Link between adolescent pot smoking and psychosis strengthens

Formerly from Colorado, where legalization has occurred, and currently living in Utah, the subject of marijuana legalization and pot smoking by teenagers is in the news on a regular basis. I found this interesting article, "Link between adolescent pot smoking and psychosis" and I hope that more individuals will understand the detrimental effects of smoking, marijuana or tobacco, on young developing brains. 

Marijuana for medical use in both Europe and the United States has become quite popular for treating a variety of illnesses such as nausea and pain. With legalization increasing, access by adolescents is also increasing. The study presented in the article at the World Psychiatric Associations World Congress earlier this month focused on people suffering with schizophrenia. The results showed an earlier diagnosis of the disease in people who used marijuana as teenagers, leading to the claim that smoking pot increases the likelihood of schizophrenia as an adult. Also reported were the strengths of the marijuana used; increased potency, increased risk. The researchers involved do see a correlation but not necessarily a cause and effect relationship as there have not been reports of increased psychosis diagnosis.

            Marijuana effects a teenager’s brain by interrupting the signals that normally take place within the brain. Naturally occurring endocannabinoids keep the nervous system excitation in homeostasis. A system out of balance can lead to depression and anxiety disorders. Smoking pot introduces external cannabis to the system contributing to this imbalance.

            I chose this article because I not only have two susceptible teenage brains in my house but also because I do believe in the benefits of cannabis as a medical treatment. I am interested in following this topic to see where the research progresses. Just as the article says that marijuana is becoming as popular in the home as “Johnny Walker and Yellow Tail,” I can see where the same problems arise when trying to regulate it, or keep it out of the hands of teens. Regulating and understanding the dangers of opioid drugs, in Utah and across the nation, haven’t deterred adolescents from stealing them.

Fields, R. Douglas (20 Oct 2017). “Link between adolescent pot smoking and psychosis strengthens” Scientific American. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/link-between-adolescent-pot-smoking-and-psychosis-strengthens/