Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plants (Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica). It is used medically and recreationally. The cannabis plant can be used in a number of different forms. This includes dried leaves (smoking), vapor, edibles, hashish (hash), tinctures, and concentrate (shatter, dabs, oil).

Marijuana plants are cannabis plants that contain high concentrations of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. This is the compound responsible for the drug’s mind- and body-altering effects. This chemical distorts how the mind perceives the world, which is what makes you feel “high” or “stoned.”

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is another natural compound in the Cannabis plant genus. CBD can be extracted from hemp or marijuana; hemp plants are cannabis plants that contain less that 0.3 percent of THC. While THC is a psychoactive compound, CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce the same “high” associated with THC.

Although marijuana is frequently used recreationally, it also has medicinal uses and has been legalized for medical use in 38 states. In Massachusetts, marijuana is legal for medical and recreational use for people 21 years and older. THC and CBD can both provide medical benefits, but they provide relief in different ways. CBD has fewer psychoactive and physical side-effects and is common in medical use. People sometimes use medical marijuana to help treat or ease the effects of pain, cancer, HIV/AIDS, seizures, epilepsy, inflammation, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and Crohn’s disease.

Marijuana can affect each person differently. The effects you might feel from the drug can depend on your biology, the plant’s potency, the form of the drug, and the combination of other drugs or alcohol.

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Psychological effects

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects, affects brain cells and how the brain works. When marijuana is smoked or vaporized, THC passes from the lungs into the bloodstream quickly. THC then affects certain sites in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. These receptors send messages to nerve cells throughout the nervous system and can impact your senses, perception, mood, coordination, concentration, memory, thinking, and appetite.

It can be common to feel anxious or paranoid when using marijuana. Marijuana, however, does not cause mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety. If you are depressed or anxious, there is a possibility that marijuana use could worsen your symptoms; you might find yourself feeling more depressed or anxious.

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Physical effects

The effects of marijuana can be felt within minutes and can last up to a few hours, depending on the amount and form used. Some people may feel little to nothing from marijuana use. Others might feel relaxed, sleepy, or “high.” It can also affect your short-term memory and motor skills, such as your sense of timing, coordination, and reaction time. This is why it is important not to operate vehicles while under the influence.

These effects can be heightened by the form used and its potency. It is very important to keep in mind that you might not know how you’ll feel from marijuana use, even if you’ve used it before. It can be hard to know the exact potency of the drug or how your body will be affected by it in the moment. It is important to remember that your body’s reactions are not predictable and that you should take precautions.

Many of the physical risks of smoking marijuana are similar to the risks of smoking tobacco. Smoking of any form can have effects on your breathing and lungs. You might cough or become susceptible to lung infections or diseases. Marijuana smoke, like tobacco smoke, contains a mix of gases and tiny particles that can irritate or harm the lungs.

While addiction is not common among marijuana use, as with any drug, dependence can be developed. Marijuana is not a gateway drug; many teens try alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana at similar rates, and most people who use marijuana do not use any other drugs. Please be aware that the combination of marijuana and alcohol can increase heart rate and blood pressure, as well as slow your ability to think, react, and problem-solve.

The most important thing about marijuana and drug use is that your student knows the facts, their resources, and how to help themselves and find support. You can help your student learn these skills and know what to do when they need your advice. The best place to start is by being there for them and being willing to talk to them about their concerns as they open up to you.

A leading motivation of vaping among students is peer pressure, and some situations may be difficult to navigate or avoid. Talking with your student about what these situations might look like will prepare them for the times they might encounter them. One of the most difficult parts for your student is not knowing what to do when this type of situation arises. It helps to give them examples of peer pressure that you may have experienced, as well as how to get out of uncomfortable or undesirable situations. Remind them that it's their body and their right to say no or walk away.

Students can be swayed by what their peers are doing and others think is normal or "right." It's natural for adolescents to feel confused when they're surrounded by so many conflicting influences. It helps to remind your student that it isn't their fault if they feel lost, and that it's normal to want to go with the flow of what their friends and trusted ones are doing. They still have autonomy and can make decisions for themselves. Learning how to handle these difficult situations and develop strong willpower is a valuable, life-long skill.

Remember that all students are affected by drug use, whether socially, emotionally, or physically. Your student is not alone in their fears, hesitations, or temptations. If you need help connecting with your student about marijuana or drug awareness, please reach out to school support staff, fellow parents, and view the resources below.

Hotlines — Call & Text Support
If you or someone you know is at risk of harming themselves or others, please call 911 and notify the operator that you are having a psychaitric emergency. Ask for an officer trained in crisis intervention or psychiatric emergencies.

If you are having a non-emergency crisis, there are many resources for you to receive immediate relief by calling or texting with a trained crisis operator. Here is a list of some important numbers and resources to know about in case you find yourself or someone you know needing anonymous support.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or 1-800-442-HOPE (4673) or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text "TALK" to 741741
If you are in crisis and need to speak with someone now, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. They can help with many issues beyond suicide, including anxiety and drug help. They are toll-free, 24-hour, confidential hotlines which connect you to a nearby trained counselor.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
All states have quitlines with counselors who are trained specifically to help with drug dependency. You can call this number to connect directly to your state’s quitline. Hours of operation and services vary from state to state.

SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: 1-800-662-4357 (English and Español)
For 24/7 free and confidential information and referrals in English and Spanish, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727, English and Español)
For 24/7 free and confidential information about drug use in English and Spanish.

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation: 1-866-831-5700
World-renowned Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers; provides lifesaving, compassionate care and specialized services and resources to help people and families from all walks of life find freedom from addiction.

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School Resources
There are many educators at your student's school who are willing to talk and help. Here are some staff members who might be good resources for you and your student.

 

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Websites — Resources & Information
There are many resources about marijuana on the internet. Below are some dependable links that you can browse for information and support.

National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens (NIDA for Teens)
NIDA has the latest information on marijuana and other drugs and their affects on the brain and body. They have information for parents on how to talk with teenagers about drugs and their effects, as well as where to get help.

Here to Help
Here to Help has a parent guide for marijuana use among youth. They have detailed facts and information, as well as website resources.

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
Consumer advocacy groups, including youth groups, play a key role in providing a "voice" for youth and families. AACAP is committed to promoting a partnership with youth and families to improve the mental health of America's youth.

Teen Mental Health
Teen Mental Health has the vision to help improve the mental health of youth by the effective translation and transfer of scientific knowledge. They feature an infographic about marijuana use and your teenager.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIMH)
The NIMH has information, statistics, and research on marijuana and other drugs.

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
A force of healing and hope for individuals, families, and communities affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs. The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is the nation's largest nonprofit treatment provider.

There are many different statistics on marijuana use from a variety of reports and resources. Here are some statistics from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), a verified and dependable source.

• In 2018, 14% of 8th graders, 33% of 10th graders, and 44% of 12th graders reported using marijuana.
• Among 12th graders, 6% percent report daily use of marijuana, which corresponds to about one in 16 high school seniors.
• 38% of high school students report having used marijuana in their life.

Please keep in mind that marijuana use can be common among adolsecents and that there are many ways for you to help and support your student. If you have any non-emergency questions or concerns that you can't find answers for, please do reach out to our support staff and resources that are listed above. We are always ready and willing to help and talk.