Surprisingly, it is reported that nearly 40 percent of Americans over the age of 12 have tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime.

It is also considered the most commonly used illegal drug in the U.S. As time goes on, the pot is getting more potent and the number of users is sure to climb now that Michigan has approved the medical marijuana laws. Things like cotton mouth, high (red) eyes and the munchies are all classically known symptoms of the effects marijuana use has on our bodies, thanks to movies like Half Baked and '70s pot icons Cheech & Chong. However, what about the lesser talked about ways pot affects our body?

Your lungs take a huge beating if you are a pot smoker. Marijuana contains at least 50 percent more carcinogens than tobacco. In fact, smoking pot can create many of the same respiratory problems tobacco users have. Because pot is deeply inhaled and held (for a few moments), it exposes the lungs to carcinogens even more than the simple inhale/

exhale method of smoking tobacco. While there is no proof that marijuana causes cancer, there is irrefutable proof that marijuana causes a host of breathing issues such as chronic coughing, obstruction of airways, more lung infections and increased phlegm. In short, marijuana has the ability to wreak more havoc on the lungs than cigarettes!

Your heart can also suffer. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a study was done on the effects that marijuana abuse has on the heart. This study indicated that within the first hour of smoking pot your risk of a heart attack is quadrupled. The researchers speculated the reason being is that marijuana can increase blood pressure and heart rate.

Your brain functions also fall victim. Nobody can dispute the fact that pot plays a huge role in lack of motivation and memory loss, but did you know that it can actually make changes in the brain? These changes are very similar to those seen in other forms of drug abuse and can increase activity in your stress response system. Additionally, marijuana can cause problems with learning and retaining information, perception distortion and increase difficulty in problem solving.

There is also the argument of addiction. Is it really addictive or isn't it? Many pot advocates will probably plead the case that it's not habit forming. However, continual studies are leaning more towards yes, it is addictive. It has been reported by long-term users that when quitting one can experience depression, anxiety, cravings and irritability, all of which are classic symptoms of addiction.

Obviously, if you're an adult it is up to you to make an informed decision about whether or not you choose to smoke.

However, kids often do things without taking all of the consequences into consideration.

While marijuana is considered the least evil of drugs and addiction, there are great reasons for being concerned with the use by kids.

In 2007 there was a survey done by Monitoring the Future. They found out that 14.1 percent of 8th graders (yes, that's right - 8th graders) surveyed have used marijuana in their lifetime. They also discovered that 24.6 percent of 10th graders had used marijuana in the past year. And not to be outdone, 5.1 percent of the 12th graders they surveyed admitted to using marijuana on a daily basis.

No matter what your "smoking status" is, keep yourself aware. Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of pot smoking. Keep yourself on the lookout for signs in your kids and their friends because often birds of a feather do flock together. Also, inform yourself on the consequences and effects pot has on the body. Being informed will help you have an effective conversation with your child. Not only will it help them make good, educated choices for themselves, but it will help you do the same.