THC Causes Addiction
17% of adolescents who use marijuana become addicted, and 50% of daily users become addicted. Why is it so easy to get addicted to THC? When you use THC, it takes four weeks to leave your body. THC is a lipid, which means it binds to fat, and your brain is made of fat. When THC binds to your receptors, your natural chemicals can’t get in. The brain thinks the receptors are full, so they cut back on production. Pretty soon, you must use THC just to feel normal. Research link
THC Decreases Your IQ
THC changes the way the teen brain develops, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, where learning and memory take place. If you use a lot of THC as a teen, you can lose between six to eight IQ points by time you are a young adult. What happens if you lose six to eight IQ points? The average IQ is 100, so if you are an A student, that is a C. If you are a C student, that is an F. This can affect your ability to get into college or have a good career. Research link
THC Increases the Odds You Will Use Other Drugs
According to the 2019 Centers for Disease Control “Youth Risk Behavioral Study,” HAVING EVER USED marijuana was the TOP co-occurring substance use behavior for high school seniors who have abused opioids in the past 30 days, even OVER ALCOHOL use in the past 30 days. In other words, whether you have ever used THC in your lifetime was the #1 predictor a high school senior will have abused opioids in the past 30 days. Overall, adolescent marijuana users are 2.5 times more likely to abuse prescription opioids. Link to research here and here.
THC Can Kill You From Throwing Up
There have been reports of fatal cases of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), which is a relatively new vomiting disorder caused by THC. Especially when high potency products, like vapes, dabs, and high THC marijuana, are used over long periods of time, it can cause teens to vomit. When you can’t stop vomiting, it can lead to dehydration, kidney failure, and even death. Research link
THC Makes it More Likely To Drop Out Of School
Young people who use THC are at increased risk of poor academic performance and dropping out of school. Many studies have revealed significant associations between THC use and a range of measures of educational performance, including lower grade point average, less satisfaction with school, and negative attitudes about school. Using THC as a teen can significantly increase the risk you’ll drop out of school before you graduate. Research link