The Teen Brain is Especially Susceptible to the Harms of THC
The amount of THC in cannabis plants has increased significantly over the past 30 years, and concentrated cannabis products can have a potency as high as 95%. This has raised concerns about the potential risks of cannabis use, particularly for teenagers.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, only 35% of 12- to 17-year-olds perceive a “great risk of harm” from smoking marijuana once or twice a week. This may be due to a lack of understanding about the potency and risks of modern cannabis products.
Kelly Young-Wolff, a licensed clinical psychologist and research scientist, notes that parents may not realize that the products used today are much more potent than those they used when they were in high school. She advises parents to talk to their kids about the risks of cannabis use and to consider the messages they send about marijuana.
The adolescent brain is still developing, and THC can impact brain chemistry in a way that wasn’t intended. This can lead to long-lasting problems with memory and learning, as well as increased risk of addiction and psychosis.
Studies have shown that exposure to THC in adolescence can reduce CB1 receptors in the brain and lead to long-lasting problems with memory and learning. Additionally, THC can interfere with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in the development of the brain.
Cannabis use is linked to mental health harms, including depression and suicidal ideation. A study found that adolescents who used cannabis recreationally were about twice as likely to develop depression or have suicidal ideation as those who didn’t use cannabis.
The risks of cannabis use are particularly concerning for teenagers, as they are more susceptible to dependence and addiction. A study found that 11% of 12- to 17-year-olds progressed to cannabis use disorder within a year, compared to 6% of 18- to 25-year-olds.
Concentrated cannabis products, such as wax and shatter, are particularly concerning due to their high potency. These products can lead to increased risk of psychosis, as well as a rise in cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, a complication of high-potency cannabis use that leads to abdominal pain, nausea, and repeated vomiting.
Public health officials recommend that parents talk to their kids about the risks of cannabis use and to consider the messages they send about marijuana. They also advise parents to be aware of the signs of cannabis use and to seek help if they notice a change in their child’s behavior.
