The Hidden Risks of Teen Marijuana Use Every Parent Should Know

Dr. Wesley Sassaman, DNP, MSN-NE, MPH, MBA, FNP-C, CARN-AP

Marijuana has a long and complex history, with its use dating back thousands of years for medicinal, recreational, and spiritual purposes. Yet, recent years have seen a dramatic shift in its consumption as legalization and decriminalization sweep across many regions. This change has resulted in increased access and use of cannabis among diverse populations, including teens and young adults. For parents, these trends pose urgent concerns, as emerging research underscores the dangers of marijuana on the developing brain. Understanding these risks is not just important—it’s essential.

Prenatal Cannabis Exposure (PCE): The Risks Begin Before Birth

The developmental stakes associated with prenatal cannabis exposure are alarmingly high. Studies show that children exposed to cannabis while in the womb face significant developmental challenges. By age five, these children often exhibit weakened executive function and heightened aggressive behaviors, findings that persist even when controlling for socioeconomic factors and other substance exposures (Keim et al., 2024).

Cannabis exposure during pregnancy has also been linked to a higher likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disabilities, especially when combined with maternal smoking. On a molecular level, cannabis can alter DNA methylation—an essential process for regulating brain development—potentially leading to cognitive impairments that last a lifetime (Noble et al., 2024).

Adding to this troubling picture are the risks to maternal and neonatal health. THC, the active psychoactive compound in cannabis, can impair maternal caregiving behaviors critical to a newborn’s well-being. Prenatal exposure to cannabis often results in lower birth weights, higher preterm birth rates, and even increased neonatal mortality (Carlson et al., 2024; Ryan et al., 2023). These outcomes are not only devastating emotionally but also impose significant financial and social burdens on families.

Adolescents and Cannabis Use: Unique Vulnerabilities

The teenage years are a critical period of brain maturity, during which cannabis use can have profound effects. The legalization wave has introduced not only easier access to cannabis for teens but also products with much higher potency. These more potent forms can disrupt young brain development, leading to adverse psychological and social outcomes (Bhatia, 2024).

One bright spot in the data reveals that adolescents from immigrant families appear less likely to use cannabis, possibly due to protective cultural norms and religious values (Steinhoff et al., 2024). This finding highlights the importance of understanding social dimensions and incorporating them into prevention strategies.

Marijuana use during adolescence can impact learning, decision-making, and emotional regulation by interfering with communication between brain cells. Responsible for these disruptions are CB1 receptors in the brain, which play a vital role in regulating neurotransmitter release. When CB1 receptors are activated by marijuana, they disrupt communication pathways, reduce cognitive functioning, and hinder emotional stability (Haspel, 2022; Boczek & Zylinska, 2021).

The effects of cannabis on teens don’t stop at cognitive function. Disrupted dopamine regulation through CB1 receptor activity can negatively impact a teen’s motivation and capacity to feel pleasure, increasing susceptibility to substance dependency (Han et al., 2022). Additionally, chronic use often exacerbates anxiety, fostering a cycle of reliance as teens seek cannabis to self-soothe.

Understanding the Brain’s Vulnerability to Cannabis

The key to understanding marijuana’s effects on teens lies in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). CB1 and CB2 receptors are central to this system. CB1 receptors heavily influence brain functions related to learning, mood, and memory, while CB2 receptors regulate immune responses and neuroinflammation. This delicate balance can easily be disrupted by THC, cannabis’s psychoactive component.

During adolescence, the ECS contributes to refining neural pathways necessary for adulthood. THC exposure interferes with this process, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and emotional issues. Brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex—associated with decision-making—and the hippocampus, crucial for memory, are particularly vulnerable (Navarri et al., 2024; Zhang et al., 2024).

Astrocytes, or brain support cells, also have CB1 receptors that help regulate brain development. Exposure to THC during adolescence increases the risk of cognitive impairments, emotional instability, and even structural changes in the brain (Min & Levelt, 2024). These disruptions underscore the importance of protecting teens’ developing brains.

How Parents Can Take Action

Parenting teens in a world where marijuana is increasingly normalized presents a unique challenge. However, proactive approaches can make a substantial difference. Here are some strategies to guide your efforts:

1. Foster Open Conversations

Create a judgment-free environment where your teen feels comfortable discussing marijuana and other substances. Share evidence-based information about marijuana’s impact on the brain and explain why teens are particularly vulnerable. Empathy and openness are more likely to resonate than punishment or fear tactics.

2. Stay Educated

Understanding the science behind cannabis’s effects is crucial. Learn about the roles of the ECS, CB1, and CB2 receptors, and how THC impacts development. Share this information with your teen in age-appropriate terms to help them understand the risks.

3. Encourage Healthy Activities

Help your teen find positive outlets such as sports, hobbies, volunteer work, or mindfulness practices. Engaging in meaningful activities not only boosts self-esteem but also reduces the likelihood of substance use.

4. Monitor Their Environment

Peers and social surroundings exert significant influence over teens. Encourage relationships and activities that align with healthy values. Be mindful of how marijuana use is portrayed in media and discuss these portrayals critically with your teen.

5. Seek Professional Help

If marijuana use has already become an issue, don’t hesitate to seek help. Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Peer Network Counseling (PNC) have shown promise in addressing cannabis dependency (Mauries et al., 2024; Zaharakis et al., 2024). Early intervention can make all the difference.

6. Promote Long-Term Goals

Help your teen visualize their future and how substance use might interfere with their aspirations. Encourage them to think about how choices today impact opportunities tomorrow.

7. Provide Emotional Support

Teens often turn to substances as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression. Be a source of comfort and understanding. Normalize discussing mental health and consider professional support if needed.

A Shared Responsibility

The rise of marijuana use among teens and young adults demands parents’ attention and action. By staying informed and engaging in open, supportive discussions, you can equip your teen to make healthier choices during these critical years. The science is clear—marijuana use during adolescence can have lasting effects, but informed parenting can mitigate these risks and protect your child’s future.

Raising awareness about the impact of marijuana on the developing brain is not just a parental duty—it’s an investment in our children’s health and potential.

References

• Keim et al., 2024; Noble et al., 2024; Tadesse et al., 2024; Ryan et al., 2023

• Haspel, 2022; Boczek & Zylinska, 2021; Bhatia, 2024

• Min & Levelt, 2024; Navarri et al., 2024; Zhang et al., 2024

• Steinhoff et al., 2024; Han et al., 2022

• Mauries et al., 2024; Zaharakis et al., 2024

By prioritizing informed conversations and proactive strategies, you help safeguard not only your child’s health today but their successes tomorrow. Take this knowledge and turn it into meaningful action—because protecting their developing brain is protecting their future.