus do not reflect the well-documented risks associated with cannabis use. Similarly, the assertion that there are no significant health risks overlooks the evidence surrounding cognitive impairment and dependency issues. Understanding these health risks is critical for promoting responsible use and informed discussions about cannabis.