Marijuana is a mix of dried leaves, stems, and flowers of the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. In this post, we discuss the effects of marijuana on the teenage brain.

The most potent ingredient in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC. This chemical has psychotropic effects that can change one’s mood and consciousness (1) (2).

According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency, marijuana is the most common illicit drug used in the US. The survey results also suggest that around 33% of 10th graders and 44% of 12th graders have used marijuana in their lifetime (3).

Read this post as we give you some facts about the use of marijuana among teens, its effects on the teenage brain, the signs of teens using it, and ways to prevent marijuana addiction.

Facts About The Use Of Marijuana Among Teenagers

The following are some facts about the use of marijuana by American teenagers.

1. Around 3.1 million teens aged between 12 and 17 years used marijuana in 2017 (3).

2. A recent study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry has shown that the negative effects of marijuana on teenagers’ cognitive development are worse than that of alcohol (3).

3. Research also shows that marijuana may permanently affect the brain when regularly used from adolescence (4).

4. The number of preteens and teens who consider smoking marijuana a risky behavior has decreased over the years. In 2007, around 54.6% of preteens and teens between 12 and 17 perceived marijuana smoking as risky, while in 2013, only 39.5% of preteens and teens perceived the behavior as risky (5).

5. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, there were around 455,000 emergency room visits due to marijuana use in 2011. It is estimated that 13% of these cases involved teenagers between 12 and 17 (5).

6. One in six adolescents who start using marijuana before 18 years gets addicted to it (6).

7. In the past few decades, the concentration of THC in marijuana has become three times higher. This indicates that it can have major brain-altering effects even when taken in small doses (6).

Prevention Of Marijuana Use In Teens

No amount of marijuana is considered safe, so parents should help teenagers avoid using marijuana. Here are some ways in which you may help them (7).

1. Encourage teenagers to discuss their opinion or experience related to marijuana. You may also express your concerns regarding its use. An open discussion may help teens understand your views regarding marijuana and vice versa.

2. Set clear family rules about not using drugs. Make sure your children are not influenced by their peers, and let them know about the risks involved in using marijuana.

3. Connect with the parents of your children’s friends. Maintaining a good network will allow you to have better control over your children’s activities.

4. Prepare teens to face peer pressure with confidence, and teach them strategies to handle difficult situations.

5. Gain the trust of your children so they may approach you whenever they feel troubled or under pressure.

6. Adolescence may be emotionally challenging for many teenagers, so teach your children healthy strategies to handle their emotions. Taking drugs may seem like an easy way out, but let them be informed that it has major health risks in the future.

7. Be a role model and handle emotions such as anger, sadness, frustration, and resentment with a cool head.

8. Teach teens relaxation techniques, and help them develop hobbies that bring joy. Encourage them to indulge in family activities, walk in nature, try journaling, and do other beneficial activities.

9. Model healthy habits such as abstaining from drugs, tobacco, or alcohol.

10. Take professional help if you find behavioral changes in your teens.

Signs Of Marijuana Use In Teens

The different ways marijuana can be used make it difficult for parents to identify the signs of marijuana usage in their teenagers. However, you could look out for the following signs (5) (7).

1. Physical and psychological signs

The physical and psychological signs vary in severity. They are often temporary and last only up to a few hours after using the drug.

• Red eyes
• Increase in blood pressure
• Headaches and dizziness
• Forgetfulness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety
• Giggly and talkative
• Hallucinations

2. Behavioral signs

• Taking unexpected risks while driving
• Indulging in unprotected sexual behavior
• Mixing marijuana with other substances such as alcohol, opioids, or other drugs
• Not quitting the addiction despite problems in life
• Stocking up on marijuana supply
• Avoiding social interactions that do not involve marijuana use
• Losing interest in hobbies
• Skipping classes or schools
• Smelling of marijuana
• Having a change in personality and appearance

Some common places where marijuana users tend to hide their stock include

• Water bottles specially designed to hide drugs
• CD/DVD cases
• Packages of over-the-counter drugs
• Electrical outlets
• Towels
• Mattresses

Effects Of Marijuana Use On Teenagers

When a person smokes marijuana, the THC goes to the bloodstream through the lungs and then reaches the brain and other organs (8). Marijuana may be detected in a drug test several weeks after intake (8). The following are some of the effects of marijuana use.

Short-term effects

When marijuana smoke is inhaled, the (1)

• Heart rate increases
• Bronchial passages in the lungs dilate
• Blood vessels in the eyes expand

These physical changes give rise to (1) (9)

• Altered senses (perceiving brighter colors)
• Mood changes
• Slow reaction
• Difficulty in balance and coordination
• Increased appetite
• Difficulty with thinking and problem solving
• Difficulty with memory
• Hallucinations (seeing things that are not present) and delusions (believing things that are not true)
• Increase in aggression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Worsening of mental health

Long-term effects

1. Increased heart rate: The normal heart rate is 70 to 80 beats per minute; however, it doubles with marijuana use, especially if mixed with other drugs. The elevated heart rate increases one’s risk of heart attack (1).

2. Respiratory problems: Smoking marijuana regularly may irritate the lungs and cause a chronic cough. Although there is no concrete evidence of marijuana-related lung cancer, studies show that teens who smoke cigarettes along with marijuana are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer (1).

3. Mental disorders: Marijuana use may lead to depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. Research also suggests that using marijuana during adolescence may increase one’s risk of developing psychosis or schizophrenia (1).

4. Impaired brain function: Research shows that the brain develops during the teenage and young adult years. Frequent marijuana usage may affect the development of the teen brain, leading to impaired memory, problems with paying attention, and a decrease in learning and planning. Even if marijuana use is discontinued, difficulty in cognitive functioning may persist (7).

5. Addiction: Regular use of marijuana during the teenage years may lead to a risk of addiction. In addition, some teenagers may face marijuana withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, panic attacks, restlessness, irritation, headache, loss of sleep, decreased appetite, and stomach pain, when they try to quit the habit (7). Some adolescents who start using marijuana before 18 years may develop marijuana use disorder, making it impossible for them to quit the habit even when it causes problems (8).

6. School failure: Using marijuana regularly may adversely affect school performance. Teenagers may miss classes, drop out of school, or perform inadequately (7). Those charged with marijuana laws may also end up having a criminal record (8).

Other effects

Some other effects of using marijuana regularly include (8)

• Decreased immunity
• Lower intelligence
• Decreased athletic performance
• Relationship problems
• Reduced life satisfaction
• Misuse of other substances, such as opioids (10).

The use of marijuana can cause serious health issues in teens. If you feel your children use marijuana, act promptly, talk to a healthcare provider, and get them help. Marijuana may soon become an addiction, so counseling and treatment can make a great difference in safeguarding your teenager’s future.

References: