Marijuana Use, Adolescent Brain Development and Educational Outcomes

We have known for quite some time that substance use during brain development periods can have a dramatic impact on a person's neurological health.   Different substances obviously impact the brain in different ways, but all of them do target the brain.

New research is coming out about marijuana and the brain.  More research is being done.  We will learn more about marijuana in the next few years than what we have ever known.   

Here are a few quick facts:

• Marijuana is 10-20x more potent than it was in the 1970's
• Marijuana has 50-70% more carcinogens than cigarettes
• Marijuana has over 4,000 unidentified  chemicals (both organic and synthetic)
• Marijuana overdose is rare, but possible.  We are seeing an increase in overdose with edibles and hash oil.
• Marijuana addiction is 6x more likely for teens than adults, especially if they begin using before age 15 or have a family history of addiction.
• Nationally, marijuana induced ER visits for teens are surpassing alcohol related visits.
• Lung cancer is 20x greater with marijuana use than cigarette use (mostly due to the way it is smoked) per a study done in 2012.  This is changing based on the chemical make up of marijuana products, potency, etc. 
• There is a tight connection between marijuana use at a young age and adulthood mental health symptoms.
• New research is showing heart issues associated with marijuana use.  Marijuana can increase the heart rate (50-100x faster depending on the study you read) and drop the blood pressure significantly.  This combination can have a lasting impact on the heart, especially with repetitive use or a family history of heart disease.
• Driving under the influence of marijuana can & does impair your driving.  A few years ago Montana ranked 2nd in the nation for fatal car accidents involving marijuana. 
• Marijuana alters the brain by altering memory, judgment and motor skills.
• Vaporizers, e-cigarettes and other methods of smoking marijuana are increasing among youth.  Youth believe these methods to be safer and have less impact on their physical health.  Vaporizers and other methods may cut out some of the tar, but they release other chemicals such as ammonia into the lungs. 

Here is a great article which just came out about marijuana use & academic outcomes:

http://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/marijuana-use-educational-outcomes

Please get your facts when talking to kids about marijuana use.  There is a lot of bad information, confusing information and conflicting studies.  Make sure you are reading accurate information before relaying the message to youth.  If you have questions, please talk to your Project SUCCESS counselor or contact Western Montana Addiction Services- Adolescent Program for information.
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