American Medical Association’s Insight: Decrease in Underage Cannabis Use Post-Legalization

If you are a patient who uses medical cannabis to help with symptom management and you have minors living in your home, you probably have some safety concerns. It is the responsibility of patients to make sure that cannabis products are secured in a safe location, but even so, there is the possibility of children gaining access.

State medical marijuana laws are designed to protect children. That is why children with debilitating health conditions must have a legal guardian (caregiver) registered to assist, in conjunction with doctor supervision.

Medical cannabis potency levels for children who are registered patients are also substantially lower. In most states, the maximum is 10% THC potency, but therapeutic doses are carefully monitored by parents and practitioners to reduce risks.

The overwhelming concern that everyone had about legalizing marijuana was focused on the potential for substance abuse and mental health harm that cannabis can cause for minors. A new American Medical Association (AMA) report provided some good news. Legalizing marijuana does not seem to increase adolescent marijuana use.

Concern About The Impact of Cannabis Legalization On Minors

If cannabis is regarded as safe for adult use, why is there so much concern over pre-teens and high school students using marijuana? Some problematic cannabis side effects can have long-term negative consequences for minors.

Teen marijuana use has been studied, as well as the use of other illicit substances. During the years of cognitive development (ages 0-21 years), prescription drug, alcohol abuse, and youth marijuana use may cause developmental delays. It is also suggested that adolescent marijuana use may trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Many studies suggest that the earlier a child begins to use cannabis, the greater the risks for adverse effects caused by marijuana. Younger age groups also have a higher than average risk of developing cannabis use disorder (CUD).

Cognitive Impairment

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to cognitive impairments due to ongoing brain development. Cannabis use during this crucial period may lead to deficits in memory, attention, and executive function.

Several studies suggest that the active ingredient in cannabis, THC, interferes with neurotransmitter systems involved in these cognitive processes, potentially affecting academic performance and long-term cognitive abilities.

In states with adult-use marijuana laws, the minimum age requirement is twenty-one (21) years. After the age of twenty-one, clinical studies state that the brain has completed development. Therefore, the impact of cannabis on cognitive functioning is minimized.

Mental Health Issues

The United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA) shares that cannabis can hurt brain functioning when used by teenagers. Specifically, THC can disrupt neurotransmitter development, impacting memory, learning, and physical coordination and drastically increase the risk of drug abuse.

Cannabis use during adolescence has been linked to an increased risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. The adolescent brain is undergoing significant changes in its neurodevelopment, and exposure to cannabis can disrupt this process, leading to imbalances in neurotransmitter systems that regulate mood and stress response.

Substance Abuse Disorders

Adolescents who use cannabis are more likely to develop substance abuse disorders later in life. Early exposure to cannabis can alter the brain’s reward system, leading to increased tolerance, dependence, and subsequent use of other substances.

Cannabis can alter your mood. While this can be beneficial to adults who suffer from moderate to severe symptoms of depression or anxiety, children can develop an emotional reliance on mood-altering drugs. Rather than learn to moderate their emotions naturally, drug abuse can hinder the development of healthier emotional coping mechanisms.

Educational Attainment

Regular cannabis use during adolescence has been associated with lower educational attainment and decreased academic motivation. Impaired cognitive function and memory deficits resulting from cannabis use can interfere with learning and hinder academic success.

What does this mean for kids? Students who struggle in school are more likely to abandon post-secondary education. Get Smart About Drugs states: “Teens who smoke, drink alcohol, binge drink or use marijuana or other drugs are more likely than non-users to drop out of school and less likely than non-users to graduate from high school, attend college or obtain a college degree.

Impaired Driving Skills

Adolescents who use cannabis are at an increased risk of engaging in risky behaviors such as driving under the influence. Cannabis impairs coordination, reaction time, and judgment, leading to an elevated risk of accidents and injuries on the road.

Interestingly, incidents of driving under the influence (DUI) where cannabis is involved are combined with all other controlled substances (including alcohol). Some states have reported an increase in impaired driving overall, but that does not imply that cannabis alone is responsible for the dangerous uptick in reckless driving.

Since teenagers are inexperienced drivers, any alcohol or controlled substance can drastically increase the risk of having a motor vehicle collision. The impairing effects of cannabis can also be subtle, and adolescents may not be able to recognize that they are unfit to drive. The combination of lack of driving experience and drugs can be deadly for youths.

Respiratory Issues

Smoking cannabis can cause respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis and lung inflammation, similar to those associated with tobacco smoking. Adolescents who use cannabis may experience coughing, wheezing, and respiratory infections, which can negatively impact their overall health and well-being.

Physicians who support medical cannabis use advise patients that smokable cannabis products (while they are the most popular intake method) have the highest potential to cause respiratory illnesses. Smokable cannabis can also exacerbate respiratory diseases such as asthma.

As recreational marijuana legalization has only existed in the United States for less than five years, it is difficult to determine the long-term effects on respiratory health. Marijuana use among adolescents is thought to have the highest risk potential for developing respiratory diseases, according to many clinical studies.

Social and Interpersonal Problems

Cannabis use during adolescence can contribute to social and interpersonal difficulties, including conflicts with family members, friends, and authority figures. Adolescents who use cannabis may experience withdrawal from social activities, decreased motivation, and impaired social skills, affecting their relationships and overall quality of life.

It’s important for adolescents and their caregivers to be aware of these potential health concerns and to prioritize informed decision-making regarding cannabis use. Early prevention and intervention efforts, along with education about the risks associated with cannabis use, are essential in promoting healthy behaviors and reducing harm among adolescents.

Adolescent Marijuana Use Is Declining According To The AMA

On April 15, 2024, Marijuana Moment reported the conclusion of a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics that was conducted by the American Medical Association (AMA). The data reviewed the impact of medical cannabis laws and recreational cannabis legalization on drug use by minors.

Astonishingly, the statistics show that youth cannabis use has not increased now that the majority of states have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use. With parental consent, the study reviewed responses from 898,271 teenagers in 47 states.

Researchers stated that the results “suggest that legalization and greater control over cannabis markets have not facilitated adolescents’ entry into substance use.” However, there was more good news, as teenage alcohol use and e-cigarette (vaping) were also in decline.

The fact that the data was presented by the American Medical Association has tremendous weight. Medical policymakers were arguably expecting a different result, which may have warranted more restrictions and legal reform.

As a parent, I share in the relief, knowing that adolescents today are perhaps more aware (than previous generations) of the negative impact of substance abuse. It appears they are making healthier choices, which is a reason to celebrate.

Aaron Bloom

Aaron Bloom, an experienced healthcare attorney, serves as the CEO, overseeing the mission and growth of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers since 2016. Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives comes from his experience in healthcare. For more than 20 years, Aaron has owned, operated, and represented traditional healthcare organizations. This experience created a passion for finding improved ways to relieve suffering. His goal as CEO is to work daily to provide relief to all patients who seek better health and wellness through the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis and evidence-based alternative medicines.