Many assume that marijuana today is the same as it was many years ago. This is a dangerous misconception. Marijuana has become exponentially stronger over the years as THC levels (the psychoactive ingredient) in marijuana have increased 212% between 1995 and 2015 (NIH).
Marijuana comes in many forms like flowers, buds, edibles, dabs, vape/dab pens and some of these products use THC extracts which are extremely potent. Using dabs or vaping marijuana extracts (very high potency products) is especially appealing because the high is longer lasting and more intense. These high levels of THC are causing people’s tolerance levels to rise. Basically, the marijuana someone used years ago is not providing the same impact as it once did. Someone will need to use more or stronger marijuana in their efforts to chase a better and longer-lasting high (NIH).
While some people can use marijuana with little to no major side effects, others may experience anxiety and panic attacks due to the significant levels of THC. Someone over the age of 21 may know the risks and use recreationally, but what about the young people who have not yet learned about those risks?
Young people are particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with marijuana use because:
- The brain is not fully developed until much later in life (25-30 years old)
- 1 out of 6 people who begin using marijuana as teens will become addicted
- Heavy long-term use has an increased risk of developing depression, bipolar disorder, and heart issues
- Heavy use can also impact memory, attention, and concentration
Most recently the link between the potency of marijuana and psychosis in young people is something that is concerning. Current research suggests that this is happening more frequently in males and those with a genetic tie or risk factor. Some data suggests that psychosis can be dose-dependent, and with marijuana products having increasingly high levels of THC, young people are exposed to an even greater risk of psychosis.
Young people who use marijuana to cope with stress or other feelings are often left more anxious than before once the high wears off. Using drugs as a coping mechanism is a temporary solution to a long-term problem. Therefore, it is critical to teach young people positive coping skills and strategies early and often before they turn to substance use as an alternative.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6312155/
Wikler A. (1976). Aspects of tolerance to and dependence on cannabis. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 282, 126–147. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.1976.tb49893.x
Written by: Liz Garcia, Senior Health Educator
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