Marijuana and Adolescents: Understanding the Risks

With the increasing legalization of marijuana across many states, it's important to understand the potential impact on adolescents. Adolescence is a critical period of development, marked by identity exploration, increased risk-taking, and significant brain maturation. This article explores the specific risks associated with marijuana use during these formative years.

The Developing Adolescent Brain: A Time of Vulnerability

Adolescence, extending up to approximately age 25, is a period of intense brain development. Areas responsible for judgment, problem-solving, and emotional regulation are still forming crucial connections. Marijuana use during this time can disrupt these developmental processes, potentially increasing a teen's vulnerability to:

• Psychotic thinking
• Depression
• Anxiety

Recent research indicates that teens who use marijuana face a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders compared to adults who begin using after age 25. Alarmingly, teenage marijuana use is at a 30-year high, with teens now more likely to use marijuana than tobacco.

The Impact of Increased THC Levels

Legalization has led to a significant increase in the THC content of marijuana. Since 1995, the average THC content has risen from 4% to 17%. High levels of THC can trigger psychotic symptoms, including:

• Paranoia
• Auditory and visual hallucinations
• Mood swings
• Difficulty communicating thoughts
• Magical thinking
• Odd thought patterns
• Restlessness

Some teens may exhibit a blunted affect or withdrawal as a result of marijuana use. Furthermore, the increased availability of high-THC products like edibles and vape pens poses a greater risk. Studies show that teens who use cannabis are 11 times more likely to develop a psychotic disorder than non-users. This risk is amplified for teens with a family history of mental illness or a history of trauma. Abstaining from marijuana may reduce the likelihood of triggering a genetic predisposition to these conditions. While some individuals may not experience lasting effects after ceasing marijuana use, others may develop lifelong illnesses like schizophrenia.

The Risk of Addiction: Cannabis Use Disorder

A common misconception is that marijuana is non-addictive. However, approximately 3 in 10 marijuana users develop cannabis use disorder. Any substance that impairs functioning and interacts with neurotransmitters has the potential for addiction. Individuals who begin using marijuana in their teens are 4-7 times more likely to develop cannabis use disorder than adults. This early use may also increase vulnerability to addiction to other substances later in life.

Signs of cannabis use disorder in teens include:

• Giving up important activities with friends and family
• Increased isolation
• Decline in school performance
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Withdrawal symptoms upon cessation (insomnia/hypersomnia, anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue, restlessness, decreased appetite, cravings)

Additional Risks Associated with Marijuana Use in Adolescents

Beyond addiction and mental health concerns, marijuana use can have other detrimental effects on developing teens:

• Lung Damage: Smoking marijuana can cause lung damage.
• Stunted Ambition: Marijuana use can diminish motivation and hinder the pursuit of future goals.
• Cognitive Impairment: Poor memory and cognitive problems can result from marijuana use.
• Brain Development: Marijuana use can shrink brain size and weaken brain connections. Studies have shown that teens who use marijuana can experience a decrease in IQ scores (up to 8 points) that may not be recoverable.
• Psychotic Symptoms: Panic, delusions, hallucinations, loss of personal identity, anxiety, and altered perception of time can occur.

A Public Health Issue: The Need for Awareness and Prevention

The increasing use of marijuana among both teens and adults is also a growing public health concern. The availability of high-THC products increases the risk of accidental poisoning and emergency room visits. Products like edibles and vape pens often lack a distinctive odor, making them easier to conceal. Despite the illegality of teenage cannabis use, there are limited safeguards in place to address the associated dangers.

Talking to Your Teen: A Parent's Guide

Open communication is crucial. Parents are encouraged to approach conversations with their teens with attention, curiosity, and understanding. Here are some tips:

• Listen Actively: Pay attention to what your child is saying without interrupting or lecturing.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings about marijuana.
• Manage Your Emotions: Share your feelings constructively and avoid becoming overly emotional.
• Respect Their Viewpoints: If you are respectful of your child’s viewpoints, they will be more likely to respect yours.
• Discuss Goals: Talk about your child's goals and how marijuana use might impact them.
• Share Experiences (Carefully): If you choose to share your own experiences with marijuana, focus on the negative consequences or how risky behavior jeopardized your well-being.
• Problem-Solve Together: Leave the door open for collaborative problem-solving.

By staying informed and engaging in open communication, parents can play a vital role in protecting their teens from the potential harms of marijuana use. If you have concerns, reach out to our CHI Health Substance Use Disorder Program to learn about options.