4 things you and your teen may not know about marijuana — but should

Massachusetts is now among eight U.S. states to legalize marijuana for adult (21+) recreational use, a decision that’s created a relaxed stance on use of the drug and left many parents worried. The simple, clear and empowering message we suggest parents share with teens is that avoidance of marijuana is best and here’s why. Marijuana is harmful to adolescents. Repeated use of marijuana during the critical windows of brain growth and development of adolescence is associated with anatomic changes in the brain, drops in IQ, serious mental-health disorders and overall poorer functioning. While these harms are dose dependent, there is no known “safe” level of use for adolescents, and some studies have found poor outcomes in teens that used marijuana 50 times in their life — an average of just once a month during high school. Anyone can overdose on marijuana. Marijuana can cause acute psychotic reactions, particularly among inexperienced users or in high doses. In today’s marketplace, where the term “marijuana” can refer to anything from dried plant leaves to highly concentrated oils, overdose is becoming more common. Unfortunately, psychotic reactions can lead to suicide or injury, and in some cases, psychotic symptoms do not fully resolve. Marijuana is addictive. Marijuana is addictive, although the clinical picture is distinct from other drugs. The long half-life of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, results in only mild withdrawal symptoms. And, like ni...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Health & Wellness Kids' Safety Teen Health Adolescent Substance Abuse Program adoloscent substance abuse Dr. Sharon Levy marijuana medical marijuana Source Type: news