Teen Marijuana Use Linked to Later Illnesses

The White House Office of National Drug Control policy found that self-medication especially for depression raises the risk of mental problems. Although fewer teens are using marijuana, there is growing concern that those who view smoking marijuana as a way to cope with depression do not understand its consequences. It is also not clear whether their parents who might have used themselves when they were younger understand the risks associated with usage. The risk of developing mental illnesses later in life go up by as much as 40% among users of marijuana in their teenage years. Teenage girls are especially at risk and are more likely to develop depression than those who do not use marijuana. Teenagers who smoke marijuana at least once a month are three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than non-users. Depressed teenagers are more likely than depressed adults to seek solace in marijuana or other illicit drugs. Too often teens do not seek treatment for their depression, choosing instead to seek relief by smoking marijuana. They do not realize that this can make their problem worse and can set them up for serious health consequences. Minority youths are also likely to seek relief for depression through drugs due in part to the social stigma some cultures attach to mental health problems. They do not want to go to their parents or pastor so they turn to drugs. Nationwide about 2 million teenagers report having felt depressed or having lost interest in daily activities during the past year. Too often parents and teens downplay marijuana's impact because they see it as les harmful than other drugs, such as cocaine.

Contributing to the risk is the higher potency today compared with marijuana in the 1970's. Since the 1980s the potency has doubled. Despite a drop in usage among teenagers, those who are using are becoming more dependent on it. About 60% of first-time users are under the age of 18. Far more teens are in treatment for dependency on marijuana than alcohol. Marijuana is thought of as the least dangerous of illicit drugs but we can see now that this is simply not true. I hope this blog educates parents so that they can educate their teens.