Chronic cannabis use has been shown to thin the cerebral cortex, resulting in the decline of various cognitive functions such as memory, perception, language, and consciousness.
What weed really does to kids.
Marijuana has serious negative effects, especially when used by people under the age of 25 when their brains are still developing.
Anxiety and Depression Inducing
Weed can make anxiety disorders among adolescents worse. Kids who use weed regularly are 7 times more likely to develop depression.
Hampered Short-Term Memory
Marijuana affects the brain’s hippocampus, causing short-term memory loss. It also makes it difficult to learn and solve problems.
Carcinogenic Chemicals
Smoking weed releases toxins and cancer-causing chemicals into the lungs. Vaping is even more damaging.
Reduction in Serotonin Levels
Weed depletes serotonin in the brain, a chemical that makes you feel happy. Over time, regular users need more marijuana just to feel normal again.
Addictive Behavior
Marijuana is addictive. 17% of teens who use cannabis regularly become dependent.
Higher Potency
Today’s marijuana has at least triple the amount of THC than it did in 1995. Concentrated forms (edibles, dabs, shatter) can have as high as 90% THC content.
Legal for you.
Not for them.
In the state of New Mexico, a person must be 21 years old or older to consume, possess or purchase recreational marijuana. A person must be 18 years or older to legally obtain a medical marijuana license and must have a prescription from a doctor or medical practitioner. It is a felony to sell or give cannabis products to an underage person, and doing so can result in serious criminal consequences.
THC. CBD. WTH?
The wide variety of cannabis products can make it difficult to know which are dangerous. THC is the chemical responsible for the psychoactive effects. Anything with THC is regulated by the state government and illegal for anyone under the age of 21. CBD on the other hand only has trace amounts of THC and limited studies claim it may be helpful in reducing inflammation, autoimmune diseases and other ailments.
A prescription doesn’t mean it’s safe.
There is no evidence that cannabis prescribed by a doctor is any safer than other marijuana. Most states where medical marijuana is legal do not regulate it, which means it isn’t checked for ingredients, purity, strength or safety.
Medical marijuana has only been approved by the FDA to treat a few medical issues, including nausea from chemotherapy and nerve pain. However, the FDA has not approved the use of medical marijuana for teenagers or children for any medical condition.
Keep it out of your kid’s hands.
Marijuana is much more accessible now that it’s legal for adults 21 and older to use recreationally. By safely storing your own cannabis, you can make sure young people can’t get to it. Make sure it is out of reach and locked up. Children and pets accidentally consuming edibles can result in severe intoxication or the need for emergency medical attention.
Poison Control Center: (800) 222-1222
