Today's cannabis is stronger, more accessible, and marketed in ways designed to look harmless. But the truth is, regular use during teen years can still impact brain development, school performance and mental health in serious ways.
West Michigan youth data shows:
8.7% of high school students used marijuana in the past 30 days
Over 50% of youth believe that most of their peers use marijuana
Vapes and edibles are more popular than traditional smoking
Most youth report marijuana is easy to access
Street Names
Weed PotChronicGanjaGrassHashHerb Cart Joint
Mary JaneReefer BudZa
Devils LettuceSkunkDope420710 Flower Soper HelperJuana
What is Marijuana?
Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant - typically the dried flowers that contain THC, the compound that causes the "high". Some concentrates contain up to 90% THC- compared to 3-5% THC levels in the 1990's.
Modern marijuana products include:
- Smoked of vaped flower
- Edibles (gummies, brownies, drinks)
- Concentrates and dabs (high-potency THC extracts)
THC vape cartridges, often flavored or disguised as pens and other items
Why It Matters for Teens
Teens Brains are still developing. THC affects areas that control:
- Memory and learning
- Focus and motivation
- Mood regulation
- Decision-making
Studies show that frequent teen marijuana use can lead to:
- Lower academic performance
- Increased anxiety and depression
- greater risk of developing psychosis, especially with high-potency products
- Long-term issues with attention and executive function
Common Myths, BUSTED
MYTH:"I smoked in high school and turned out fine."
Science Says: THC levels are drastically higher. Your teen is using a different product entirely. Teen marijuana use is associated with an average 8-point drop in IQ, even if use stops later.
MYTH: "It's just weed-it's natural."
Science Says: Marijuana smoke contains more tar and carcinogens than tobacco smoke, especially when inhaled deeply. Natural does not mean harmless.
MYTH: "It's safer than alcohol."
Science Says: Early marijuana use is linked to increased risk of substance misuse later in life and impacts the developing brain.
MYTH: At least they're not doing pills or harder stuff."
Science Says: Mixing marijuana and alcohol amplifies both drugs, increasing risk of nausea, blackouts, panic attacks and poor decisions.
A: The amount of THC in marijuana has increased in recent decades. In the past, marijuana contained 2-5% THC. Now it has 15-30% THC and sometimes more. New products like wax and shatter can be 60-99% pure THC. Oils that can be vaped or put into edibles can be 80-99% pure THC.
A: Concentrates are made by extracting THC from marijuana using solvents like butane. The resulting product is a sticky or wax-like mass (looks like honey, butter, or ear wax) or has a brittle consistency. These products can have potencies of 40- 80% THC. The high can last up to 24 hours.
A: Marijuana affects areas of the brain that control your body’s movements, coordination, memory, and judgment. It may slow reaction time, impair judgment, and distort perception, all of which are important skills needed for safe driving.
A: Research suggests that 3 in 10 people who use marijuana may have some form of marijuana use disorder, meaning they are unable to stop using marijuana even though it causes them health and social problems. Using marijuana before the age of 18 or daily/near daily increases the risk of developing a marijuana use disorder.