With recreational marijuana now legal in 24 states and medicinal marijuana approved in 38, it’s understandable to develop a false sense of security about the substance’s safety. But it’s important to remember that cannabis — as it is also known — can be dangerous if misused, especially by teens and children.
With recreational marijuana now legal in 24 states and medicinal marijuana approved in 38, it’s understandable to develop a false sense of security about the substance’s safety. But it’s important to remember that cannabis — as it is also known — can be dangerous if misused, especially by teens and children.
Being knowledgeable about the drug will help you tell if your child or someone else is abusing it and headed for trouble.
Marijuana Basics
Marijuana is second only to alcohol as the
most used mind-altering drug in the U.S. The drug comes from the hemp plant, with its chemicals found in the leaves and flowering shoots. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well-known of these chemicals and the principal one to create mind-altering effects.
There are also manufactured chemicals that act like THC, but they are much stronger and often unregulated. These synthetic forms of marijuana are sold under names, such as K2, Kronic or Spice. There are new THC derivatives, such as Delta-8, which are entering the commercial
market. Some of these unregulated products are readily available and marketed to young consumers, both online and locally.
Marijuana Can Be Used in Several Forms
- A dry, shredded green and brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves is smoked as a cigarette (joint), in a pipe or bong, or as a blunt (a cigar casing that has been filled with marijuana).
- Vape cartridges and pens filled with marijuana also have become quite popular.
- The drug might also be mixed in food or brewed as a tea.
- There is a large commercial market for edibles, such as gummy candies, brownies, and cookies that contain marijuana or the chemicals in it that interact with the brain.
These items can be especially dangerous because they appeal to youngsters. There are many reports of small children overdosing on marijuana by accidentally consuming edibles they mistake for candy or other snacks.
A more concentrated form called hashish is made from the tops of female plants and pressed into small, solid pieces that can look like chocolate.
"Hash” has the highest concentration of THC of all cannabis products and is smoked in a pipe or sometimes put inside regular cigarettes.
Marijuana concentrates, extracted oils that resemble honey or butter, pose a high risk because they have THC levels that may be up to four times higher than in traditional flower form. These concentrates are most often consumed as “dabs,” small amounts of concentrate consumed from a vape/e-cigarette cartridge or “cart.” Because of their high concentration, these have greater physical and psychological effects than THC in the flower form and can present increased risks. Dabs are often smokeless with minimal order and are easy to conceal, even in indoor spaces.
Symptoms of Recreational Marijuana Use
These are some effects of marijuana use:
- A feeling of joy and relaxation
- Increased sense of sight, hearing and taste
- Increased appetite
- Loss of coordination, making it difficult, even dangerous, to do things such as drive a car
- False sense of time
- Trouble thinking and problem-solving
- Being dizzy
- Trouble walking
- Being silly and giggly for no reason
- Having red, bloodshot eyes
- Having a tough time remembering things that just happened
When used in higher concentrations, a person can experience anxiety, panic reactions or paranoia. This side effect, however, is rare. In fact, many people take marijuana to treat anxiety.
Is Your Child or Loved Using?
If you're worried that someone you love may be using marijuana, know what signs to look for. These include:
- Withdrawal or separation from others
- Depression
- Excessive tiredness
- Not careful about personal hygiene or grooming
- Hostility
- A decline in relationships with family members and friends
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
Other things that may be linked to drug use include changes in school performance, skipping or missing school, lost interest in sports or other favorite activities, and changes in eating or sleeping habits.
Parents should also be aware of signs of drugs and drug items such as:
- Pipes and rolling papers
- A strange smell on clothes and in the bedroom
- Using incense and other deodorizers
- Using eye drops
- Frequent red eyes
- Unexplained changes in appetite
- Eating more food
- E-cigarette/Vape devices
- E-cigarette cartridges that have the texture of honey “dabs”
Marijuana Addiction
Studies suggest that some types of marijuana are now much stronger than in the past, and users can become dependent on or addicted to it, just as someone can with alcohol and tobacco. A person is considered dependent on marijuana if they have withdrawal symptoms when they don’t use it for a while and it interferes with hobbies, school, work, or relationships. Still, the negative impact can’t keep them from using.
Symptoms of Withdrawal
While most individuals don’t believe one can become chemically dependent or withdraw from marijuana, studies have shown consistent withdrawal symptoms following cessation of marijuana use. These can be more intense for those with preexisting mental health conditions.
- Increased anxiety, irritability, anger or aggression
- Disturbed sleep/dreaming
- Depressed mood
- Loss of appetite
- Occasional physical symptoms, including chills, headaches, tension, sweating and stomach pain
Harmful Effects of Recreational Marijuana
Long-term studies of high school students indicate most young people who use other drugs tried marijuana first. So, the chance that a child will
try other substances is much higher if they have tried marijuana.
Marijuana can be harmful in several ways. Some of these are felt right away. Others damage a person's health over time. Marijuana affects short-term memory and the ability to handle difficult tasks. When using stronger types of marijuana, even simple tasks can be difficult.
The drug affects a person's ability to understand and reaction time. Users get in
car crashes more often than people who don't use marijuana. They also may have
more risky sexual behavior. There is a strong link between drug use, unsafe sex and the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
Students who use marijuana may find it hard to study and learn because it hurts their ability to focus and pay attention. Young athletes may perform poorly because THC affects timing, movements and coordination.
Synthetic marijuana products can have even more harmful effects. Hallucinations, kidney damage, seizures and even death have been reported with these products.
Some long-term marijuana users who smoke the drug daily may have repeated and uncontrolled vomiting (cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome), either when consuming marijuana or stopping regular use. Hot showers may temporarily alleviate symptoms, but many people require medical care, including hospitalization due to hyperemesis symptoms.
Marijuana smoke contains some of the same cancer-causing compounds as tobacco. But they are sometimes in higher concentrations.
Treatment for Marijuana Dependence
Treatments for marijuana dependence are like therapies for other substance use problems. These include detoxification, behavioral therapies, and attending support group meetings, such as those sponsored by Narcotics Anonymous.
Recent news stories and state laws have addressed the possible medical benefits of marijuana and its casual or recreational use. But these don't apply to children and teens. Teens often refer to these stories and laws to defend their use of marijuana, but their claims are not accurate.
There's no quick and easy way to prevent teen drug use, but you can influence your children by setting clear rules about not using drugs. Talk with your children about the dangers of using marijuana and other drugs. Acting as role models and staying involved in your children's lives can provide the structure and atmosphere they need to resist the temptations of marijuana use.
To be directed to the appropriate treatment based on your child’s needs, call or visit the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline at 800-327-5050 or helplinema.org.
For adolescent acute detoxification or stabilization from marijuana or other substances, help may be appropriate at UMass Memorial Health Community Healthlink’s Motivating Youth Recovery Program. They can be reached 24/7 for referral and screening at 508-860-1244.
Guest Blogger: Ashley Williams, LICSW, Community Health Link, Motivating Youth Recovery
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