The Alarming Dangers Of Marijuana Use On Teens
Discover the alarming risks of marijuana use on teens. Uncover the long-term effects and how to provide support. Stay informed!
Dr. Deyhimy MD
March 14, 2024
Discover the alarming risks of marijuana use on teens. Uncover the long-term effects and how to provide support. Stay informed!
Marijuana use among teenagers can have significant and lasting effects on their health and well-being. It is essential to understand the dangers associated with marijuana to ensure the safety of adolescents.
Marijuana can have various effects on teenagers, both short-term and long-term. Short-term effects include impaired memory and concentration, altered judgment and decision-making abilities, and increased heart rate. These effects can impact a teenager's daily functioning and ability to perform tasks requiring focus and attention.
Additionally, marijuana can negatively affect driving abilities, leading to an increased risk of accidents on the road. It slows down responses to sights and sounds, causes sleepiness, distorts the sense of time and space, hinders adaptation to light and dark, and reduces the ability to handle quick tasks while driving. These impairments can be especially dangerous during nighttime driving, as marijuana use severely diminishes night vision.
Research has shown that marijuana use during the teenage years can have a lasting impact on cognitive function and IQ. The brain continues to develop into the 20s, and using marijuana during this critical period can disrupt normal brain development. It can lead to difficulties in learning, memory, and attention, affecting academic performance and occupational prospects.
Long-term marijuana use has been associated with a decline in IQ, with studies suggesting that IQ can decrease by as much as 8 points if marijuana use starts during adolescence. This decline is not reversible and can have implications for a teenager's overall intellectual functioning.
Understanding the effects of marijuana on teenagers, particularly its impact on cognitive function and IQ, is crucial for parents, educators, and healthcare providers. By being aware of these dangers, they can take appropriate measures to educate teenagers about the risks and provide support to prevent or address marijuana use among adolescents.
Marijuana use among teenagers can have significant risks and consequences, particularly in relation to mental health and behavioral risks.
Adolescents who use marijuana are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, have mental health issues, and experience memory and learning issues, according to the CDC. Teenagers who consume marijuana are at a heightened risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
Frequent marijuana use among teenagers has been associated with a higher risk of mental health disorders and antisocial behavior. A study conducted by Columbia Psychiatry found that teenagers who consumed marijuana more than three times a week were at a higher risk of having a mental health disorder and were more likely to exhibit antisocial behavior compared to those who used marijuana less often or abstained from its use [3].
The use of marijuana during adolescence has been linked to an increased vulnerability to mental health disorders. Another study conducted by Columbia Psychiatry revealed that adolescents who used cannabis frequently were more prone to mental health disorders, such as depression, conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and thoughts of suicide, compared to those who did not use marijuana or used it less frequently.
Furthermore, a report from the DEA highlighted a study that found individuals who started using marijuana in their teenage years were nearly seven times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those who did not use marijuana during their teens.
These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the potential mental health risks associated with marijuana use during adolescence. Adolescents should be aware of the increased vulnerability to mental health disorders and the potential consequences that may arise from regular marijuana use.
By educating teenagers about the risks and consequences of marijuana use, it is possible to promote informed decision-making and provide support for their overall well-being. Parents, educators, and healthcare providers play crucial roles in imparting knowledge, ensuring open communication, and offering guidance to help teenagers navigate the challenges associated with marijuana use and protect their mental health.
Understanding the prevalence and rising rates of marijuana use among adolescents is crucial in highlighting the concerns and dangers associated with teen marijuana use.
In recent years, marijuana use among teenagers has become a significant concern. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2020, approximately 20.3% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 reported using marijuana in the past year. Among them, about 10.6% had a marijuana use disorder.
Worryingly, there has been a notable increase in problematic marijuana use among adolescents. From 2016 to 2019, the annual prevalence of general marijuana disorder among adolescents rose from 2.1% to 2.9%. This represents a significant increase in problematic marijuana use among this age group.
Additionally, the prevalence of cannabis use disorder increased from 2.18% to 2.92% among adolescents from 2016 to 2019. This data points to the vulnerability of adolescents to the risks associated with marijuana use.
It is important to note that the rate of marijuana use among adolescents has surpassed the rate of cigarette use among 12th graders, indicating a significant shift in substance use patterns. Furthermore, in 2017, approximately 6.5% of 12th graders reported daily use of marijuana, with a significant percentage of high school seniors perceiving regular marijuana use as safe.
These statistics highlight the need for continued education and prevention efforts to address the alarming increase in marijuana use among teenagers. By understanding the prevalence and risks associated with teen marijuana use, we can work towards providing appropriate support and guidance to adolescents.
Teen marijuana use can have long-lasting effects on both brain development and various aspects of an individual's life. Understanding these effects is crucial in highlighting the potential dangers of marijuana use among teenagers.
Marijuana use during adolescence has been associated with abnormalities in the brain that may lead to poorer executive functioning, decision-making, and increased risk of addiction. The use of marijuana by teenagers has been linked to impaired cognitive development, affecting areas such as attention, memory, and executive functioning. These cognitive impairments can have long-lasting effects on academic performance and overall life success.
Studies have shown that adolescent heavy cannabis users who remained abstinent for at least 30 days had smaller bilateral hippocampal volumes compared to controls. In addition, a smaller right hippocampal volume was correlated with more self-reported cannabis use among users. Adolescent cannabis users also demonstrated larger inferior posterior vermis volume compared to controls, and larger cerebellar volume was associated with poorer executive functioning. These structural changes in the brain highlight the potential consequences of marijuana use on brain development during the crucial adolescent years.
The long-term effects of teen marijuana use extend beyond brain development. Studies have indicated that marijuana use in adolescence could have implications for academic functioning, as well as social and occupational functioning later in life. The cognitive impairments associated with marijuana use during teenage years can impact attention, memory, and decision-making skills necessary for academic success.
Furthermore, the potential negative impact on executive functioning can hinder problem-solving abilities and impair overall cognitive performance. These academic challenges may lead to reduced educational attainment and limited career opportunities.
It is important to recognize and address the potential long-term consequences of teen marijuana use. By understanding the impaired brain development and academic and occupational implications associated with marijuana use during adolescence, parents, educators, and healthcare providers can work together to educate teenagers about the risks and provide support to prevent or address any adverse effects.
In order to address the dangers of marijuana use among teenagers, it is crucial for parents, educators, and healthcare providers to play an active role in educating teens about the risks and providing necessary support. By working together, we can help prevent and address potential substance use issues among adolescents.
Parents and educators have a significant impact on shaping the attitudes and behaviors of teenagers. It is important for parents to engage in open and honest conversations with their teens about the risks associated with marijuana use. By providing accurate information and fostering a supportive environment, parents can help teens make informed decisions and resist peer pressure [5].
Educators also play a crucial role in educating teens about the dangers of marijuana. Incorporating substance abuse education into school curricula and conducting awareness campaigns can help raise awareness and provide students with the necessary information to make healthy choices. By fostering a safe and supportive school environment, educators can contribute to the overall well-being of students and discourage substance use.
Healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals, are essential in identifying and addressing potential substance use issues among teenagers. Regular check-ups and screenings provide an opportunity for healthcare providers to assess a teen's overall health and well-being, including any substance use concerns. By implementing evidence-based screening tools and interventions, healthcare providers can identify at-risk individuals and provide appropriate support and referrals.
Furthermore, healthcare providers can play a vital role in educating both teens and their parents about the potential consequences of marijuana use. By offering accurate information, discussing the risks, and addressing any concerns, healthcare providers can empower teens and their families to make informed decisions regarding their health.
By working collaboratively, parents, educators, and healthcare providers can create a comprehensive support system for teenagers, ensuring that they have access to the necessary education, resources, and support to make healthy choices and avoid the dangers associated with marijuana use.
When it comes to adolescent marijuana use, it's important to understand the potential neurocognitive effects that can arise. These effects can have a significant impact on cognitive functioning and academic performance. Two key areas to consider are cognitive impairments and brain structural changes related to marijuana use.
Multiple studies have shown that adolescent marijuana users may experience subtle yet potentially detrimental effects in cognitive domains such as attention, learning, and memory. These impairments can have implications for academic functioning, as well as social and occupational functioning extending into later life.
The use of marijuana during adolescence has been associated with impaired cognitive development, affecting areas such as attention, memory, and executive functioning. These impairments can have long-lasting effects on academic performance and overall life success.
Research has also demonstrated that adolescent marijuana use can lead to structural changes in the brain. Heavy cannabis users who abstain for a minimum of 30 days have been found to have smaller bilateral hippocampal volumes compared to non-users. Among users, a smaller right hippocampal volume has been correlated with more self-reported cannabis use.
Additionally, adolescent cannabis users have shown larger inferior posterior vermis volume compared to non-users. Larger cerebellar volume has been associated with poorer executive functioning. These structural changes in the brain can have implications for various cognitive functions, contributing to the cognitive impairments mentioned earlier.
It's crucial to highlight the potential long-term consequences of these neurocognitive effects. The impact on cognitive functioning and academic performance can extend beyond adolescence, affecting educational and occupational opportunities in later life. By understanding these risks, parents, educators, and healthcare providers can work together to educate and support adolescents in making informed decisions regarding marijuana use.
Dr. David Deyhimy, with over 20 years of experience, is a board-certified physician in addiction medicine and anesthesiology based in Orange County.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today with any questions you may have about our program or if someone you know is struggling with addiction.
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