The legalisation of marijuana changes many aspects of how marijuana is being used and viewed by the general public. However, it is still illegal for teens to use marijuana products. Teens begin using marijuana for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they use marijuana to deal with peer pressure or find that marijuana works to treat certain symptoms like anxiety or depression. However, if a teen is struggling with these symptoms, they must find the right ways to treat their underlying health concerns.
Marijuana addiction is a treatable condition that can be replaced by healthful coping mechanisms that are age-appropriate and will support the success of your teen. If you believe that your teen has been using recreational marijuana to the point of addiction, it may be time to consider seeking marijuana addiction treatment with Venture Academy.
What Is Marijuana?
Marijuana, which is often referred to as weed, pot, grass, bud, or herb, is the product of the cannabis Sativa plant. This can include leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. While it has typically been smoked, there are a variety of ways to utilize the benefits of this drug, including through edible means. Other forms of marijuana include balms or tinctures.
Marijuana and Legalisation
Marijuana legalisation currently means that most individuals above the age of nineteen can purchase and use marijuana. However, since each province sets its own age limitations, there are variable age restrictions depending on the province. Public use is still illegal, and all use is still illegal for everyone under the age limits. This means that teen use still carries legal consequences.
While marijuana is largely viewed as a recreational drug that provides an overwhelming mellow effect, marijuana is actually quite dangerous for teens. Teens are still in the developmental stages of growth, which means that experimentation with substances like marijuana can cause early damage to processes like memory retention and spatial organization. Added to this is that marijuana is now cultivated with extremely high THC content and comes in various forms such as gummies, oils, extracts, or cookies. Legalisation means that if you are a parent of a teen today, this is not the marijuana you may remember from your youth.
What’s the Difference Between THC, CBD, and Hemp?
The cannabis Sativa plant has two compounds that you may have heard of, but they offer different effects due to their chemical construction. While some of these effects are typical to most users, there is a vast variance depending on the characteristics of the individual using them. These compounds interact with neurotransmitters in the brain that have roles in regulating pain responses, immune function, stress, and sleep responses.
Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana and is typically behind the “high” feeling that marijuana users may report. It can help treat pain symptoms, muscle spasms, glaucoma, insomnia, anxiety, and nausea.
Cannabidiol or CBD is chemically similar to THC but does not produce the same psychoactive effects or ‘high’ due to a slight difference in the chemical compound. CBD can be used to treat many symptoms of disorders, including inflammation, seizures, psychosis, pain, nausea, migraines, depression, and anxiety.
Hemp is a byproduct of the cannabis plant. Hemp typically contains little to no THC component. Hemp is used as an alternative fiber for fabrics, paper, sails, and jewelry. It’s very useful and carries no psychoactive risk as a material.
Marijuana Abuse Symptoms
Typically, if home restrictions or consequences of behaviour have not been affecting a change in use, this means that an individual may need some help with their addictive behaviour. There are many red flags that your teen may be developing a dependence on marijuana. Some common marijuana abuse symptoms include:
- Loss of interest in activities that they previously found pleasurable, such as quitting clubs, sports, or jobs
- Changes in academic motivation and performance
- Exhibiting secretive behaviour such as lying, sneaking out, or giving vague information about where they are going and what they are doing
- Noticeable increase in appetite
- Distorted perceptions, such as paranoia, nervousness, fear, or problems with memory
- Blurry, red, or bloodshot eyes
- Irritability or aggression
- Insomnia and restlessness
While one of these symptoms might point to standard stressors, if you observe several of these symptoms, Venture Academy can help to determine the root of the problem with our assessment process. It is essential to address your teens’ dependence early so that you can help guide them to more productive ways of coping with the stressors of life. This can protect you from any legal or disciplinary consequences of teen marijuana use.
Find Addiction Recovery Support for Your Teen Today at Venture Academy
If your teen is showing signs that they are struggling with addiction or marijuana abuse, you can help guide them to the right coping mechanisms with Venture Academy’s 30-day assessment, intervention, and behaviour treatment programs. These programs offer your teen the support and learning tools that will help them to grow with sober, positive results.
If you are still unsure, consider taking our interactive child behaviour test by calling 866.762.2211. It only takes about five minutes of your time and may assist you in taking the appropriate steps toward finding balance in your family life.