Understanding the Effects of Marijuana on Teens
What is Marijuana? Are there different kinds?
Marijuana is a green, brown or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds and flowers of the hemp plant (Cannabissativa). Before the 1960s, many Americans had never heard of marijuana, but today it is the most often used illegal drug in the United States.
Marijuana is a mind-altering (psychoactive) drug; it contains THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the main active chemical in marijuana. It may also contain more than 400 other harmful chemicals.
Marijuana's effect on the user depends on the strength or potency of the THC it contains. THC potency has increased since the 1970s and continues to increase still.
What are the long-term effects of marijuana use?
Findings show that regular use of marijuana or THC may play a role in some kinds of cancer and in problems with the respiratory, immune and reproductive systems.
Cancer
Marijuana smoke contains some of the same cancer-causing compounds as tobacco, sometimes in higher concentrations.
Lungs and Airways
People who smoke marijuana often tend to develop the same kinds of breathing problems as cigarette smokers. Teens need to know that smoking marijuana can make them
suffer frequent coughing, phlegm production and wheezing and they will tend to get more chest colds.
Immune System
Animal studies have found that THC can damage the cells and tissues that help protect people from disease.
Reproductive System
Heavy use of marijuana can affect both male and female hormones. Young men could have delayed puberty because of THC effects. Young women may find the drug disturbs their monthly cycle (ovulation and menstrual periods).
When the early effects of using marijuana fade, the user can become very sleepy. Parents should be aware of changes in their child's behavior, although this may be difficult with teens. In addition, parents should be aware of:
- Drug paraphernalia, including pipes and rolling papers
- Use of incense and other deodorizers
- Use of eye drops
- Clothing, posters, jewelry, etc., promoting drug use
Is marijuana smoking more harmful than tobacco smoking?
Marijuana smoke is very similar to tobacco smoke, however it contains even more of some of the cancer-causing agents
than tobacco smoke. Marijuana smokers also tend to inhale more deeply and hold the smoke in the lungs longer, therefore increasing the risk of
damage to the lungs. If a teen is mixing marijuana smoking, and cigarette or tobacco smoking, the health effects are more damaging. Mixing
marijuana with tobacco can result in the added problem of nicotine addiction.
Does marijuana affect adolescents in school, sports, or other activities?
One of the biggest hazards of marijuana for teens is that the drug can negatively effect how they act in school, in sports or with their friends. Teens need to realize that by using marijuana, they are more likely to:
- Make stupid mistakes that could embarrass or even hurt them
- Lose energy and interest in how they look
- Lose interest in how they're getting along at school or work
Are there treatments to help marijuana users?
Yes, Gateway offers substance abuse treatment programs to help adults and adolescents that may be abusing
marijuana. Gateway programs include After-School Treatment Programs for teens and adolescents so they can stay in school and, therefore,
treatment won't interrupt school progress. Residential programs are also available, if needed, that provide educational services which work
in collaboration with an adolescent's own school district to support uninterrupted academic progress.
Additional Questions?
If you have questions or are concerned about a teen or adolescent you know, contact Gateway and let us provide you
with the answers you need.
Gateway offers a free, in-depth, confidential screening to determine the nature and extent of your adolescent or
teenagers alcohol or drug problem. Contact us today at 877-505-HOPE (877-505-4673).
