Your Kids Smoking Weed Could Lead to Other Drug Use

With many states legalizing recreational marijuana, it can seem like kids smoking weed is a non-issue. In reality, marijuana serves as a gateway drug to more addictive, more harmful substances. In addition, kids smoking weed can lead to problems with the way that their brain develops. The human mind doesn’t stop forming until the mid-20s, so early marijuana use can inhibit the mind’s ability to function.

Why Kids Smoking Weed Is a Problem

Teenagers who smoke weed are more likely to move on to harder drugs, and it prevents their mind from developing properly. In a study by Lancet Psychiatry, it was reported that teenagers who smoked marijuana daily were 60% less likely to graduate from high school than students who didn’t use. In addition, these teenagers are seven times more likely to commit suicide. Plus, these teenagers are three times more likely to try another illicit drug.

According to CNN, marijuana is a growing problem because it has become destigmatized. Unfortunately, this has made it all too common for children to try using drugs. Whether marijuana is legal or not, it causes problems with brain development.

Smoking Marijuana Damages the Mind

Some mental abilities like memory, critical thinking and problem solving aren’t fully formed until adulthood. Adolescence is a key time for the brain to develop. Recent studies have shown that incidences of kids smoking weed has been on the rise since the late 2000s. This is due in part to the perception of marijuana. In medical trials, teenagers who used marijuana suffered from impaired mental function, poor memory and weak academic performances.

Changing Perceptions Are Fueling Addictions

The recent drive to legalize marijuana has made it seem like a safe alternative to drinking. Teenagers may think that marijuana usage is cool and non-dangerous, but this is far from the case. A National Institute on Drug Abuse found that nearly 60% of high school seniors didn’t believe using marijuana regularly was harmful. A further 6.5% of seniors used marijuana on a daily basis.

Studies show that adolescents who start using marijuana early are more likely to have problems with other substances. Like any addiction, the key to recovery is getting professional drug rehabilitation help. To get help with an addiction to marijuana or other substance abuse problems, call Beaches Recovery at 866-605-0532.