Cannabis Use in Teens
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If you’re the parent of a teenager, you likely have plenty of things to worry about—should your child using cannabis be one of them? It’s true that cannabis use is very common among today’s teens, but unfortunately, that doesn’t make it harmless.
Studies show that marijuana is the most used illicit drug among all age groups in the United States—and that includes teenagers, with about one-third of high school students reporting cannabis use. Why are rates so high among teens? First, cannabis is readily available, with around three-quarters of high school students reporting that marijuana would be easy to obtain.
But there’s also a second, more insidious reason for high rates among teens—the percentage of students who see regular marijuana use as a great risk is currently at its lowest in thirty years (since the early 1990s). In other words, teens believe the myth that marijuana is neither dangerous nor addictive. What they don’t know is that today’s marijuana is highly potent, containing several times more THC than in previous decades. And as the potency of cannabis continues to rise, so does the risk it carries.
The Effects of Cannabis Use on Teens and Young Adults
Teens tend to see marijuana use as fun and generally safe; they’re well aware of short-term side effects like red eyes, increased appetite, silly behavior, and the inability to concentrate. But the immediate effects don’t stop here. Some may experience a rapid heartbeat, feelings of paranoia, and even hallucinations, all of which can be frightening. Users are also much more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors, such as fighting, risky sexual encounters, and using alcohol or other drugs.
In the short term, ongoing cannabis use can lead to problems at school, impaired memory, negative effects on mental health, and physical health risks, including significant, irreversible changes to the brain, which continues developing until around age 25. Around 20-30% of users will also develop Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)—and this risk is highest among young users. Many people believe that it’s not possible to become addicted to cannabis, but that’s an outdated idea. With today’s high-potency cannabis, the risks are clear.
What is Cannabis Use Disorder?
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is a term that refers to problematic cannabis use; it is the diagnosis given when someone continues to use the drug despite it having significant negative impacts on their life and/or health. Introduced in the fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a diagnosis of CUD can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how many criteria the user has.
You might also hear the phrases “cannabis addiction” or “cannabis dependence.” Cannabis Use Disorder encompasses both of these.
Warning Signs for Teens with Cannabis Use Disorder
Is your teen showing warning signs of Cannabis Use Disorder? To be considered “addicted,” they must meet at least two of these criteria within a 12-month period:.
- They have difficulty controlling their cannabis use, and may use more than they intended.
- They want to cut down or quit using cannabis, but their attempts have been unsuccessful.
- They spend a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from using cannabis.
- They get cravings for (including thoughts or dreams of) cannabis.
- They are having problems at school, home, or work because of their cannabis use. For teens, this may mean a drop in grades or getting fired from a job.
- They are having social problems because of their cannabis use. This can include having a fallout with friends or ending a relationship.
- They give up other activities, either partially or entirely. For example, your teen may quit a team or give up a hobby they once loved.
- They use cannabis in potentially dangerous situations, such as while driving.
- They develop a physical or psychological problem caused by or exacerbated by cannabis. This could include chronic symptoms like coughing, forgetfulness, and lack of energy.
- They develop a tolerance for cannabis, meaning they need to use more of the drug to achieve the same level of effect.
- They show signs of withdrawal after not using cannabis for a while. Be on the lookout for irritability, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, and feelings of physical discomfort.
If you’ve noticed any of these red flags in your child, don’t wait to step in. The earlier they receive help, the more likely they are to overcome addiction.
Risks of Cannabis Use Disorder in Teens and Young Adults
The criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder sound worrisome—but the truth is that cannabis use in teens may lead to even bigger problems, many of which can last a lifetime. The most significant risk is to the developing brain: young cannabis users may permanently damage their capacities for memory, attention, learning, decision-making, and impulse control. They may lose up to 8 IQ points, and have a lower chance of getting high school and college degrees.
Cannabis also puts teens’ mental and physical health at risk. Users have an increased risk of depression and psychotic disorders, most notably schizophrenia, as well as higher rates of suicide attempts. They may experience long-term damage to their lungs, ranging from asthma and bronchitis to cancer.
Preventing Cannabis Use in Teens
Today, there are a variety of ways to ingest cannabis, including vaping, eating, drinking, and applying oils directly to the skin—so detecting cannabis use isn’t as easy as smelling smoke in your teen’s bedroom. Instead, the best bet for parents is to open the lines of communication with your child—before they become curious about cannabis. A strong relationship with a parent can make teens less likely to try cannabis, and more likely to come to you with questions or dilemmas.
When you discuss cannabis, emphasize the drug’s increased potency, which increases its risks and the potential for addiction. High-potency cannabis is very different from the relaxing, good-time drug which is popularly portrayed in the media. Finally, set clear rules about cannabis use, along with enforceable consequences for breaking those rules. To avoid lifelong health problems and struggles with addiction, your teen needs your guidance.