The use of marijuana can produce adverse physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral changes, and - contrary to popular belief - it can be addictive, according to Dr. Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.  A report issued by NIDA states that marijuana smoke, like cigarette smoke, can harm the lungs. The use of marijuana can impair short-term memory, verbal skills, and judgmentand distort perception.