Navigating the Risks: The Impact of High-Potency Cannabis on Teenagers’ Health
In the rapidly changing landscape of cannabis legalization, a concerning trend is emerging—teenagers’ perceptions of the harm associated with cannabis use are dwindling, posing potential risks to their health and well-being. The availability of cannabis products, often with significantly elevated potency, has outpaced public awareness of the potential consequences, especially among the adolescent demographic.
When surveyed, a mere 35 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds express a “great risk of harm” associated with smoking marijuana once or twice a week, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This stark contrast to the perceived risks of other substances like cigarettes, alcohol, cocaine, and heroin raises alarms among health professionals and researchers.
The potency of contemporary cannabis products has undergone a drastic transformation, with marijuana plants bred to contain higher levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive chemical. In 1995, the THC percentage by weight in marijuana plant material was around 4 percent, whereas today, marijuana with a THC potency of 20 percent or more is readily available. The introduction of concentrated cannabis products, such as wax, budder, and shatter, boasting THC potency as high as 95 percent, has further intensified concerns.
Despite the increasing availability and societal acceptance of cannabis, particularly in the context of its legal status in 24 states for recreational use and in 38 states for medical use, the risks associated with cannabis use, especially among teenagers, should not be underestimated. Pediatricians and psychologists emphasize that the adolescent brain, still in the crucial stages of development, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of THC.
Studies indicate that exposure to THC during adolescence can result in lasting structural changes to the brain, impacting memory, learning, and emotional regulation. The endocannabinoid system, a complex regulatory system within the brain, plays a pivotal role in these processes. THC, binding to the system’s main receptors, can interfere with its signaling, leaving an imprint on the brain’s structure.
The association between cannabis use and mental health risks in teenagers is evident. Even recreational use without reaching the threshold for a substance use disorder doubles the likelihood of developing depression or having suicidal ideation. For those with cannabis use disorder, characterized by interference with daily life and an inability to stop using, the risks further escalate, with adolescents being 2.5 to 3 times more likely to experience depression or suicidal thoughts.
The heightened potency of cannabis products, coupled with the ease of access and societal normalization, underscores the need for informed discussions between parents and teenagers about the potential risks associated with cannabis use. The rise in adolescents turning to cannabis as a coping mechanism for issues like depression and anxiety raises concerns about the long-term impact on mental health.
Researchers emphasize the need to address the changing landscape of cannabis use, especially among teenagers, as high-potency products continue to gain popularity. Public health officials advocate for open communication between parents and their children regarding the risks of cannabis use, urging parents to be vigilant about changes in behavior and to counteract the misconception that high-potency cannabis products are harmless.
As cannabis legalization evolves, it is crucial to recognize that the new landscape presents new challenges, particularly in protecting the mental health and well-being of teenagers. Informed conversations, increased public awareness, and ongoing research are essential elements in mitigating the potential risks associated with the use of high-potency cannabis among adolescents.
