At the start of 2014, Colorado became the first state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana to users at least 21 years old, prompting nationwide debates on whether the drug’s use is safe and should be extended to other states. Before opinions regarding the new law are set in “stone,” it is important that people understand the scientific facts to clear the air of myths.

First off, the primary pro-legalization arguments center around the idea that marijuana is less harmful to the body than alcohol and actually has medical benefits. However, Science Daily has released a new Northwestern Medicine study showing severe brain deformities in heavy users that impair working memory and cause schizophrenia-like changes in the brain structure. These deficiencies can lead to poor academic performance and everyday functioning in addition to health risks expected from tobacco.

Another assertion from marijuana supporters is that marijuana is not addictive; “I can quit anytime” is not a strong enough reassurance to counter proven studies. Above the Influence, reports that marijuana definitely is addictive as it affects the reward centers of the brain preventing users from perceiving any negative impact. When under the grip of addiction, the mind will cling to any excuse to keep indulging in its’ bad habits.

Beyond all of this, there are obvious reasons marijuana should not be legalized which are mostly just common sense. Marijuana is an addictive drug–less addictive than others, but addictive none-the-less–without any immediate or long-term benefits. Whatever pro-legalization arguments are put forth, potential users should understand that nothing changes the fact that exposure to substances like marijuana will disorient the mind, lead to addiction, and–whether users will admit it or not–could serve as a gateway to harder drugs that are even more difficult to break away from.