Marijuana
Marijuana almost seems to be undergoing a renewal lately, with all sorts of people extolling the virtues of weed for everything from medical treatment to depression. That’s besides the people who have always used it just to get high. States declaring it legal and more people using it gives the impression that it is safe to use for all. Not only that, but there is the confusion of THC and CBD, smoking, hookahs, edibles, and oils.
My focus here is marijuana and its effects on children – children taking it, or adults taking it and having a secondary effect on children. I have no opinion on adults taking it, although if you take it, then drive in an intoxicated state, or otherwise put others at risk, then you can be sure I will have an opinion about that – and it will be negative.
Marijuana and the developing brain.
First, I need to point out that the brain is developing until as late as 25 years old. We think of those in the early 20s as young adults, and yes, the brain is quite developed by then, but not quite finished.
Secondly, there are many studies that have investigated the effects of marijuana on children both with intellectual testing and with special MRIs. All of these studies show that marijuana causes abnormal brain development. Most of these studies also suggest that the earlier and more often marijuana is taken the worse the effect on the brain.
Thirdly, it has been shown that THC – the psychoactive compound in marijuana – can cross the placenta. This means that if a mother is taking in marijuana, the baby (fetus) is too. This has been shown to specifically affect certain areas of fetal brain development. In other studies there’s a suggestion of abnormal fetal growth and early baby behaviors. Also, these studies were mostly done when the general concentration of THC in marijuana was low. Now that it is more concentrated, some of these effects could be amplified.
Recent studies have shown that the area of the brain most affected by marijuana is the one that controls what we call ‘executive functioning.’ This includes impulse control, goal based decision making, regulating and guiding of behavior. Other areas that are affected include short term memory, concentration, attention span, and problem solving skills. Many of these issues still remained even if the child stopped taking marijuana.
What other effects does marijuana have?
Because marijuana affects motor control, coordination, reaction time and tracking ability, driving can be dangerous. Alternately, even if your child is sober, riding in the car with someone under the effects of marijuana may lead to an accident.
Marijuana is addictive, especially with children. Those who become addicted often lose interest in other things, such as school, sports, and hobbies. Also, children who continue to use heavily into their young adult years can have lower job achievement and less stable family lives than siblings who didn’t use.
Some people mix other drugs in with marijuana, so your child may accidently be exposed to other drugs.
Some rare reactions to marijuana can include psychosis, depression, or panic. It can also cause prolonged personality changes that can be permanent.
Other affects include exercise induced breathing problems, chronic cough, high heart rate, and high blood pressure. In males specifically, those who have used for a long time can have gynecomastia, impotence, and infertility.
Even if it’s not your child taking marijuana, they can still be at risk.
Second hand smoke from marijuana is similar to tobacco smoke, so is dangerous to children. Vaporizors and hookahs also release toxins in smoke.
Young children who eat a parent’s edible marijuana can quickly overdose. Sleepiness, trouble breathing, and lack of coordination can require trips to the hospital, and even the PICU if bad enough. Any marijuana in the house should be kept as safe from children as possible.
But some forms of marijuana are used to help people.
While there are many chemicals in marijuana, the two most studied are THC – the one that causes the high and affects childrens’ brains, and CBD. They have been studied enough to know that CBD acts differently than THC and may have some small benefit in some areas. However, many of the products used in studies have various ratios of CBD to THC, so include them both. Also, the products used in the studies are often more concentrated than the ones that can be bought OTC. There are products with just CBD, but as these are not regulated, the quality and consistency can be quite poor. Also, other than some benefit shown in very particular seizure disorders in children, no studies have been done on CBD and children.
Bottom line.
Marijuana is not for children.
Links.
Affects of drugs on the developing fetus.
