Cannabis and Teens
Learn about the potential harmful effects of cannabis use to the teenage brain.
Stay Focused.
In Cherokee, North Carolina, cannabis use is legal for adults and can offer health benefits, such as pain relief and reduced inflammation, for conditions like chronic pain and certain mental health disorders. However, cannabis can be harmful to teenagers, whose brains are still developing. Adolescent cannabis use is linked to increased risks of cognitive impairment, mental health issues, and addiction. While adults may safely benefit from cannabis under legal guidelines, it’s important for teens to understand the potential risks during these critical years of development.
Harmful Effects of Cannabis Use in Teens
Cannabis use in teenagers presents serious risks that can impact both their immediate well-being and long-term development. Here are some key points based on recent research.
• Cognitive and Brain Health Impacts: Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, and cannabis can interfere with cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and learning. Studies indicate that regular marijuana use during teenage years can lead to lasting deficits in memory and executive functioning, which may persist into adulthood even after cessation. This impairment is largely due to THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, which interacts with receptors critical for brain development in teens (NIH).
• Increased Risk of Addiction: Teenagers are particularly susceptible to developing a dependency on cannabis. Approximately 1 in 6 teenagers who use marijuana become addicted, compared to about 1 in 10 adults. This addiction risk escalates with earlier and more frequent use, which is especially concerning given the rising THC concentrations in many cannabis products today (SAMHSA).
• Mental Health Concerns: Cannabis use among teens is associated with a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and psychosis, particularly in those with a family history of mental health disorders. Heavy or long-term use has been linked to paranoia, mood swings, and increased vulnerability to other drug use. Studies have shown that teenagers who use cannabis are more likely to exhibit symptoms of mental health issues that can interfere with daily life and academic performance (Mayo Clinic).
• Social and Academic Consequences: Cannabis use can lead to poorer academic outcomes, as it can affect focus, motivation, and memory. Regular cannabis users are more likely to perform poorly in school and may have a higher risk of dropping out. Furthermore, marijuana use is linked to impaired driving, increasing the risk of accidents, which can be particularly dangerous for inexperienced teenage drivers (NIH).
It is important for families to understand the risks and communicate openly with teens about substance use. Engaging in discussions around the health impacts and social consequences can be a key step in preventing or reducing cannabis use among teenagers.
For more detailed information, you can consult resources from the National Institute on Drug Abuse or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Effective Ways to Help Teens Avoid Marijuana
Public Health & Human Services
43 John Crowe Hill Dr
PO Box 666
Cherokee, NC 28719
828-359-6180, or 828-497-7460
Hours: Monday-Friday
7:45 am – 4:30 pm
Health Operations Director
828-359-6180
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