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Marijuana's Role in The Adolescent Population

Marijuana’s Role in The Adolescent Population

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance in the United States and worldwide. The smoking of marijuana is an increasingly observed phenomenon in the adolescent population and even more common nowadays than cigarette smoking. A special focus should therefore aim to the effects of marijuana in that particular age group.

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the effects of marijuana because their brain and neuro-circuits are still developing. The exposure of marijuana to the still pruning brain causes not only short-term cognitive impairment but also permanent, life-long reduction in their cognitive abilities. This is due to marijuana's effect on processing speed and a reduction in gray matter in several brain regions as well as a decrease in white matter.

Marijuana is viewed as a "gateway" drug and more so than adults, the adolescents are at higher risk to develop a subsequent drug addiction after the exposure to marijuana. A positive correlation between the age of first exposure to marijuana and the development for an addiction to other drugs has been shown. There is also a strong association between the onset of other psychiatric disorders, for example bipolar disorder, psychosis, depression and anxiety and even suicidal ideations in context with the use of marijuana.

This article is based on a review of the current scientific literature with the aim to focus on the indications, outcomes, toxic effects and pathological evidence from the use of marijuana in the adolescents.