Marijuana: What’s the Real Harm?

With large pushes for legalization of marijuana across the country, a once-taboo drug is considered by many to be quote-unquote “less bad.” This mentality and normalization of a psychoactive substance has had a profound effect on young men in the United States. Overall, marijuana use in high school-aged teens has not increased over the past 20 years, however, what has increased is the potency of the drug. More alarming is that as technology has progressed, so has our understanding of the negative effects that marijuana use has on the brains of those under the age of 25. To better understand how increased potency and the effects that cannabis use has on the brain, here is a brief explanation of the plant and what is particularly important when examining its use.

Short Summary of Marijuana

Marijuana, also referred to as cannabis, is not a supremely evil entity. The plant, often referred to as hemp, has many commercial uses. The leaves, shoots, and stems can be used for paper, cosmetic products, and clothing. The flowers of the marijuana plant are what is typically thought of when it comes to using marijuana. Chemically rather complex, there are two that are most commonly talked about. THC, which stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, and CBD, which stands for Cannabidiol. CBD is the lesser-known of the two and research has suggested that it has anti-inflammatory properties when consumed. It is available in many forms, from topical ointments to vaporizable oils. It is important to note that CBD is not psychoactive and not directly responsible for adverse side effects from the use of the drug. On the other hand, THC is the psychoactive component and produces the effects most commonly associated with marijuana consumption. This is the chemical that has increased in prevalence as it relates to the potency of marijuana.

Potency and Its Effect on the Brain

Since the 1960s, there has been a steady increase in the potency of recreational marijuana. According to the Missouri Journal of Medicine, before 1990, the average THC percentage in marijuana flower was less than 2%. Now, the percentage ranges from 18-28% depending on the strain. This increase of 16-26 percentage points is remarkably significant and has serious impacts on the brain chemistry of developing youth. With the increase in potency, there are even more significant consequences of long-term or heavy marijuana use beginning in adolescence. Adolescence is a time of significant brain development and chemically, there is an increase in certain stimulatory neurotransmitters, and a decrease in others, all located in the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the last part of the brain to fully develop and is regarded as the “seat of judgment.” Naturally, this corresponds to the prevalence of rash decision making and poor impulse control that is seen in young adults and teenagers. As the “seat of judgment” develops, the prevalence of addictive behaviors is greater. As a result of this increase in potency, marijuana, which used to be thought of as something that wasn’t chemically addictive, has been shown to influence the reward pathways in the brain. This then leads us to increases in addictive behaviors beyond that of just marijuana use.

Mental Health

The end result of these neurological changes is alarming. Numerous studies have demonstrated that using cannabis prior to the age of 15–18 significantly increases the risk of developing psychotic symptoms. The risk of this has been shown to be dependent on increases of a greater frequency of use as well as higher potency of THC. A study in the UK found that the use of high potency THC(>15%) resulted in a three-fold increase for the risk of psychosis, with a 5-fold increased risk with daily users. In addition to psychosis, there is an increased prevalence of depression and anxiety in those who use high potency marijuana. 

These mental health disorders, when combined with addictive behaviors, is a ruthless self-destructive cycle for young men and boys. What was initially seen by them as a harmless substance, slowly changes the brain chemistry to a place where without marijuana, it no longer functions as intended. Young men and boys who engage in chronic marijuana use now look at the world through a foggy lens of addictive behavior. Without the drug, they feel depressed, anxious, and may have trouble sleeping. They exhibit rash, erratic, sometimes even angry or violent behaviors as a result, and thus are driven back into their drug use. It is the cycle of addictive behavior and without help, love, and support, the individual struggling with their use will have a more difficult time recovering. While some may advocate for marijuana legalization, and with many teens and young adults holding the view that it is harmless, the need for clear information around the subject is imperative. Whether it is yourself or a loved one who is struggling, knowing the truth behind what is being put in one’s body is the key to realizing whether or not you have a problem that needs to be addressed. Knowledge is the most important asset to have when dealing with addictive behaviors as they pertain to marijuana use.

Marijuana addiction is a serious and harmful struggle. At Capstone Treatment Center, we recognize the need for a focused and multi-faceted approach to recovery. If you or a loved one are struggling with marijuana use, and think that an inpatient treatment program can help, Call 855-956-2234 and find out if your needs meet the level of care provided at Capstone.