Additionally, marijuana use remains illegal for youth under state law in all states normalization of its use raises the potential for criminal consequences in this population. These harms are costly to individuals and to our society, impacting mental health and educational achievement and raising the risks of addiction and misuse of other substances. This advisory is intended to raise awareness of the known and potential harms to developing brains, posed by the increasing availability of highly potent marijuana in multiple, concentrated forms.
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In addition, chronic users of marijuana with a high THC content are at risk for developing a condition known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which is marked by severe cycles of nausea and vomiting 11 Edible marijuana takes time to absorb and to produce its effects, increasing the risk of unintentional overdose, as well as accidental ingestion by children 9 Higher doses of THC are more likely to produce anxiety, agitation, paranoia, and psychosis 8 The risks of physical dependence, addiction, and other negative consequences increase with exposure to high concentrations of THC 7Īnd the younger the age of initiation. Concentrated products, commonly known as dabs or waxes, are far more widely available to recreational users today and may contain between 23.7% and 75.9% THC 6 Marijuana available in dispensaries in some states has average concentrations of THC between 17.7% and 23.2% 5 The THC concentration in commonly cultivated marijuana plants has increased three-fold between 19 (4% and 12% respectively) 4 The marijuana available today is much stronger than previous versions. While CBD is not intoxicating and does not lead to addiction, its long-term effects are largely unknown, and most CBD products are untested and of uncertain purity 3 Marijuana contains varying levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the component responsible for euphoria and intoxication, and cannabidiol (CBD). These products can be eaten, drunk, smoked, and vaped 2 Marijuana and its related products are widely available in multiple forms. They are part of the endocannabinoid system, which impacts the formation of brain circuits important for decision making, mood and responding to stress 1 These same cannabinoid receptors are also critical for brain development.
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It acts by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain to produce a variety of effects, including euphoria, intoxication, and memory and motor impairments. Marijuana, or cannabis, is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. Recent increases in access to marijuana and in its potency, along with misperceptions of safety of marijuana endanger our most precious resource, our nation’s youth.īE PREPARED. I, Surgeon General VADM Jerome Adams, am emphasizing the importance of protecting our Nation from the health risks of marijuana use in adolescence and during pregnancy.