The use of marijuana by teens – in any form – is concerning because weed affects the adolescent brain differently, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The teen brain is actively developing and often will not be fully developed until the mid 20s,” the CDC stated, adding that use during that time “can have permanent effects” such as poor coordination and damage to learning, memory, problem solving skills, and the ability to pay attention.
THC is the main mood-altering ingredient in marijuana (cannabis). The extracts or concentrates used in vaping marijuana are extremely potent – between 50% and 90% THC.
Although recreational cannabis is illegal in the United States for those under 21, it has become more accessible as many states have legalized it. But experts say today’s high-THC cannabis products — vastly different than the joints smoked decades ago — are poisoning some heavy users, including teenagers.
Find or make opportunities to talk with your children about drug use starting from a young age and provide honest information about the many serious risks that come with using vapes.
Today’s marijuana is stronger.
Today’s marijuana has more than 3 times the concentration of THC than marijuana from 25 years ago. More THC—the mind-altering chemical in marijuana—may lead to an increase in dependency and addiction.
Marijuana risks are real
Using marijuana carries real risks for your health and quality of life. Some might be surprising to you. So know the risks—learn before you burn, eat, or use.
Northern Indiana is sandwiched between Illinois and Michigan, both of which have legalized marijuana. While it’s easier than ever to access, that doesn’t mean it’s safe.
We surveyed young adults, ages 18-25, in Indiana about marijuana and we found that almost
Know the risks
Short-term
Smoking marijuana causes the THC to pass from the lungs to the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to the brain and other organs. The body absorbs THC more slowly when it is eaten or drunk. The THC acts on specific brain receptors that ordinarily react to natural chemicals which play a role in normal brain development and function.
THC over activates parts of the brain that contain the highest number of these receptors. This causes the “high” that people feel. Plus:
- Altered senses (seeing brighter colors)
- Altered sense of time
- Changes in mood
- Depression and anxiety
- Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
- Impaired body movement
- Impaired concentration
- Impaired memory
Long-term
Marijuana affects brain development. When used as a teenager the drug may impair thinking, memory, and learning functions and affect how the brain builds connections the provide these functions. Though the long lasting effects are still being studied, it is clear that started young and continued into adulthood causes IQ points to drop.
It can also cause:
- Breathing problems (coughing and excess phlegm)
- Increased heart rate (can increase the risk of a heart attack)
- Intense nausea and vomiting
- Lower life satisfaction
- Lung infections
- Poorer mental health
- Poorer physical health
- Problems with child development during or after pregnancy
- Relationship problems
- Temporary hallucinations
- Temporary paranoia
Funding for the Let’s Be Blunt Now campaign for SAFE for Lake County has been provided in part by Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction
