Wiz Khalifa, “That’s 70’s Show”, and “Pineapple Express” all have a common factor: marijuana.  Commonly called bud, pot, or Mary Jane, marijuana is the most widely used illegal controlled substance in the world.

Here on campus, things are no different.

“It’s everywhere,” teacher Ginny Clark said.

A recent survey performed by the National Institute of Health found that more than 36 percent of people say they smoked marijuana within the previous year.

While the number of teenagers using marijuana has remained steady over the years, the perception of those that use the drug has changed.

“Back when I was in high school a lot of stoners would have a grungy and shaggy look about them,” school nurse Jeannie Haines said.

Movies often portray “pot heads” with stereotypes such as long hair, raggedy clothes, and surfer talk.  But in today’s world anybody can smoke.

“I can pick out some people who smoke because of what I’ve been told, other then that I would not have guessed,” sophomore Samantha Odom said.

As the years go by and the amount of students that are involved in drug use remains consistent, being a “druggie” becomes more socially acceptable in some circles.

But things weren’t always this way.

“When I was in high school pot was just coming into the playing field,” Haines said. “Anyone who had pot was a big bad person, only the bad and risky had access to it.”

Every high school is different and perceptions can change with time.

“Back then little groups and certain people smoked, you knew who the “druggies” were,” attendance clerk Judy Hise said.

Now with more and more teens using recreational drugs, many students aren’t surprised when they hear that their peers are getting high.

“It’s become more normal, it’s not as shocking and not a big deal,” freshman Sara Griffith said.

With that being said, marijuana does have risks. It slow reaction time, increases heart rate and makes a person feel “out of self”.  But those aren’t the only problems.

“When students are still developing, marijuana is a drug that interferes with the brains typical normal functions,” Haines said. “Any time anyone inhales anything there’s the risk of lung problems.”

Marijuana can’t kill a person, but it can ruin a persons future. Weed might not kill your body, but it can cause significant damage.

“I personally have known a couple of people who have abused marijuana and have not physically died but mentally have,” sophomore Clare Keil said.

The science backs up Keil’s first hand experience as research has shown “marijuana damages brain cells, and that this damage causes memory loss, cognitive impairment, and learning difficulties.”

In addition, studies have shown smoking is bad for the brain, and kills brain cells in teenagers that can’t be brought back.  This can sometimes result in a loss of up to 8 points in a person’s IQ.  

Teens have also been known to self medicate by abusing drugs.

“I don’t think people who smoke are bad, some smoke for medicinal purposes and some do it for a stress and pain reliever,” sophomore Olivia Ditmer said.

When the smoke settles, however, marijuana use is illegal and a misdemeanor ticket will be issued if somebody is caught with it. And depending on the situation, it might even be a felony with the charge staying on a person’s record forever.

“I know students smoke, I don’t take it personally, I don’t agree with their choices, I do think it’s a bad choice,” school resource office Mark Mitchell said.  “If I had to arrest someone I’d feel bad, but it’s my job.”