Marijuana Use: What Parents Should Know
by Jennifer Benson, MSW, TCA Member
As a therapeutic educational consultant who supports families with teens and young adults struggling with addiction, I speak to many parents who worry about their kids' marijuana use. While they express concern, few understand the risks associated with their teens' use, and I hear many repeat common misconceptions. This is designed to highlight the risks associated with adolescent/young adult marijuana use as well as dispel myths.
Primary Risk: Danger to the Developing Brain
The brain is not fully developed until the mid-to-late twenties. Adolescence is a particularly critical time when neural pathways related to emotional learning, selfregulation, and addiction are developed.
When adolescents use marijuana, especially forms with high THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana) content, it can disrupt the normal development of brain circuits that control memory, cognition, and emotional regulation. This disruption can lead to long-term cognitive deficits, lower IQ, and an increased risk of mental health disorders (Volkow et al., 2014).
Heightened THC Potency Increases Risk of Dependence, Psychosis & CHS
Marijuana ingested today does not resemble marijuana available decades ago - it is far more potent. In the 1990s and earlier, marijuana had 2-4% THC. Today, marijuana flower or leaves sold in legal dispensaries have THC levels ranging from 10-15%. Other marijuana products can have THC concentrations up to 95%. “The higher the concentration of THC, the higher the risk - not only of developing dependency but also of developing tolerance more quickly” (Rees, 2020).
In addition to dependency, there are other serious risks associated with the frequent use of high-potency THC products. Emergency rooms and addiction recovery centers are seeing increases in cannabis-induced psychosis, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and THC induced seizures.
With cannabis-induced psychosis, the individual may experience paranoia, delusions, disorganized thinking, or even hallucinations. Though these symptoms may be temporary, they could potentially result in chronic psychosis (American Psychological Association, 2022). Marijuana users who begin use in adolescence are at an increased risk of schizophrenia.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a condition where marijuana users experience cyclical nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after using cannabis. Users may require hospitalization for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by severe vomiting (Kim et al., 2020). I know one user who was hospitalized and whose life was in the balance when he fell into organ failure due to CHS. The only way for symptoms to be cured is to stop ingesting marijuana completely.
The Cannabis Market is still Largely Unregulated
Despite marijuana being legalized in many states, the black market thrives. For example, in New York City, where marijuana has been legal for years, there are only 85 licensed shops and 2,000 illegal ones. Unregulated marijuana is more likely to contain harmful substances. Fentanyl, a potentially lethal drug, has increasingly been found in marijuana (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021).
Pesticides and other Toxic Chemicals are Used in Cannabis Cultivation
Legal and illegal marijuana is often cultivated using pesticides. Studies show that high levels of pesticides appear in marijuana smoke (Taylor et al., 2020). According to the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) Cannabis Program (2021), illegal cannabis cultivators often misuse prohibited and highly toxic pesticides.
Misconceptions (Myths) About Marijuana Use
Myth: Marijuana reduces anxiety.
Reality: While marijuana might provide temporary relief from anxiety or stress, regular use can increase anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions over time. Chronic use disrupts the brain's natural mood regulation, contributing to worsening mental health (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019).
Myth: Many states are making It legal, so It must be safe.
Reality: Just because marijuana is legal in many states doesn't mean it's safe, especially for developing brains. Alcohol and tobacco are also legal, yet they cause significant health problems. It's the same for marijuana, especially when teens and young adults use it regularly (Volkow et al., 2014) (Bidwell et al., 2021)
Myth: Marijuana is safe for some but not for others.
Reality: Marijuana can harm anyone, but young people are at the greatest risk. How a young person is impacted depends on their genetics, the frequency of their use, and the potency of THC (Budney et al., 2017). Adolescents and young adults with ADHD are even more at risk for developing a substance use disorder (Zulauf et al., 2014). Marijuana is one of the most common drugs used by teens and young adults with ADHD (Frank, 2024). Additionally, marijuana lessens the potency or effects of prescribed medications (Benisek, 2024).
Myth: Marijuana Is not addictive.
Reality: Marijuana is addictive! According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 9% of marijuana users will develop a marijuana use disorder. This risk increases to about 17% for those who start using marijuana during adolescence (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019) (Budney et al., 2017).
The DSM-5 defines cannabis use disorder as the presence of clinically significant impairment or distress in 12 months, manifested by at least 2 of the following 11 criteria: Cannabis is taken in larger amounts or used over a longer period than intended; Persistent desire to cut down with unsuccessful attempts; Excessive time spent acquiring cannabis, using cannabis, or recovering from its effects; Cravings for cannabis use; Recurrent use resulting in neglect of social obligations; Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems; Important social, occupational, or recreational activities foregone to be able to use cannabis; Continued use despite physical harm; Continued use despite physical or psychological problems associated with cannabis use; Tolerance; Withdrawal symptoms when not using cannabis (Patel, 2024).
Myth: It's safe to drive after consuming marijuana.
Reality: THC impairs motor skills, reaction time, and judgment, making it dangerous to drive after using marijuana. Studies have shown that marijuana use doubles the risk of car crashes (Asbridge et al., 2012).
Myth: Secondhand marijuana smoke Is safe.
Reality: Secondhand marijuana smoke contains many of the same toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke, including ammonia and hydrogen cyanide. It can impair lung function and cardiovascular health. It can also cause a contact high (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019).
Methods of Marijuana Consumption
Today's teens have access to a wide variety of marijuana products. Unfortunately, many of these can be consumed without detectable odor. Thus, unless parents recognize that their child is high, they may not know their child has consumed marijuana.
Gummies and Edibles:
These products contain high levels of THC and often take longer to produce effects, leading some users to consume more than intended. Overconsumption can result in severe intoxication, anxiety, and even hallucinations (National Institute on Drug Abuse 2019).
Flower or Bud:
Smoking flower remains one of the most common consumption methods. However, it exposes users to harmful chemicals and carcinogens similar to those found in tobacco smoke (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019).
Waxes and Concentrates:
These highly potent products are often consumed using vape pens or dab rigs. The high THC content in these concentrates increases the risk of psychosis, CHS, and other adverse effects. Butane and other solvents are also used to make these products. These solvents often remain in the final marijuana product and are harmful when inhaled (Desrosiers et al., 2015).
Vape pens:
Many vape products, particularly those sold in unregulated places, contain toxic substances. Harmful additives like vitamin E acetate have been linked to severe lung injuries (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021).
Noticing the Signs
Marijuana use can cause mood swings, laziness, and tiredness. Your teenager or young adult may seem less motivated than they once were and gravitate to a different friend group. They may also appear anxious. For more information about what to look for visit: Partnership to End Addiction. https://drugfree.org/article/signs-of-drug-use-inteens/
Intervene Early, Get Help Now
If you suspect drug use, do not err on the side of caution. Get help now. Research shows that intervening early with evidence-based treatment modalities reduces substance use and other behavioral outcomes. The longer substance use continues, the more likely it will result in dependency or other health-related or social problems, possibly including crime (Fadus, 2019).
Evidence-based treatment for adolescent and young adult substance use disorder includes family-based therapy, cognitive-based therapy, psychosocial therapy, motivational interviewing, recovery- based programs like 12-step, SMART Recovery, the Seven Challenges, harm reduction techniques, and more.
There are some excellent resources for teens and young adults struggling with marijuana use. Consult with a therapeutic consultant for options. You can find an experienced therapeutic consultant at Therapeutic Consulting Association.
