SPECIAL RISKS FOR TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS UNDER 25 YEARS OLD

Cannabis & youth: physical and mental health risks

From memory gaps to uncontrollable vomiting to increased risk of schizophrenia, the list of symptoms associated with early use of high concentration cannabis makes for disturbing reading. Here’s a rundown of what researchers have observed.

Short-term use is associated with:

Cognitive impairment, memory and learning problems, lower academic achievement, increased dropout risk
Memory and concentration problems
Increased car accidents
Worsening of underlying mental health conditions such as mood changes, suicidal thinking, and increased risk of psychosis
Acute vomiting

Long-term use is associated with:

Cannabis use disorder
Breathing problems, same as from smoking tobacco
Decreased motivation or interest in academics or work
Increased risk for schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, anger, irritability, moodiness, suicide
Reduced intellectual functioning, poor educational and psychosocial outcomes
Persistent neurocognitive impairment, even after cessation, especially if use began before age 17

What’s the state of the science on all this?

Researchers are in the early stages of studying the risks of high concentration cannabis, but they already know enough to be concerned. A literature review by the Colorado School of Public Health (the sponsors of The Tea on THC) found evidence that frequent use of high concentration cannabis products may lead to cannabis use disorder, a form of substance use disorder. It can also trigger anxiety disorders and even major psychiatric illnesses like psychosis and schizophrenia.

But wait, isn’t cannabis supposed to be natural medicine?

This is one of the most confusing aspects of the modern cannabis market. There are some legitimate medical uses for cannabis, but this doesn’t mean it’s “good for you” in a general sense.

Seizure disorders:

Cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive component of cannabis, shows promise in reducing seizures in some forms of epilepsy like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved cannabinoid for seizure treatment, and it’s typically reserved for treatment-resistant cases under medical supervision.

Chronic pain:

Medical cannabis may manage certain types of chronic pain like neuropathic and cancer-related pain. This has primarily been studied in adults. Long-term effects on pain management among youth remain poorly understood.

Nausea and vomiting:

THC-based medications like dronabinol and nabilone help manage chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer and HIV patients. They are considered when standard treatments fail.

Appetite stimulation:

Cannabis stimulates appetite, which is beneficial for conditions like cancer or HIV/AIDS-related weight loss. However, the safety of this approach, especially for youth, remains uncertain.

Cannabis’s potential health benefits are specific to medical conditions and require caution, especially for youth. Its use among young people is discouraged due to risks like impaired cognitive development, mental health issues, and addiction. Consulting a health care provider before considering cannabis for youth treatment is crucial for assessing risks, exploring alternatives, and ensuring strict supervision.

Choices & Consequences

Medical and developmental damage aren’t the only consequences of cannabis use facing young people — there are also athletic, academic, and financial considerations. Using can impair performance and lead to disqualification from competitions. It may result in disciplinary actions, including expulsion from school. And, it can jeopardize eligibility for college financial aid and scholarships.

School:

Impaired cognitive function, memory, and concentration
Academic underachievement and disciplinary actions
Potential disciplinary actions, including expulsion

Sports:

Decreased athletic performance and motivation
Risk of expulsion from sports teams or disqualification from competitions due to drug policy violations

Financial aid:

Jeopardized eligibility for financial aid and scholarships
Risk of losing access to educational opportunities
Many institutions have strict drug policies that prohibit marijuana use among recipients of financial assistance