Smoking cannabis just once a month can have harrowing effect on teenagers, experts warn
New research has warned that even occasional cannabis use in teens can have a massive impact on their health
Around one in five high school students in the US use cannabis, with some even using it daily. But while you might think the odd 'harmless' joint might not do much, experts say that occasional use of the drug can still lead to further issues.
This can include causing teens to begin showing signs of withdrawal or worsening mood, even if their use of cannabis is infrequent.
The new study, conducted in the US, found that using cannabis as little as once or twice per month was linked to emotional distress in teenagers and a dip in school performance.
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The research analysed data from a nationally representative survey of other 160,000 students in America, with over a quarter of them reporting using cannabis.
Less than 20 percent reported monthly or less frequent use, with a smaller percentage saying they used cannabis weekly or almost every day.
But there's another reason boffins are getting worried.
Today's cannabis products have sparked further concern among scientists, as they tend to contain two to three times more THC than previously.
Dr Ryan Sultán, leader of the study published in the journal Pediatrics, said: "While previous studies have focused on the effects of frequent cannabis use among teens, our study found that any amount of cannabis use at all may put kids at risk of falling behind in school, and the kids using most often may have the greatest risk.
"A few 'harmless' joints can snowball into real academic consequences," he added. "Teens using it regularly often struggle to focus, miss school, and may lose interest in their future plans."
He noted that use of many substances is at record lows among US teens, yet cannabis remains an exception to this.
Dr Sultán, an Assistant Professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, continued: "The real-world impact can be dramatic.
"It's not uncommon for a young teen to smoke marijuana only a few times before showing signs of withdrawal and worsening mood."
Using cannabis during adolescence - when the brain is still developing - can have a lasting impact on cognitive functions, previous research has suggested.
Dr Tim Becker, a child psychiatrist and co-author of the study, said: "A teenager's brain is still developing the circuits for learning, self-control, and emotional regulation.
"Using cannabis, even casually, during these critical growth periods interferes with those processes and can derail normal development."
Experts recommend that parents and caregivers have conversations about cannabis use with teenagers early on and frequently to highlight the negative impact the drug can have.
Dr Sultán added: "Parents also need to keep an eye out for warning signs like declining grades, mood changes, or loss of interest in hobbies - and consider that cannabis could be a factor.”
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week
Danni King