Teens and Marijuana Use

Healthful Vitality | 11/15/2019 | By Sarah Schulze, MSN, APRN, CPNP | Teens and Marijuana Use

The teenage years are the hallmark of growth, self-exploration, experimentation, and risk-taking behaviors. Unfortunately, this combination, as well as a tendency to be easily influenced by others and have a poor prediction of consequences, leads many teens to try things like smoking, drinking, and drug use. Of particular concern is the rising popularity of marijuana among teenagers. This marijuana concern is mainly due to two things. First, it is because of the widespread legalization of marijuana for persons 21 and older in many states (making access easier). Second, the subsequent rise in vaping popularity can make smoking a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) containing liquid very easy and much less perceptible than traditional smoking methods. This article will discuss the trends in marijuana use in recent years, the health risks associated with the drug, and what healthcare professionals and parents can do to educate about and prevent abuse of this increasingly popular drug.

Teens and Marijuana Use: Trends in Marijuana Use

Marijuana use in all people ages 12 and up is on the rise, with 7.5% of Americans reporting marijuana use in the last 30 days in 2013, as opposed to only 5.8% in 2007 (4). However, its popularity among teenagers is particularly concerning, with 5% of 8th graders, 14% of 10th graders, and 23% of 12th graders reporting marijuana use in the last 30 days in 2016 (5). These statistics have been at an all-time high for the last 30 years. In addition, the drug is third in substance popularity, with teens only next to alcohol and tobacco use (5).

Part of the increase in marijuana use is the legalization for those 21 years and older in many states. The said legalization contributes to making the drug more accessible and the variety of forms in which it is available more numerous and appealing. The traditional method of smoking dried leaves (a joint) is still frequently used. But many teens are drawn to more discreet and appealing methods such as “edibles,” which are candies or baked goods containing the plant, or smoking the liquid form by vaping. Both of these methods, particularly edibles, involve far less odor than the well-known “weed” smell and are easier and quicker for teens to use undetected (3).

Teens and Marijuana Use: Health Risks

Many health risks are associated with regular marijuana use. Some of the health risks are specific to teenagers and developing brains. One of the most concerning effects is detrimental changes to the brain’s structure, size, and synapse formation, leading to decreased blood flow to the brain, poor concentration and memory, a decrease in creative thinking, self-control, and the ability to make decisions, and a lowered IQ (6). Because of this, school performance may suffer, and the high school dropout rate for regular marijuana users is increased (1).

The concentration, coordination, and reaction to surroundings needed for safe driving are also affected while under the influence of marijuana, putting these teens at increased risk for motor vehicle accidents.

The incidence of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, is also elevated in teens using marijuana, with more frequent usage associated with paranoia (2).

Depending on how marijuana is consumed, lung health may also be affected. Those that routinely smoke or vape marijuana can suffer from lung inflammation, cough, congestion, increased phlegm production, and bronchitis. These negative effects have been shown to improve when smoking cessation (2).

Erroneously, many people believe that marijuana is not an addictive substance. Still, as much as 10% of marijuana users can become addicted. This addiction impacts issues like being unable to stop using it and experiencing problems in work, school, or personal relationships because of marijuana use (6). Addiction in the teenage years can lead to more frequent and harder substance use in adult years as well. Withdrawal symptoms, including sleep and appetite disruption, irritability, and mood swings, may be experienced for up to 2 weeks after stopping frequent marijuana use (6).

What can Medical Professionals and Parents Do?

Talking about marijuana use early and often is one of the best interventions parents, and medical professionals can use to prevent and reduce marijuana usage in teens. Teach facts about the adverse effects on the brain and body and the dangers of addiction. Besides, keep discussions open and honest. For example, ask your child or your patient if they have friends or know anyone who has used marijuana. And then ask if they have ever tried it or ask what they know about it (3).

Watch for changes in behavior in your teen, like new or different friends, acting strange or uncharacteristically silly, snacking, eating more than usual, red eyes, and extreme fatigue or drowsiness. Please keep an open dialogue with your teen about who their friends are and what they do when they go somewhere (3). Highlight the teen’s strengths, like being a talented student, artist, musician, or athlete, and discuss the dangers marijuana usage poses to their success.

Those in healthcare should direct questions about marijuana and other drug use starting around age 12 or 13 and continue the discussions through the teen years. In situations where you suspect a patient is using marijuana, drug testing may be necessary, with consent depending on your state’s laws (3).

Conclusion

Indeed, drug use in teenagers is not a new phenomenon. However, changing times have created new and complex risks for parents and healthcare professionals to navigate. Staying up to date on the latest trends in drug usage and the methods teens use to consume these drugs is as important as keeping open communication with teens. Hopefully, with improved knowledge and education, we can contain this growing trend of marijuana use.

Related Article: Teens and Drug Use

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). What you need to know about marijuana use in teens. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/factsheets/teens.htm
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Health effects. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-effects.html
3. N. A. (2019). Marijuana and teens. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (106).
4. National Institute of Drug Abuse. (2015). Nationwide trends. Retrieved from: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends
5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2019). Marijuana use in adolescence. Retrieved from: https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-development/substance-use/marijuana/index.html
6. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2019). Risk of adolescent marijuana use. Retrieved from: https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-development/substance-use/marijuana/risks/index.html

Author:

Sarah Schulze is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She earned a B.S. in Nursing from Indiana State University and an M.S. in Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago.