For Youth

Know the risks of youth marijuana use

Marijuana use directly affects the parts of the brain responsible for decision-making, emotions, coordination and reaction time. In adolescents, the brain is actively developing and will continue to develop until about age 25. Using marijuana during adolescence and early adulthood can harm the developing brain.

What are the short-term effects of marijuana on the brain?

Recent marijuana use (defined as within 24 hours) in youth and adults has an immediate impact on thinking, attention, memory, coordination, movement, and time perception.

What are the long-term effects of marijuana on the brain?

Using marijuana before age 18 may affect how the brain builds connections for functions like attention, memory, and learning. Marijuana’s effects on attention, memory, and learning may last a long time or even be permanent, but more research is needed to fully understand these effects. Youth who use marijuana may not do as well in school and may have trouble remembering things.

• Research shows that marijuana use during teen years can harm the brain
• Compared with teens who do not use marijuana, teens who use marijuana are more likely to quit high school or not get a college degree.

 

Marijuana and School Success

Youth who regularly use marijuana are more likely to have memory issues, difficulty learning, and lower math and reading scores.

The teen brain is actively developing and continues to develop until around age 25. Marijuana use directly affects the parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning, attention, decision-making, coordination, emotions, and reaction time. 

Marijuana and Brain Health

Marijuana use directly affects the parts of the brain responsible for decision-making, emotions, coordination and reaction time.

In adolescents the brain is actively developing and will continue to develop until about age 25. Using marijuana during adolescence and early adulthood can harm the developing brain.

Marijuana and Mental Health

Regular marijuana use has been linked to depression, anxiety, and suicide in teens.

The teen years are a time of growth, exploration, and risk-taking. Some risk-taking may foster identity development and independence (e.g., running for student council, asking someone out on a date). However, some risk behaviors—such as using marijuana—can have adverse effects on a teen’s health and well-being.

 

Addiction Potential

About 3 of 10 people who use marijuana have marijuana use disorder.  Some signs and symptoms of the disorder include trying to stop marijuana use but failing, or giving up important activities with friends and family in favor of using marijuana.  The risk of developing marijuana use disorder is higher in people who start using it during youth or adolescence and who use it more frequently.

Stay True to You Campaign

Stay True to You is a youth marijuana and vape prevention campaign brought to you by the Oregon Health Authority. View their resources below:

Stay True to You Website

What’s True to You? Activities Find your passions and set your goals. Get started finding your passion with the activities on this page.

Stay True to You Instagram

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYZvUDbzUk8