What’s wrong with marijuana? It’s legal..
04/28/2021
Marijuana has become legal in the state of Illinois and with this more adults are viewing marijuana as relatively harmless. Following the legalization of marijuana, reports indicate an increase in use among adolescents. There are facts based on science that indicate great risk and harm to adolescents that use marijuana. For these reasons, I ask you, as parents, to please reconsider this threat to your child and then have a conversation with your teen or young adult to talk about the consequences of marijuana use and how it could impact them both now and in the future.
It is illegal to buy, possess, or use marijuana in all 50 states if you are under the age of 21. Adolescent brain development is a concern as the brain is still developing with new neural growth well into the mid to late 20’s. Disrupting this brain maturation with the use of marijuana creates problems and negative outcomes that continue well into adulthood. According to the National Institutes of Health, marijuana exposure during brain development can cause long-term, possibly permanent, adverse changes in the brain. The use of marijuana is accompanied with some danger. This includes the increased possibility of fatal auto accidents, the prospect of lowered inhibitions that can result in risky sexual behaviors. In addition, marijuana use is potentially an important cofactor for HIV/STD transmission among high-risk adolescents. The younger one starts using the drug, the more likely it is to become addicted. Furthermore, marijuana appears to be related to other substance use among youth. Evidence shows that marijuana use among teens is associated with the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes (handheld battery-powered vaporizers), and alcohol. Research demonstrates that marijuana use in adolescence is associated with negative psychosocial outcomes in adulthood, including poorer educational attainment, greater risk of intimate partner violence, lower work commitment, and increased involvement in crime.
One study found that individuals that began using marijuana in their teen years showed a decreased ability to learn and remember new words by the time they reached middle age than those who began later or used marijuana less often. Self-medication of mental disorders, social anxiety, and pain when access to care is lacking is another concern related to adolescent use of marijuana because it may delay needed treatments, mask deeper issues, or lead to drug abuse or dependence.
The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) opposes the use of marijuana by children and adolescents and opposes legalization of marijuana due to the potential harms to children and adolescents. The AAP discourages the use of marijuana by parents in the presence of minors because of the influence of adult role modeling on child and adolescent behaviors. One in 10 adolescent marijuana users becomes addicted. Marijuana is not a benign substance, and even when used medically, can have adverse side effects In the short term, marijuana use is known to impair short-term memory and judgment and can have negative impacts on teens’ driving safety and academic performance. Current research suggests, but does not prove, that regular use of marijuana by teens may have long-lasting negative effects on cognition, educational outcomes, life satisfaction, and achievement. A comprehensive list of the effects of medical marijuana on the developing brain are unknown with ongoing research pending. Making marijuana legal did not make it safe. What are your concerns with the use of marijuana in your teen? Tell us about conversations with your college age kids, we are interested in helping everyone lead healthier and happier lives.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2017). Medical Risks of Marijuana. American Academy of Pediatrics.
Kelly, K., Berry, C., Comello, M. L. G., & Ray, H. B. (2021). The Regulatory and Marketing Environment Surrounding the Legalization of Retail Marijuana and the Impact on Youth. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 40(1), 62–82.
Pollyanna Vujovic APN is a board certified Family Practice Nurse (FNP) who works with individuals having a variety of mental health needs. She engages her patients through empathic listening, identifying their treatment needs and setting goals to decrease suffering and improve their quality of life.
Marijuana has become legal in the state of Illinois and with this more adults are viewing marijuana as relatively harmless. Following the legalization of marijuana, reports indicate an increase in use among adolescents. There are facts based on science that indicate great risk and harm to adolescents that use marijuana. For these reasons, I ask you, as parents, to please reconsider this threat to your child and then have a conversation with your teen or young adult to talk about the consequences of marijuana use and how it could impact them both now and in the future.
It is illegal to buy, possess, or use marijuana in all 50 states if you are under the age of 21. Adolescent brain development is a concern as the brain is still developing with new neural growth well into the mid to late 20’s. Disrupting this brain maturation with the use of marijuana creates problems and negative outcomes that continue well into adulthood. According to the National Institutes of Health, marijuana exposure during brain development can cause long-term, possibly permanent, adverse changes in the brain. The use of marijuana is accompanied with some danger. This includes the increased possibility of fatal auto accidents, the prospect of lowered inhibitions that can result in risky sexual behaviors. In addition, marijuana use is potentially an important cofactor for HIV/STD transmission among high-risk adolescents. The younger one starts using the drug, the more likely it is to become addicted. Furthermore, marijuana appears to be related to other substance use among youth. Evidence shows that marijuana use among teens is associated with the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes (handheld battery-powered vaporizers), and alcohol. Research demonstrates that marijuana use in adolescence is associated with negative psychosocial outcomes in adulthood, including poorer educational attainment, greater risk of intimate partner violence, lower work commitment, and increased involvement in crime.
One study found that individuals that began using marijuana in their teen years showed a decreased ability to learn and remember new words by the time they reached middle age than those who began later or used marijuana less often. Self-medication of mental disorders, social anxiety, and pain when access to care is lacking is another concern related to adolescent use of marijuana because it may delay needed treatments, mask deeper issues, or lead to drug abuse or dependence.
The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) opposes the use of marijuana by children and adolescents and opposes legalization of marijuana due to the potential harms to children and adolescents. The AAP discourages the use of marijuana by parents in the presence of minors because of the influence of adult role modeling on child and adolescent behaviors. One in 10 adolescent marijuana users becomes addicted. Marijuana is not a benign substance, and even when used medically, can have adverse side effects In the short term, marijuana use is known to impair short-term memory and judgment and can have negative impacts on teens’ driving safety and academic performance. Current research suggests, but does not prove, that regular use of marijuana by teens may have long-lasting negative effects on cognition, educational outcomes, life satisfaction, and achievement. A comprehensive list of the effects of medical marijuana on the developing brain are unknown with ongoing research pending. Making marijuana legal did not make it safe. What are your concerns with the use of marijuana in your teen? Tell us about conversations with your college age kids, we are interested in helping everyone lead healthier and happier lives.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2017). Medical Risks of Marijuana. American Academy of Pediatrics.
Kelly, K., Berry, C., Comello, M. L. G., & Ray, H. B. (2021). The Regulatory and Marketing Environment Surrounding the Legalization of Retail Marijuana and the Impact on Youth. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 40(1), 62–82.
Pollyanna Vujovic APN is a board certified Family Practice Nurse (FNP) who works with individuals having a variety of mental health needs. She engages her patients through empathic listening, identifying their treatment needs and setting goals to decrease suffering and improve their quality of life.