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
Just the Facts
Underage marijuana use isn’t safe or legal.
While some adults may have experimented with marijuana during high school and not suffered any lasting consequences, not everyone has the same experience.
Today’s marijuana has much higher levels of THC.
It is the mind-altering chemical that causes the “high”, than what was seen in the 1990s. Youth marijuana use is associated with an average 8-point drop in IQ even if use stops later.
Just because marijuana is a plant, that does not make it harmless.
The smoke produced has more tar and carcinogens than tobacco smoke especially when inhaled deeply.
Youth marijuana use is not safer than alcohol use.
It has been linked to risks to the developing brain just like alcohol and to the increased risk of cannabis use disorder later in life.
Any substance use, whether it’s marijuana, pills, or something harder, is bad.
Usage increases the risk of learning and memory problems, decreased concentration and productivity, and developing a substance use disorder. Using two substances at the same time, such as marijuana and alcohol, can impair a person more than using either one alone and could cause nausea, blackouts, panic attacks and lead to poor decision making.
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.