YOUR VIEW: Dangers of Legalizing Marijuana, High-THC Cannabis May Have Devastating Effects on Teen Brain Development

Beware of unexpected consequences that teenagers encounter, especially with substances they may think are harmless

My client sat across from me, visibly stunned, sharing his deep concern for his 16-year-old son, Justin. Just the day before, Justin called from the school bathroom, overcome with intense paranoia and fear. Even though he had never experienced anxiety before, Justin sobbed as he begged his dad to pick him up and take him home.

Over the next 24 hours, Justin’s panic increased, leaving his parents shocked, helpless and broken as he struggled to regain his composure and control. Finally, in a tearful conversation, Justin admitted that he didn’t spontaneously start fighting anxiety: he recently started smoking marijuana. Although it usually made him feel euphoric, it sometimes made him anxious. However, last time was different.

Justin described a “cart hit” (a vape cartridge) handed to him by a friend in a school bathroom. In a few minutes, he was overcome with great anxiety. He began to feel that he was being watched and that he was in some kind of danger. To make matters worse, he began to hear faint voices, the dreaded sign of a psychotic breakdown. Even after several days, the fear did not go away, and Justin found himself in the grip of intense panic and a sense of imminent doom.

This story is a powerful reminder of the unexpected consequences teenagers face, especially with substances they may think are harmless.

As recreational marijuana grows in popularity in the U.S., stories like Justin’s are becoming more common. Today’s teens are exposed to increasingly potent forms of cannabis—edibles, concentrates, and “carts” that look like daily snacks or flavored e-cigarettes. This upcoming Election Day, several states, including Florida, will give voters a say on marijuana policy through citizen-led events.

Florida is leading the way with Amendment 3. If passed, this decision would allow adults over the age of 21 to possess, purchase, and use marijuana recreationally — a decision that would have major implications for our communities. Although marijuana is intended for adults, such widespread availability may also increase the chances of teenagers accessing marijuana, creating new risks for underage use.

As we approach Election Day, it’s important to take a step back to weigh the potential consequences of legalization and fully educate yourself. Let me outline some of the concerns about recreational marijuana—concerns that deserve careful consideration for the safety and well-being of our children and our communities.

1. Legalization will have a significant impact on the mental health of adolescents

Research clearly shows that marijuana use during adolescence can be harmful because it is a crucial period for brain development. The adolescent brain, especially areas responsible for memory, attention and impulse control, are very sensitive to THC. Research shows that cannabis for teenagers

users face two to four times the risk of mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts compared to their non-using peers. And because marijuana is a mood destabilizer, it can have different effects on the user depending on the emotional state they are in at the time of use – some, like Justin, can experience extreme anxiety and paranoia even after a single exposure.

Marijuana use during these formative years has also been associated with an increased risk of psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder later in life. Studies also show that teenagers who use marijuana frequently have a 40% higher risk of developing schizophrenia, and long-term use starting in early adolescence is associated with an average loss of eight IQ points.

These statistics highlight the significant mental health risks that adolescents face and emphasize the need to consider this vulnerability when making decisions about the legalization of marijuana. Although research on trends in marijuana use is mixed, some states that have legalized marijuana report either an increase in teen use or an increase in heavy or frequent use by teens who are already prone to substance use. States such as Colorado and Washington show stable overall usage rates, but increases in high-frequency sound use among at-risk youth.

The potential increase in adolescent marijuana use could have devastating consequences for a generation of young people. As adults, we must prioritize these realities when formulating policy regarding access to marijuana.

2. Legalization will give teenagers access to stronger forms of marijuana

As states allow recreational cannabis use, the marijuana industry’s marketing machine leads the way with new high-THC marijuana products, giving teenagers easier access to stronger forms of cannabis. This access, in turn, encourages more frequent or heavy use of high-THC products among adolescents experimenting with cannabis. Some evidence suggests that these products are particularly attractive to younger users due to their power and novel shapes. Although they often contain THC levels of 90% or more, these products are stronger than traditional flower forms and exacerbate the already devastating effects of marijuana on adolescent health through its stronger effects on brain chemistry.

For context, marijuana in the 60s and 70s averaged 2-3% THC, while in the 90s it was around 8-9%. Today’s 90% THC products are essentially a different substance that has a much stronger effect on brain chemistry. Legalization in Florida could mean a significant surge in exposure to teenagers

these powerful products, which bring with them serious cognitive and emotional consequences. Unlike the illegal market, products with high THC content in legalized places are highly visible and easily accessible — an undeniable risk to our children.

3. Legalization can reduce the perceived risk of harm associated with marijuana

When marijuana becomes legal for recreational use, it often seems safer for teenagers, as if it has gained public approval. This change in perception can change the social and cultural landscape around the drug, causing teenagers to view it as a low-risk substance, sending the wrong message to young people.

The Dangers of Marijuana Legalization Dr. Mike Roncisvalle Page 2 of 3

Research supports this shift in thinking: In states where marijuana is legal, teenagers often view it as less harmful, in part because it is no longer an illegal substance but is regulated and openly sold like alcohol. Research shows that an adolescent’s perception of the risk of drug use is a critical deterrent. Because legalization downplays the dangers of marijuana, teenagers are more likely to try it, believing it to be safer than it actually is.

4. Legalization will lead to major changes in cultural norms regarding the use of marijuana

When marijuana is legalized, its popularity in society increases dramatically. A quick visit to states like Colorado or California shows how legalization is changing cultural norms around marijuana. Dispensaries, advertising, and the media promote it as safe—even therapeutic—which has a dramatic effect on young people’s attitudes. Overnight, marijuana went from an illegal substance to a common, safe, and socially acceptable food.

This change has had a profound effect on teenagers, who often perceive legal substances as safe and model their behavior according to societal norms. Although we may preach restraint, children learn primarily through modeling. What they perceive as “normal” will speak louder than any message we’re trying to send.

When the government legalizes recreational marijuana, it can send a confusing message to teenagers, suggesting that marijuana is safe for public use. This implicit approval can lead them to believe that marijuana has been thoroughly tested and does not pose a significant risk. Research on alcohol and tobacco shows that legal, regulated substances are often perceived as safer by young people, despite decades of evidence of their health risks. If marijuana becomes legal, we can expect a similar shift in perception, with teenagers downplaying its dangers simply because it’s government-approved.

In just a few days, the people of Florida will be voting on Amendment 3. I hope we can move beyond the idea that “we are all adults who should be able to decide whether or not to use marijuana at home.” The truth is that this issue goes further than that—it’s about choices that have a profound impact on the most vulnerable: our children.

The facts are clear: high-THC marijuana can wreak havoc on the developing adolescent brain, causing significant cultural costs. Of course, we all understand that we should vote according to our conscience. But as a psychologist who works with families at LiveWell every day, I implore you to remember stories like Justin’s. Let’s put aside personal desires or even rights and make a decision that puts the well-being of our children first.

– Dr. Mike Roncisvalle, Psy.D.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Mike Roncisvalle is a licensed psychologist and president of LiveWell Behavioral Health, a psychological services agency that provides counseling to clients of all ages and addiction treatment for adolescents and adults. You can learn more at www.livewellbehavioralhealth.com or call 321-259-1662.