Teen marijuana use is an age-old concern, but new strains, statistically higher levels of THC, and increased rate of use among underage populations have many parents and educators worried about its impact on young minds. The prevalence of marijuana abuse among teens can lead to serious health and developmental issues, ranging from memory loss to depression and psychosis.
According to recent studies from 2022, about 30 percent of 12th graders in the United States reported using marijuana in the past year. 6.3 percent reported using cannabis daily in the past month.
These figures highlight that a significant portion of the teenage population frequently uses marijuana. While teens have used marijuana before – with usage rates spiking in the 1970s and 1990s – we also know that marijuana has changed over the decades. Researchers have found that today’s strains tend to be ten times as strong as marijuana available 50 years ago as a result of selective growing. On average, the potency of marijuana has increased by a third of a percent every year since 1970.
Understanding the impact that marijuana can have on teens is crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers. This article explores how many teens abuse marijuana and the importance of seeking help.
How Many Teens Abuse Marijuana?
Teen marijuana abuse is a significant issue, mostly because excessive levels of THC can result in changes in a developing brain.
While marijuana might not be physically addictive – there has been little evidence to suggest that it has the addictive potential of drugs like alcohol, nicotine, or cocaine – it can cause psychological dependence and other negative physical consequences, and cannabis use disorders have been identified and diagnosed in teens and adults alike.
Policymakers, parents, and educators have been at war with teen drug use for decades. Why do teens still use so many drugs?
The truth is that today’s teens drink less and do fewer “hard drugs” than their parents and grandparents, apart from marijuana and hallucinogens. Marijuana is unique, in part because of its accessibility and because of a change in attitude towards weed in general society.
With increasing accessibility and social acceptance, more teens are experimenting with and becoming psychologically dependent on marijuana. So, how many teens abuse marijuana? Let’s take a closer look.
Current Statistics on Teen Marijuana Use
About a third of surveyed 12th graders have had marijuana in the last year.
A study led by Oregon Health & Science University found that overall, marijuana abuse among teenagers has risen by 245 percent in the last 24 years.
This study was based on calls to poison centers involving underage marijuana usage. Death was rare – less than 0.1 percent of cases resulted in death, and these usually involved exposure to marijuana in a public area, alongside a mixture of other drugs. Edibles presented the most problems because they are made with concentrations of pure THC derived from marijuana oil rather than the THC present in a dried marijuana plant. Older boys, in general, were more likely to consume too much THC and require medical attention.
Other research into rising levels of THC in marijuana and marijuana-related products has found that vaping has become another common vector for marijuana-based physical health problems.
Rather than smoking marijuana traditionally, dealers produce marijuana-based oils and waxes, which can be inhaled in combination with the “vape juice” usually found in an e-cigarette, a combination of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.
The result is a product containing nearly 90 percent THC in some cases. Because these are unregulated products, exact figures vary wildly. The consequences, however, are always drastic – memory loss, episodes of severe anxiety, and an increase in rates of psychotic breaks and schizophrenia among teens.
Factors Contributing to Marijuana Abuse Among Teens
Marijuana accessibility has changed over time.
While cannabis is only legalized in select states for users over 21 years of age, legalization has arguably helped make cannabis more accessible. But it isn’t just cannabis – the problem, some researchers say, lies in high-concentrate THC products. These processed forms of marijuana contribute to a higher rate of potential illness, including hyperemesis (extreme vomiting), cognitive problems, and suicidal ideation.
Teens use drugs like marijuana for the same reasons as ever: genetic predisposition towards substance use (family history of drug use), peer influence, parenting styles (completely permissive and totalitarian parenting usually result in higher rates of drug use), parental attitudes toward drug use, comorbid mental health problems (particularly depression and anxiety), and accessibility (especially in or near schools).
Short-term and Long-term Effects of Marijuana Abuse
The active effects of marijuana can largely be attributed to two cannabinoids: THC and CBD.
CBD is the compound most often linked to cannabis’ health benefits, such as controlling nausea in cancer patients, relieving chronic pain, or helping improve sleep. CBD is also not a psychoactive compound, meaning it does not cause a “high”.
THC, on the other hand, is cannabis’ psychoactive component. The short-term effects of marijuana abuse in teens may include:
- Impaired short-term memory.
- Poor coordination.
- Altered judgment.
- Anxiety or paranoia.
The more long-term effects of marijuana abuse in teens also include:
- Respiratory issues.
- Increased anxiety and depression.
- Behavioral addiction.
- Extreme vomiting.
- Increased risk of psychosis.
Warning Signs of Marijuana Abuse in Teens
Cannabis has a distinctive smell, but marijuana oil-based products can mask or even eliminate that scent entirely.
The most consistent warning signs of marijuana use in teens include behavioral and physical signs such as bloodshot eyes, spikes in appetite and hunger, strange or impaired physical behavior (loss of coordination, stumbling), sluggishness, and an elevated or euphoric mood.
Prevention and Education Strategies
Many previous anti-drug campaigns have relied on scare tactics to keep children and teens away from drugs. However, most teens are inquisitive, and many distrust authorities. Exaggerating the negative aspects of drug use negatively impacts the message of an anti-drug campaign, especially among teens who might already be using drugs and know that a single joint won’t “scramble their brain”.
On the other hand, being open and upfront about the known negative side effects of continued marijuana use and marijuana-based products – including the link between high levels of THC and episodes of psychosis – helps teens arm themselves with the facts surrounding potentially dangerous substances like cannabis.
Other successful campaigns have highlighted the fact that marijuana use can affect a person’s energy levels and cognition, trap them in a cycle of inaction, and stop them from experiencing real excitement.
Teen Substance Abuse Treatment
Struggling with teen marijuana abuse can be overwhelming.
Finding the right treatment can change everything. At Visions Treatment Centers, we offer compassionate, expert care tailored to help teens reclaim their lives and build a brighter future.
Transform your teen’s journey today with the dedicated support of Visions Treatment Centers.
Conclusion
While many teens misunderstand marijuana as a safe drug, there can be serious physical and cognitive consequences to teen marijuana abuse.
The rising potency and accessibility of marijuana pose significant risks to teens today. With over 30% of 12th graders reporting use in the past year, understanding these trends is crucial for prevention and intervention.
