Marijuana is the second most popular drug of abuse among middle school and high school aged teens, behind alcohol. Marijuana addiction is well-documented and is one of the primary substance use disorders we treat at The Cornerstone Program. Marijuana is a leafy substance which comes from the hemp plant. The psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cross-breeding of marijuana plants over decades has led today’s marijuana to contain much higher levels of THC than 20-40 years ago. In recent years, the popularity of smoking or vaping marijuana extracts in oil concentrate form has increased dramatically, leading to THC concentrations higher than ever before.
The CDC’s guide on the health effects of marijuana (details below) point out that roughly one out of every 10 marijuana users will develop marijuana addiction, but that the number rises to one in six among users who are under 18. Many young people state that getting marijuana under the age of 21 is easier than acquiring alcohol, due to its widespread presence in schools. Many cases of marijuana addiction in young people stem from the fact that there is easy access for using cannabis with concentrates, vapes, and e-cigarettes. These mediums have led to higher levels of THC than ever before. Using cannabis can have long term health implications on young people and is still the number one gateway drug. Struggling with marijuana addiction or abuse is tough, but it is not too late to get help. There is always hope!
We hope the information below will provide you with some clarity if you’ve been observing symptoms of a potential marijuana addiction in a young person. If you’ve got further questions or would like to schedule a no cost evaluation, please contact our drug rehab center or call us at (303) 690-0082.
Is Marijuana Harmless?
No. The CDC has published a detailed resource on the health effects of marijuana use. It discusses marijuana’s detrimental effects on the brain, heart, lungs, and cited marijuana’s implications for mental health issues.
Cannabis-Induced Psychosis (CID) – Abnormally high THC levels found in concentrates have been found to be responsible for increasing cases of cannabis-induced psychosis. CID is a condition wherein a marijuana user will experience symptoms of psychosis (paranoia, hallucinations, disorientation, etc) for anywhere from a few hours to weeks or months after cessation of use. Traditionally, these cases were very rare, but anecdotally, we have noted a sharp increase in these cases in our treatment center in recent years. Read more about cannabis-induced psychosis.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) – Research dating back as early as 2013 has recognized a clinical condition known as Canabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in some chronic THC or marijuana users. This condition is marked by cyclic episodes of nausea and severe vomiting lasting 24-48 hours which can leave users severely dehydrated. Read more about cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.
Perhaps most importantly for young people, marijuana has been shown to stifle emotional development, negatively affect relationships, and affect the mood of users. Adolescence is a critical time in life where we learn to form bonds outside of our families and we learn critical emotional coping skills to deal with the ups and downs of life. For this reason, we believe it is never a good idea for an adolescent or young person to use marijuana.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
Yes. The CDC reports that around one in 10 users of marijuana will develop a marijuana use disorder (addiction). This is in line with the number of alcohol users who will go on to develop alcohol use disorders (alcoholism). They have also reported that among users under the age of 18, this number rises to one in six.
Another study on marijuana addiction has noted that prevalence of marijuana addiction is closer to 3 in 10 and adolescent marijuana addiction research has estimated that teenage marijuana users (14-18) are around four to seven times more likely to develop marijuana use disorder than adult marijuana users.
While it’s true that these numbers seem to conflict with each other, the conclusion is clear – yes, marijuana is addictive.
The Effects of Marijuana Addiction on Young People
Young people will often erroneously view marijuana as a natural alternative to other drugs. Developing minds are more susceptible to being damaged from using marijuana and can also lead in an increase chance of addiction. If you believe someone in your life is experiencing marijuana addiction, look for these signs and symptoms:
- Red and dry eyes
- Acting slow or dazed
- Lack of motivation and a decrease in coordination
- Mood swings
- Acting paranoid
- Marijuana paraphernalia (pipes, lighters, grinders, papers)
Does Marijuana Addiction Require Treatment?
The best answer here is, sometimes. Heavily addicted marijuana users, and those who have tried to quit in the past and failed will often require drug treatment to recover. However, some less heavy users may simply need alternative ways to find joy and fun in the time of adolescence. The enthusiastic approach is designed to do exactly that. The best way to assess whether treatment is the right answer is to give us a call here at The Cornerstone program. To set up a no cost substance abuse evaluation, contact our drug rehab center or give us a call at (303) 690-0082.