Published by Jessica Kamel on April 11, 2024
Link to the magazine: https://mariemcallister.org/DCCE/
Introduction
With the increasing legalization of marijuana across states, a notable uptick in its use among young individuals occurs and develops. The surge in consumption has raised concerns regarding its association with the onset of psychosis in teenagers, highlighting the potential risks of the seemingly innocuous substance. The impact of marijuana, especially on the developing adolescent brain, is hazardous given its crucial developmental stage. Thus, the following analysis will delve into the emerging problem, examining the correlation between teenage marijuana use and the development of psychosis, to explore potential preventive measures and actual effective solutions.
Teenage Marijuana Use and Psychosis Development
Recent research has highlighted a worrying connection between teenage marijuana usage and the onset of psychosis. Young people are more likely to consume cannabis in places where it is allowed for recreation than where it is still outlawed. For instance, cannabis is legalized in Washington, which could explain a significant increase in youth usage in the past month, with an 11% rise compared to 4% in Colorado (Hoch and Lorenzetti 189). Poorly regulated and controlled states provide an environment conducive to addiction for vulnerable individuals. The presence of highly potent cannabis in these legalized areas presents a significant risk, as those consuming strains with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels exceeding 10% daily are more than five times as likely to develop psychotic disorders compared to non-users (Hoch and Lorenzetti 189). Adolescents experimenting with marijuana are especially susceptible due to their developing brains and increased propensity for addictive behaviors. Furthermore, the lack of educational campaigns regarding the mental health impacts of cannabis exacerbates the problem, leaving young people insufficiently informed about the risks associated with marijuana use.
In the U.S., adolescent cannabis abuse translates into an increasing trend that proceeds from proliferated legal status and illusory protection. Since 2000, there has been a substantial surge of about 245% in teenage marijuana misuse, with over 338,000 instances of intentional misuse among American children aged 6 to 18 recorded over two decades (Rideout para. 2). The majority of these cases involved males, and more than 80% of them were in young people aged 13 to 18. Interestingly, the study also noted a consistent decline in alcohol misuse among teens during the same period. The research highlights the increasing popularity of edible cannabis products and their potential contribution to adolescent marijuana misuse (Rideout para. 4). Notably, intoxication from edibles typically takes several hours to manifest, potentially leading some individuals to consume larger amounts and experience unforeseen and erratic highs. Cannabis products are widely available and have appealing marketing that intentionally targets young people. This dangerous combination has created a false but popular impression that the drug is absolutely safe. As a result, this information raises concerns about how the rapidly expanding cannabis legalization affects the vulnerable demographic and exposes them to potential psychosis, while they remain mostly unaware of the risks.
Potential Risks and Responses
Edible marijuana products can contain significantly higher doses of THC than what is recommended for adults, even though they may look harmless. Consuming them poses the risk of experiencing overdose effects such as “intoxication, altered perception, anxiety, panic, paranoia, dizziness, weakness, slurred speech, poor coordination, excessive sleepiness, apnea, and heart problems” (Osterhoudt para. 3). Moreover, edible marijuana has delayed effects compared to smoked one, making it easier to overdose on accident. Another trigger is that edibles have been connected to unintentional poisoning cases among children. If these accidents turn into regular use, they threaten memory, concentration, learning, mental health, and lung function. They also create a significant risk for developing substance use disorder in adulthood, which can have a lifelong impact on overall well-being. In response to these concerns, there are practical solutions like packaging regulations and informative efforts about storing marijuana edibles away from children and adolescents. Furthermore, adults should get instructions on how to talk about the potential dangers of edibles and how to prepare children for seeking medical help after unintentional consumption.
Current trends show that edibles cause increasingly more pediatric accidents, resulting in visits to emergency departments, hospitalizations, and even tragic fatalities. Pharmacists are the key mediators in public education because they can help prevent accidental overdoses with their professional knowledge. They can raise awareness about specific risks associated with edible marijuana, such as increased exposure incidents, accidental ingestion, and packaging concerns. Other notable risks include psychiatric, cardiovascular, and neurological symptoms, as well as the need for respiratory support. The legalization of medical and recreational marijuana influences pediatric exposures despite popularizing child-resistant packaging and warning labels. In particular, the opening of recreational cannabis dispensaries corresponds to significantly higher incident rates. These incidents may be difficult to pinpoint because the symptoms from cannabis ingestion differ from inhalation-related ones. Moreover, the prevalence of copycat sweets contributes to a substantial portion of cannabis edible ingestions, posing additional risks to pediatric patients (Lisi para. 7). In summary, the potential dangers linked to edible marijuana consumption, especially among children, underscore the need for educational efforts and mitigation strategies to address these risks effectively.
Medical Treatment for Teenagers Experiencing Marijuana-Induced Psychosis
Teenagers who experience psychosis due to marijuana use necessitate tailored medical treatment to tackle their specific requirements. One recent advanced medical intervention for addressing health problems is the Wellness and Recovery After Psychosis (WRAP) program. The initiative reveals a range of services including “medication management, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and access to a peer specialist” (Greenlaw para. 7). An extension of this program, known as WRAP Without Walls, offers intensive support for teenagers whose behavior is too disorganized for them to attend clinic appointments. The effectiveness of WRAP is highlighted by Christine Crawford, MD, MPH, who works with the program. She notes successful outcomes from the treatments and stresses the importance of involving family members in the treatment process, which contributes to improved results (Greenlaw para. 3). The approach of this initiative towards addressing drug-induced psychosis in teenagers is comprehensive, focusing not only on medication management but also on support and tools for both the teenagers and their families. The program’s success is evident in its aim to reduce future episodes of psychosis, indicating a long-term treatment approach.
Another set of medical treatment options for teenagers experiencing marijuana-induced psychosis include partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), general, intensive outpatient measures, and inpatient initiatives. These treatments have been effective against addiction and psychosis alike, offering holistic care and support. The success of approaches can be attributed to psychotherapeutic techniques such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and well-known cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which are commonly employed in treatment (Redpoint Center para. 5). Psychotherapy helps individuals confront underlying issues associated with their negative behaviors, facilitating deeper healing and recovery. Early diagnosis renders a critical role in halting, preventing, and minimizing adverse mental outcomes while stabilizing long-term health conditions. Besides, effective coping mechanisms are essential for addressing related issues such as difficulty concentrating, physical ailments, loss of interest in activities, engagement in risky behaviors, and potential interference with adolescent brain development (Redpoint Center para. 3). These negative effects show the urgent need to prioritize the development of more effective medical treatments for teenagers experiencing marijuana-induced psychosis.
National Data and Attempts to Address Health Problem
Since the legalization of medical and/or recreational marijuana, pediatric emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations due to acute cannabis toxicity have surged significantly. Data from various sources, including hospital records and poison control centers, consistently demonstrate an increase in pediatric exposures to cannabis. Colorado legalized both types of marijuana, and it experiences “hospitalizations among children aged >9 years rose from 15 per 100,000 hospitalizations in 2001-2009 to 28 per 100,000 hospitalizations in 2010-2013” (Lisi para. 13). The prevalence of edibles, such as cookies and candies, has been especially concerning, accounting for a great portion of exposures in children. Similarly, other available evidence reveals that, “cannabis-related ED visits increased from 22 per 100,000 ED visits in 2010-2013 to 38 per 100,000 ED visits in January-June 2014” (Lisi para. 11). Retrospective reviews from Colorado’s children’s hospital and regional poison center show a notable growth in hospital visits post-legalization. Nationally, one-quarter of cannabis-related exposures occurred in children, with over 90% of calls from states with decriminalized marijuana (Lisi para. 12). Enhanced public health measures, including stricter regulations and public education campaigns, are imperative to mitigate the risks associated with pediatric exposure to cannabis products.
Lawmakers and policymakers have mostly focused on introducing regulations and rules to prevent young people from accessing edibles. These measures include setting age restrictions for purchase and consumption, requiring child-resistant packaging for edibles, and launching public awareness campaigns to educate people about the potential risks. They strive to create clear guidelines for producing, labeling, and marketing edible marijuana items. The goal for marketing representation is to ensure that these items do not attract children and cannot be mistaken for regular food, which may be difficult considering that visual appeal is one of the main selling points (Lisi para. 3). Furthermore, regulations on advertising and promoting marijuana products, including edibles, are inserted to prevent them from appealing to young people. These efforts aim to foster a safe environment around marijuana use, particularly in edible form, with a shift on protecting young individuals from potential harm and misuse. Overall, these recent steps underline a commitment to addressing the unique challenges posed by the legalization and commercialization of marijuana products, prioritizing the safety and well-being of teenagers.
Conclusion
Consequently, the escalating trend of marijuana consumption among teenagers and its potential link to the onset of psychosis is a matter of grave concern. The perception of marijuana as harmless, coupled with its increasing legality, has fueled a rise in usage, posing significant risks to the developing adolescent brain. The findings discussed illustrate the urgent need for comprehensive education and strict regulation to address the issue. The most effective recent medical treatment option refers to a comprehensive holistic approach that covers pharmacological intervention, peer specialist support, family, group, and individual therapy.
Works Cited
Greenlaw, Elli. “BMC Psychiatrists Innovate to Treat Teenagers with Marijuana-Induced Psychosis.” HealthCity, 4 May 2023, healthcity.bmc.org/population-health/bmc-psychiatrists-innovate-treat-teenagers-marijuana-induced-psychosis.
Hoch, Eva, and Valentina Lorenzetti. “Mapping and mitigating the health risks of legalizing recreational cannabis use: A call for synergy between research and policy.” World Psychiatry, vol. 19, no. 2, 11 May 2020, pp. 189–191, https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20738.
Lisi, Donna M. “Cannabis Edibles and Pediatric Toxicity Risk.” U.S. Pharmacist – The Leading Journal in Pharmacy, 16 Aug. 2022, www.uspharmacist.com/article/cannabis-edibles-and-pediatric-toxicity-risk.
Osterhoudt, Kevin. “Edible Marijuana Dangers: How Parents Can Prevent THC Poisoning.” HealthyChildren.Org, 11 Oct. 2023, www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/substance-abuse/Pages/Edible-Marijuana-Dangers.aspx.
Redpoint Center. “Cannabis in Colorado: Treatment for Marijuana-Induced Psychosis.” Redpoint Center, The Redpoint Center, 3 Oct. 2023, www.theredpointcenter.com/cannabis-in-colorado-treatment-options-for-marijuana-induced-psychosis/.
Rideout, Nicole. “Teen Cannabis Abuse Has Increased 245% over 20 Years, Study Finds.” OHSU News, 7 Dec. 2022, news.ohsu.edu/2022/12/07/teen-cannabis-abuse-has-increased-245-over-20-years-study-finds.