the effects of cannabis on a teenagers brain and body
The effect of cannabis on teenagers’ brains and bodies has been widely studied. Studies have shown that teenagers’ brains are not fully mature, with neurodevelopment continuing at least until the middle of their 20s. During teenage, the brain is particularly sensitive to drug exposure, and marijuana use impacts how connections are formed within the brain. The effects of marijuana on a teenagers’ brain and body can be life-long. As the developing brain includes interference with neurotransmitters and abnormal brain shape and structure volume.

What Is Cannabis/Marijuana?

Cannabis is a plant-based drug used for medicinal and recreational purposes. People generally use cannabis-based products from dried leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis Sativa plant. The dried buds and leaves of the cannabis plant are called marijuana, which is the most usable form of cannabis. It can be used by eating raw, marijuana dabs, smoking, or consuming it in baked goods like brownies or cookies. Some people also take a daily cannabis supplement as part of their medical routine. People can get pleasurable effects and feel extremely relaxed and calm. The drug is also used to soothe chronic pain. While there are medicinal benefits, cannabis misuse can also harm the teenage brain and body.

If misuse occurs, consider speaking to one of our teen cannabis treatment counselors at Key Healthcare about your teen’s behaviors. We offer a free 100% confidential consultation and have an industry-leading Teen marijuana addiction treatment program.

What is Teens Cannabis/Marijuana Addiction?

Teen marijuana addiction denotes a condition where the teenager frequently uses or is dependent upon cannabis products, despite the adverse side effects. In such cases, a teen outpatient program can be an effective part of the treatment plan.

When teenagers get addicted to marijuana, they constantly seek out the good feelings created by the drug, which can eventually lead them to a teen marijuana treatment program. They smoke it more often which results in the body becoming more tolerant. However, this misuse can impede the normal functioning of the brain and is a classic example of the effect of marijuana on teenage brain and body. You can save your child’s life by stopping them from smoking marijuana.
The extent and side effects of adolescent cannabis addiction depend on the individual, the dosage, and the frequency of cannabis misuse. Liquid and solid forms of marijuana develop the chances of addiction because THC concentrations occur in greater proportions.

Marijuana Addiction Treatment for Teens.

We have the perfect solution for teens having trouble with Marijuana Addiction. Established in 2014, Key Healthcare helps teens get their lives back on track through customized and individualized therapy/mentorship techniques. These clinical techniques help the adolescent open their mind to positive lifestyle changes that they can be excited about. Our teen marijuana treatment has successfully helped hundreds of teens in the Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Westwood, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades areas.

How Marijuana Affects The Teenage Brain/Body?

As many states legalized the recreational use of cannabis, the interest among teens has shot up exponentially. More states are deciding to legalize marijuana because it has proved to be an effective drug therapy for many physical and psychological disorders. However, many teenagers see legalization as the green light to try it. They aren’t aware of the research that emphasizes the negative effects of marijuana on young brains.

Short-Term Side Effects of Cannabis on Teenagers.

When someone inhales marijuana, the key chemical in marijuana, i.e., tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), transfers from the lungs to the bloodstream. From there, it travels into the brain and other organs, which affect memory, coordination, thinking, and concentration. The symptoms of marijuana addiction can be cognitive, physical, behavioral, and psychological.

Cognitive Symptoms

  • Trouble in cogitation and problem solving
  • Difficulty in learning
  • Lacking coordination
  • Deformed perception
  • Short term memory loss
  • Low reaction time
In addition to the above effects, teenage cannabis addicts typically suffer from poor temperament. While most of these side effects are short-term, they can bring on dangerous long-lasting effects with the continual use of marijuana.

Physical Symptoms

People also might notice other physical side effects of using marijuana, such as:
  • An intense hunger
  • Feeling exhausted
  • A decrease in the production of saliva resulting in dry mouth
  • Red eyes
  • Irregular heart rate
  • Respiratory and sinus infections
  • Rare cases Stroke may occur

Behavioral Symptoms

Some behavioral effects of marijuana addiction in teens are:
  • Marijuana addicts have frequent mood swings and become violent
  • Cannabis-addicted teens might turn to theft to finance the habit
  • When teens become addicted to marijuana, they avoid social interactions or hang with the wrong crowd.

Psychological Symptoms

The psychological effects of teen marijuana addiction are:
  • Some teens develop unrealistic fears when they get addicted to marijuana.
  • Anxiety and depression are common among cannabis addicts.
  • More serious psychological symptoms of cannabis addiction are amnesia, identity crisis, and dissociation.

Other Long-Lasting Effects of Marijuana on Teenage Brain.

Researchers have found that people who use cannabis over a long period can have more extended side effects, including:
  • Changes in brain function: Cannabis affects brain functioning, including the ability to remember, pay attention, and multitask
  • Sterility issues: Increased cannabis use may result in a decreased sperm count in men and deferred ovulation in women. Cannabis-addicted pregnant women are likely to give birth to babies with developmental problems
  • Difficulty in the Immune system: Inhaling high quantities of marijuana makes it harder for the body to fight against infection.
  • Career issues: Although minor drug offenses nowadays are being looked at differently, adolescents charged under cannabis laws could have criminal records that may obstruct their higher studies or career options.

How to Know if Your Teen is Addicted to Marijuana/Cannabis?

Identifying a teenager who is addicted to marijuana may seem easy. However, some situations might require a specialist. Many parents don’t know that their teen is smoking weed. Below are some of the most common signs listed by which you can identify them.
  • Academic performance drops, and they become disinterested in their studies.
  • The teen might drop their old friends and pick new ones.
  • The teen might become disinterested in social gatherings.
  • The teen loses interest in activities that were once their favorite.
If you are interested in learning more about our Los Angeles Teen Marijuana Abuse Treatment, contact us for a 100% confidential, and free consultation. Even if you have some questions, we are happy to help.

How Do Teens Get Addicted to Cannabis?

In Los Angeles, California cannabis is legal for certain individuals. This makes it easier for teens to get their hands on it. Once a teen gets a chance to smoke it for the first time and starts to like it, they’ll continue to do so. The THC in cannabis or marijuana activates the brain sensors, improves mood, and gives pleasure. Long-term use compels the user to experience an abnormal craving for more cannabis. This addiction might obstruct brain development in teens.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Cannabis.

Quitting cannabis is not an easy task. Sometimes it leads to withdrawal symptoms, which might have adverse effects that force the addict to relapse. Common marijuana withdrawal symptoms in teens are:
  • Mood swings, including depression and irritability.
  • Anxiety.
  • Craving for marijuana.
  • Eating disorders.
  • Insomnia.
  • Suicidal thoughts and actions.

Let Key Healthcare Help Your Teen Beat Cannabis Addiction.

Key Healthcare Center in Los Angeles offers a comprehensive and successful marijuana addiction treatment for teens that can help teens through detox and therapy treatments or a combination of both.
Key Healthcare teen cannabis addiction treatment program offers a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy as it is highly successful. We help bring structure to your teen’s day, offer them mentorship, and help them see the joys in life outside of marijuana. Our Teen IOP Program offers a safe environment for your teen to have a structured day, and begin to build skills they were lacking because of their marijuana usage.

Therapists may also use Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In this therapy, the addict prepares mentally to cope with a drug-free life. This therapy helps the struggling user to handle withdrawal effects and maintain self-control. Teen Drug Addiction Treatment program at Key Healthcare along with knowledgeable and compassionate team members will assist in healing your adolescent emotionally, physically, and spiritually.