Currently, 24 states, including Connecticut, have legalized marijuana use for individuals over the age of 21. As recreational use becomes more legalized, the topic of cannabis use among youth is emerging.
Although marijuana use is technically prohibited on UW campuses, it is no secret that marijuana use is common on many college campuses. Most people consider using cannabis to be a completely safe habit, but like any substance, it does come with risks. Cannabis can have particularly strong effects on people with mental health issues.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lower doses of THC (the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) can be effective in treating the symptoms of panic disorder. Further research from the NIH also shows that cannabis use may generate brain signals that alleviate symptoms of major depressive disorder. Another study published in the Journal of Psychology and Neuroscience found that some cannabinoids in THC may help with symptoms of severe PTSD. New research on cannabis and mental health is still being published, but there may be potential for positive effects.
However, there is also a growing body of research showing that THC may not be very beneficial for young people’s mental health. Ingesting large amounts and uncontrolled doses of THC can be incredibly harmful to your mental health. For example, people with a family history of mental illness are more likely to experience the harmful effects of cannabis, such as paranoia, anxiety, and depression. If you have a family history of schizophrenia, taking high doses of her THC can cause symptoms of the disease, such as hallucinations and delusions.
Additionally, people who use cannabis for long periods of time may be at risk for drug-induced psychosis. Marijuana-induced psychosis is frightening, but in most cases it is a temporary problem that will likely resolve once you stop consuming cannabis or other mind-altering substances. According to the American Addiction Centers (AAC), although marijuana is not as physically addictive as other substances such as alcohol or opioids, the risks of psychological and physiological dependence and abuse are still significant.
If you or someone in your family has a history of substance use disorder, avoiding cannabis may be the best course of action for you. This is because cannabis can act as a “gateway” substance, especially if he starts using before the age of 15. For pre-teens and young adults, cannabis use can change brain chemistry, making them more dependent on the substance to get through the day. Our brains do not stop developing until he is 25 years old, so it is best to be extremely careful with the use of any substances.
In some cases, cannabis may alleviate symptoms of mental illness or help individuals manage their mental health. New research is published every day regarding the potential use of cannabis in the management of mental illness. However, using cannabis also comes with many risks. People who regularly use high doses of cannabis are at a much higher risk than the general population of experiencing lifelong illnesses such as psychosis and schizophrenia. Additionally, cannabis use carries the potential for psychological and physiological addiction, especially if you have a history of substance use disorder or if you have a family history of substance use disorder.
At the end of the day, whether or not you use cannabis is ultimately up to you. Knowing the risks and benefits of cannabis use regarding mental health may help you become more informed and make the best choice for you and your life.
