A new study showed that teens who begin using cannabis before the age of 15 are much more likely to face health problems later in life. Statistics show that many teens use cannabis, or substance more commonly known as weed from a young age. The data from Government of Canada shows that 1 in 6 children from grades seventh to 12th reported using cannabis in 2014-15. They assessed that Canadian adolescents have the highest rates of cannabis usage. The usage of cannabis at such a young age has also been linked to higher risk of using drugs later in life, according to the new study published in the JAMA Network Open. Compared to their peers who didn't use the drug in adolescence, they also face an increased risk of developing mental and physical health problems in young adulthood. How Many Teens Use Cannabis? This important conclusion comes from a recent study published in a science journal called JAMA Network Open. The researchers used data from a long study in Canada called the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development, where they have been following more than 1,500 children from when they were infants into their young adult years. The scientists recorded many details about their lives, including if they used cannabis between the ages of 12 and 17. The study sorted the teenagers into three groups based on their habits: Non-Users (60%) Most of the teenagers didn't use cannabis at all during their adolescence. Late/Infrequent Users (20%) These teens started using cannabis later (in their late teens) and only used it rarely—less than once a month—by the time they were 17. Early/Frequent Users (20%) This last group started using cannabis before age 15 and used it at least once a month by age 17. How Does Cannabis Usage In Teens Affect Health? The group of teens who started early and used often was much more likely to visit the doctor or seek care for both mental and physical health problems as young adults. Mental Health These early/frequent users had a 51% higher chance of seeking professional help for mental health issues. This risk was calculated to be real even after the researchers carefully removed the influence of other factors that can affect health, like being bullied or problems at home. Physical Health Similarly, the same early and frequent users had an 86% higher chance of needing care for physical problems. The most common physical issues they reported were respiratory issues and getting into accidents or unintentional injuries. These issues could be related to being high/intoxication or perhaps to the body reacting when they stop using the drug, which are known as withdrawal symptoms. Why Should Early Cannabis Usage Be Discouraged? The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explained that the brain of a teenager is still growing and developing a lot, and this process continues until they are about 25 years old. Using cannabis (marijuana) during the teen years and young adulthood can potentially harm this development. Compared to teens who don't use cannabis, those who do are more likely to drop out of high school or not finish a college degree. Using cannabis can cause several immediate and long-term problems for teens Difficulty ThinkingMemory IssuesPoor CoordinationAttention ProblemsSchool and Social TroublesCannabis use can also lead to more serious issues that affect a teen's overall life.Increased Mental Health RisksCannabis is linked to depression and anxiety, and it raises the risk of temporary psychosis (paranoia or hallucinations). Starting young and using often increases the likelihood of long-term illness like schizophrenia. Dangerous Driving Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and unsafe, as it severely slows reaction time. Cannabis reduces coordination and concentration, impacting all the skills necessary for responsible and safe driving. Potential for Addiction Around 30% of cannabis users develop an addiction (cannabis use disorder). Failing to quit or choosing the drug over family activities are signs. This risk is higher for frequent teen users.
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