Featured Resource
When a person is smoking cannabis, one of the plant’s chemicals known as THC, passes from the lungs into the bloodstream and then to the brain. If that brain is exposed to a lot of THC, but still immature, the part responsible for controlling emotions may never reach its full potential. This can have long-term consequences and effects on one's measurable intelligence, learning and judgment. But there are also other reasons why teens should not consume weed.
Marijuana: Also known as cannabis, weed, pot, or dope, refers to the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 compounds (or cannabinoids). These compounds include THC and CBD.
THC: Tetrahydrocannabinol is impairing or mind-altering
CBD: Cannabidiol is not impairing, meaning it does not cause a "high."
Marijuana Use Disorder: Affects approximately 3 in 10 marijuana users. The risk of developing marijuana use disorder is stronger in people who start using marijuana during youth or adolescence and who use marijuana more frequently
LINKS
Johnny's Ambassadors
Johnny’s Ambassadors educates parents and teens about the dangers of today’s high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide.
Cannabis Psychosis Schizophrenia Connection
Cure SZ Newsletter describing the link between cannabis, psychosis, and schizophrenia.
Smart Approaches to Marijuana
Smart Approaches to Marijuana envisions a society where marijuana policies are aligned with the scientific understanding of marijuana’s harms.
ACTIVITIES
Marijuana Expert Webinar Series
Johnny’s Ambassadors offers a free, weekly expert education for parents on youth substance abuse, mental health, and suicide prevention.
Let's Talk: Parent Tool Kit
A toolkit for navigating teen substance use created for Marin County. Excellent source of information for parents regarding protective factors.
READING & RESEARCH
Weed and Psychosis
USA Today article about cannabis and its link to psychosis
ORGANIZATIONS
The University of Mississippi Marijuana Research
UM’s research interests include studies of the botanical, pharmacological and chemical properties of the cannabis plant.
One Chance to Grow Up
As an initiative of Smart Colorado, Once Chance's mission to keep kids safe from all the dangers of marijuana commercialization.
International Academy on the Science and Impact of Cannabis
IASIC counters the pervasive misperception of the safety of marijuana by international experts who provide science, data and clinical expertise. This non-partisan and non-political group is developed, organized, and guided by doctors. We hope science guides policies that protect the public and create informed decision making.