AP-Marijuana-Mental Health Officials: marijuana use can lead to mental health problems

WASHINGTON (AP) A warning today from government officials, scientists and mental health experts about the dangers they say marijuana poses to teens' mental health.

National Drug Control Policy director John Walters says there's growing evidence that marijuana use -- particularly during the teen years -- can lead to depression, thoughts of suicide, and schizophrenia. And he says the age at which children start smoking pot is a critical factor.

Officials pointed to a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It suggests adults who first used marijuana before age 12 were twice as likely to be classified as having serious mental illness in the past year as adults who first used toked up at age 18 or older.

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