Learning
CANNABIS USE DISORDER in Marin County Teens
Prevalence of addiction is a major challenge in Marin.
Cannabis (also known as "weed" or "pot") is the most commonly used drug of abuse in teens in the world.
One in six teens who use the drug will develop a cannabis use disorder.
"Cannabis Use Disorder", you ask? Yes, it's a thing. "But I thought smoking weed was harmless", you
think. The factual answer is that cannabis use in teens poses a significant threat of addiction potential
resulting in altered neurodevelopment. And the earlier they become addicted, the higher the probability of
the disorder leading to cognitive (including lower intelligence) and mental health problems. Unfortunately,
the neurotoxic effect on the adolescent brain is not eliminated by stopping use of cannabis. In fact,
cessation of cannabis does not fully restore neuropsychological functioning among adolescent-onset
cannabis users. In other words, some effects may be permanent.
Cannabis Use Disorder, also known as cannabis or marijuana addiction, is a diagnosis that is given for
problematic marijuana use. Abusing marijuana can result in problems with memory, learning, mood and
social behavior. It can interfere with family, school, work, and other activities. Research has shown that
marijuana's adverse impact on learning and memory can last for days or weeks after the acute effects of
the drug wear off. As a result, a person who smokes marijuana every day may be functioning at a reduced
intellectual level all of the time.
Persistent cannabis use has also shown significant increased risk of developing depression or suicidality
in young adulthood.
SIGNS OF USE
The following are common signs of marijuana use parents can watch for:
- Acting very silly and out of character for no reason
- Vaping - smoking pot with a handheld vape pen that looks like an e-cigarette
- School difficulties (cutting classes, lower grades, disinterest in completing homework, missing school)
- Ongoing problems with learning and memory
- Distorted perceptions
- Difficulty in thinking and problem solving
- Losing interest in and motivation to do usual activities.
- Spending time with peers that use marijuana
- Having trouble remembering things that just happened
- Carrying pipes, lighters, vape pens, or rolling papers
- Signs of eating "edibles", which are baked goods and candies containing marijuana products
- Constant, mucus-filled cough
- Coming home with red eyes and/or urges to eat outside of usual mealtimes
- Stealing money or having money that cannot be accounted for
- Car accidents
- Worsening of underlying mental health conditions (mood changes and suicidal thinking)
- Increased irritability or aggression
Regular use of marijuana can lead to significant problems including Cannabis Use Disorder. Signs that
your child has developed Cannabis Use Disorder include using marijuana more often than intended,
having cravings, or when using interferes with other activities. If someone with Cannabis Use Disorder
stops using suddenly, they may suffer from withdrawal symptoms that, while not dangerous, can cause
irritability, anxiety, and changes in mood, sleep, and appetite.
A WORD ABOUT VAPING CANNABIS
While e-cigarettes have been grabbing the headlines, the vape pen for cannabis use is reshaping the
business and culture of marijuana. Vape pens use the same mechanism as e-cigs, but the devices are
optimized to vaporize the active molecules in concentrated marijuana oils, not nicotine. And just like ecigs,
there is no fire or smoke.
Teens are flocking to these pens as an easy way to hide use and discreetly smoke almost anywhere.
They are no safer than rolling joints, quite the opposite. The concentrates can be very strong. While
marijuana can contain up to about 20 percent THC, the psychoactive chemical that makes you feel high,
the concentrates can contain up to 90 percent.
DIAGNOSIS
For a diagnosis of Cannabis Use Disorder, at least two of these criteria need to be present in the last 12-
month period. If you suspect your teen may be experiencing this disorder, seek help from resources in the
Wellify Teen Addiction/Substance Abuse section:
- Cannabis is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
- There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control cannabis use.
- A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain cannabis, use cannabis, or recover from its effects.
- Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use cannabis.
- Recurrent cannabis use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
- Continued cannabis use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of cannabis.
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of cannabis use.
- Recurrent cannabis use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
- Cannabis use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by cannabis.
- Tolerance, as defined by either a (1) need for markedly increased cannabis to achieve intoxication or desired effect or (2) markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.
- Withdrawal, as manifested by either (1) the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for cannabis or (2) cannabis is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
TREATMENT
Treatment for cannabis use disorder usually occurs on an outpatient basis, but residential treatment may
be required for patients who cannot remain abstinent in an ambulatory setting or those with multiple
concurrent substance use disorders. Treatment may occur in an inpatient hospital setting if the patient is
psychotic, suicidal, severely depressed or agitated, or requires hospitalization because of another
concurrent psychiatric disorder.
The information contained on this website should not be used as a substitute for the
mental healthcare of a professional, such as a psychiatrist, pediatrician or therapist.
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