Marijuana

The teen brain is actively developing and continues to develop until around age 25. Marijuana use during adolescence and young adulthood may harm the developing brain.

Negative effects of teen marijuana use include:

• Difficulty thinking and problem-solving
• Problems with memory and learning
• Reduced coordination
• Difficulty maintaining attention
• Problems with school and social life

How marijuana can impact a teen’s life:

• Increased risk of mental health issues. Marijuana use has been linked to a range of mental health problems, such as depression and social anxiety.  People who use marijuana are more likely to develop temporary psychosis (not knowing what is real, hallucinations, and paranoia) and long-lasting mental disorders, including schizophrenia (a type of mental illness where people might see or hear things that aren’t there).  The association between marijuana and schizophrenia is stronger in people who start using marijuana at an earlier age and use marijuana more frequently.
• Impaired driving. Driving while impaired by any substance, including marijuana, is dangerous and illegal. Marijuana negatively affects several skills required for safe driving, such as reaction time, coordination, and concentration.
• Potential for addiction. Approximately 3 in 10 people who use marijuana have marijuana use disorder. Some signs and symptoms of marijuana use disorder include trying but failing to quit using marijuana or giving up important activities with friends and family in favor of using marijuana. The risk of developing marijuana use disorder is stronger in people who start using marijuana during youth or adolescence and who use marijuana more frequently.