Effects of Marihuana on Teens: Are Adolescents at Risk?

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. A Gallup Poll reports that 49 percent of U.S. adults have tried marijuana at least once, up from just 4 percent in 1970. As legalization and dispensary access have spread, use among both adults and adolescents has increased significantly. These trends highlight growing concerns about the effects of marihuana on teens, especially as the perception of risk continues to decline among younger generations.

Futures Recovery Healthcare frequently treats adults who began using cannabis as teenagers. Early marijuana exposure can affect brain development, emotional regulation, and decision-making, issues that often persist into adulthood.

Rising Cannabis Use Among Youth

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that in 2018, more than 11.8 million U.S. adolescents used marijuana within the previous year. Vaping and edible products have made consumption easier and harder for parents or teachers to detect. The effects of marihuana on teens are compounded by these modern delivery methods, which often contain high-potency THC levels.

While some young people use cannabis to relieve stress or anxiety, heavy use can increase the risk of developing mental health issues. For teens who later struggle with depression, trauma, or substance use, Futures’ CORE Dual Diagnosis Program provides comprehensive treatment addressing both mental health and addiction. The program helps clients understand how early drug exposure impacts long-term well-being.

How Marijuana Interacts with the Brain

The primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), binds to cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain, especially in areas responsible for learning, memory, and impulse control.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that the body’s endocannabinoid system helps regulate critical brain functions, including mood and cognition. When THC mimics these natural signals, it disrupts normal communication between neurons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that modern marijuana products can contain up to five times the THC concentration found in cannabis from the 1990s, increasing the potential for psychological dependence.

At Futures, clinicians within the RESET Primary Mental Health Program help clients understand how substances like marijuana alter brain chemistry and contribute to anxiety, mood swings, and cognitive decline. Treatment includes trauma-informed therapies, psychiatric care, and skills-based strategies to rebuild emotional balance.

Short- and Long-Term Health Effects

In the short term, marijuana use can cause euphoria, altered perception, slower reaction times, and memory impairment. In the long term, chronic use is associated with bronchitis, anxiety, depression, and cannabis use disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) warns that the earlier a person begins using cannabis, the more likely they are to develop dependency.

The effects of marihuana on teens can be especially severe. Adolescent users are more likely to experience persistent cognitive problems, difficulty focusing, and lower academic performance. When dependence forms, Futures Recovery Healthcare provides an integrated care model that begins with medical detoxification on its 9-acre campus in Tequesta, Florida.

After detox, clients can continue with structured treatment through programs such as MetaVida Outpatient Services. Using evidence-based approaches like EMDR, Deep TMS, and individual therapy, these services help clients strengthen resilience and prevent relapse.

Marijuana and the Developing Brain

Adolescence is one of the most important stages of brain development. The prefrontal cortex, which governs judgment and impulse control, continues to mature until around age 25. Research in the Journal of Neuroscience demonstrates that THC exposure during this time can interfere with neuronal connectivity, leading to long-term changes in brain structure.

A Duke University study revealed that individuals who began using cannabis heavily during adolescence and continued into adulthood lost an average of eight IQ points by midlife, even after quitting. These findings underline why prevention and early treatment matter.

At Futures, clients who began using substances early in life receive comprehensive care focused on cognitive restoration, behavioral change, and emotional wellness. Programs such as RESET and CORE help repair disrupted thought patterns while addressing co-occurring conditions like anxiety and trauma.

Why Teens Are at Greater Risk

The teenage brain’s reward system is particularly sensitive. THC overstimulates dopamine release, the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and motivation, creating a powerful reinforcement loop. Over time, natural dopamine production decreases, making everyday experiences less rewarding without drug use. This adaptation increases the likelihood of addiction.

For those facing these complex challenges, Futures’ ORENDA Concierge Program provides fully customized, private care with advanced therapeutic modalities and 24-hour support.

What the Research Shows

Recent meta-analyses in The Lancet Psychiatry and JAMA Psychiatry confirm that adolescent cannabis use is associated with reduced attention, altered hippocampal structure, and increased risk for psychosis in vulnerable individuals. These studies strengthen our understanding of the effects of marihuana on teens, highlighting that frequent use during brain maturation can have lifelong consequences.

At Futures Recovery Healthcare, treatment addresses both the biological and psychological dimensions of addiction. By combining evidence-based therapy, psychiatric oversight, and wellness activities, clients learn to restore neurological health while developing sustainable recovery habits.

A Path Toward Healing With Futures

Marijuana may be legal in many states, but that does not mean it’s harmless, especially for adolescents and young adults whose brains are still developing. The effects of marihuana on teens can persist well into adulthood, shaping mood, cognition, and motivation.

If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana or other substances, Futures Recovery Healthcare offers compassionate, research-based treatment in a private, supportive environment. Our programs range from medical detox and residential care to outpatient therapy and help individuals reclaim their health and rediscover purpose.

Call 866-351-7588 or verify your insurance online to begin your path toward recovery today.