The Risks of Cannabis in Adolescents

Adolescence is a stage of life where not only physiological changes occur, but it is also common for young people to want to try new things and experiences. Often, the more rebellion or sense of illegality an experience implies, the more attractive it becomes for adolescents. For this reason, cannabis is one of the “forbidden” substances that young people try earliest. Other factors that explain why they start consuming this substance can be the need to feel part of a group or emotional vulnerability. Many adolescents claim to have smoked a joint at least once in their lives. However, the risk of this practice arises when it turns into an addiction, affecting the consumer’s life and the people around them.

Cannabis: A Problem for Adolescent Brains

Experts state that the abusive use of this substance can have very detrimental consequences for adolescents’ brains and vital development. Specifically, cannabis can substantially alter their central nervous system, leading to psychological problems. One of the most affected aspects is learning, with a clear reduction in concentration and memory capacity. Furthermore, cognitive deterioration occurs, which is associated with academic failure and the emergence of a growing disinterest in studies.

On the other hand, substances like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), present in marijuana, increase the risk of psychotic episodes and, in some cases, schizophrenia. Consuming a lot of cannabis can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, identity disorders, and paranoia. The earlier the age at which one impulsively starts smoking joints, the greater the cognitive deterioration and personal development issues will be. This is because the adolescent brain is still in the process of formation, and introducing certain substances interferes with its normal development.

What the Studies Say

Studies conducted in recent years place Spanish adolescents among the highest consumers of marijuana in Europe. In a 2014 study by the World Health Organization, young people in our country were above the international average, and one in four claimed to have consumed cannabis in the last year. According to the data from that study, 20% of boys and 18% of girls aged 15 reported having smoked at some point.

Another 2018 report on alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use in Spain showed that cannabis is the illegal psychoactive substance with the highest prevalence among students aged 14 to 18. They reported having smoked this drug at least once in their lives. And if we talk about the age of initiation, it was around 15 years old.

How Adolescents View Cannabis

One of the reasons explaining the level of addiction some adolescents have reached has to do with the perception of this substance’s consumption. Some sectors present cannabis as a great solution to ailments. Thus, it is normal for many young people to view marijuana as harmless, without detrimental consequences for their health and development. However, it must be considered that controlled and medicated therapeutic use to treat, for example, suffering related to sclerosis, is one thing. The plant itself and its THC levels, whose psychoactive effects still need to be thoroughly investigated, are another.

How Parents Can Help Their Children

Although treatment exists, the first thing parents need to do is find out if their child might be repeatedly consuming marijuana. To do this, it is crucial to identify the signs that show the young person is, in fact, regularly smoking joints. Obviously, the clearest indicator is if the adolescent or their clothes smell of marijuana. Furthermore, if they become irritable or rude, or lose interest in their usual hobbies, it could be a sign of the reality they are experiencing. At school, another sign is if they start missing classes or arriving late, and if their grades drop. Another example is if they spend less time with family and friends and prefer to be out of the house for long periods without knowing who they are with.

To prevent their child from starting to consume and becoming addicted to cannabis, parents can act accordingly. Instilling values at an early age is the best way to prevent future addiction. It is important to make adolescents understand that you expect them not to use drugs and what values parents most appreciate at a family level. A vital aspect of this educational role between parents and children is to talk about the dangers of drug use like marijuana. The sooner these topics are discussed, the more prepared and aware the young person will be to face possible situations where they might try drugs.

Another interesting factor to discuss is how to say no to peer pressure. During adolescence, the feeling of belonging to a group is usually very strong and a priority. It is important to instill in the child that they should be able to make decisions for themselves without depending on the opinions of others. It is also during this stage of life that intense emotions are experienced for the first time. They may sometimes feel sad or anxious, situations that can lead them to resort to drugs as an attempt to avoid those feelings. This is when it is necessary to explain that it is normal for adolescents to feel strong emotions and that the correct approach is to learn to express them normally and resolve problems in a healthy way.