Teen Mental Health
As THC Levels in Marijuana Soar, Risks of Addiction and Psychosis Surge
Vaping highly potent cannabis products is leading to significant physical and mental health issues among adolescents.
By Alex Johnson
June 23, 2022
For parents who may have dabbled in cannabis during their youth, the thought of their own children experimenting with it might not seem alarming. After all, what’s the worst that could happen? Perhaps they binge on snacks and share laughs while watching their favorite animated film. However, today’s teens are not consuming the mild cannabis strains of previous decades that typically had around 4% THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana. Instead, they are using highly concentrated products—sometimes containing up to 95% THC. As the potency of cannabis has surged, so too have the associated risks, escalating from simple munchies to serious issues like addiction, psychosis, and complex health problems.
Take Sarah, who started vaping THC cartridges at just 14. Initially, she experienced what she described as “incredible euphoria,” but that sensation quickly turned into anxiety and fainting spells. Despite believing that cannabis was “natural” and therefore harmless, Sarah learned the hard way that regular use is linked to the onset of psychosis. This condition can manifest as losing touch with reality, experiencing hallucinations, and feeling extreme paranoia. Research indicates that this connection is particularly pronounced in teens who regularly consume high-potency cannabis or who begin using it during adolescence.
A study from 2021 in JAMA Psychiatry highlighted that in Denmark, the percentage of schizophrenia diagnoses related to cannabis use rose from 2% in 1995 to 6-8% by 2010, coinciding with the rise of stronger cannabis products. Moreover, a report in The Lancet Psychiatry indicated that frequent use of high-potency cannabis can increase the risk of developing a psychotic disorder by five times compared to those who have never used it. The dangers appear to escalate for younger users. According to JAMA Pediatrics, 40% of teens who use cannabis report experiencing adverse effects such as paranoia, anxiety, and hallucinations.
“The younger you are, the more susceptible your brain is to these issues,” states Dr. Emily Thompson, a leading expert in adolescent substance use at a prominent children’s hospital. She emphasizes that higher potency products are contributing to an increase in negative experiences associated with cannabis.
Additionally, regular cannabis use in adolescents can lead to various physical health problems, some of which may not manifest until years later. Sarah was diagnosed with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition characterized by severe vomiting episodes that can cause extreme pain, known colloquially as “scromiting.” During one episode, she recounted vomiting over 20 times in just two hours.
High-potency THC vaping products often contain cutting agents that can pose further health risks. Substances like vitamin E acetate and phytol have been linked to serious lung injuries and respiratory issues. Moreover, the likelihood of developing physical and psychological dependence is higher with these products, which typically lack therapeutic amounts of CBD—cannabis’s non-psychoactive component that offers genuine health benefits. Some research suggests that lower CBD levels might make THC products more addictive, explaining the uptick in teens seeking treatment for THC addiction.
Despite this alarming information, many teens are still likely to experiment with cannabis. This highlights the importance of fostering open conversations about moderation and harm reduction with adolescents. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of potential THC misuse.
For more insights, visit this blog post which discusses related topics, or check out this authoritative article on cannabis’s impact on health. Also, this resource offers excellent information on health and wellness.
Summary
Cannabis use among teenagers has evolved significantly, with the rise of high-THC products leading to increased risks of addiction and psychosis. Regular use can lead to severe mental and physical health issues, especially in younger users. Open dialogue about safe practices and the potential harms of cannabis is essential for protecting teen mental health.