Missouri’s new recreational cannabis law went into effect in December 2022, making it legal for anyone older than 21 to buy, possess, deliver, use, manufacture, and sell cannabis (also known as marijuana) in the state. The new law will impact our youth and our communities. Here is what parents need to know.
Potency
The main, active ingredient in cannabis that produces a psychoactive effect is THC. It’s important to understand how the cannabis industry has impacted the potency of THC in cannabis products. Cannabis potency has increased in the past decades, up from about 4% THC in the 1980s to an average of 15% today. Cannabis extracts, used in dabbing and edibles, can contain an average of 50% and up to 90% THC. The level of THC in cannabis varies and determines the multitude of effects on the body and the brain. It is believed that higher THC levels may contribute to a greater possibility of effects, including addiction, anxiety, depression, psychosis, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, plants cultivated for high levels of THC are incapable of producing much CBD, the protective component of the plant. CBD decreases many of the psychoactive effects THC can have, such as memory problems and anxiety.
Availability
As Missourians can legally keep cannabis in their homes, underage access increases. Students report accessing cannabis in their homes and from friends who have access to cannabis in their homes. According to the 2022 Missouri Student Survey, 54% of Clayton High School students say it is ‘very easy’ or ‘sort of easy’ to get cannabis.
Many assume that with legalization, black market availability would decrease. However, black market cannabis has increased since the legalization movement. There are distinct advantages that black market cannabis has over licensed dispensaries, including availability to those not of legal age to purchase it. Additionally, black market cannabis can be sold at prices lower than what is available through dispensaries due to additional costs such as overhead and taxes.
Missouri can look to states that have previously legalized retail cannabis to understand the risks for youth. Since legalization in Colorado, cannabis use in adolescents and those ages 18–25 have steadily climbed, well outpacing the national average. Colorado leads the nation in first-time cannabis use by those aged 12–17, representing a 65% increase in adolescent use since legalization. There is significantly less perception of harm by cannabis primarily because Colorado has normalized it as a society and allowed the perception that it is “organic” and “healthy” and that there is nothing wrong with it.
Forms of Use
While smoking cannabis remains common among users, cannabis vaping is increasing as the most popular method of cannabis delivery among adolescents in the U.S., according to research at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. The study found that the frequency of vaping cannabis among adolescents from all demographic groups is reported at six or more times per month, and rising faster than occasional use. Those who vape and smoke nicotine are more than 40 times more likely to also vape and smoke cannabis.
Recent research indicates that cannabis-infused food product (i.e., edible) use is becoming nearly as common as smoking cannabis among teens. Edible cannabis products often look just like regular sweets and snacks. Some popular THC-infused products include:
- Gummy candies, chocolate bars, candies, lollipops, fudge, and other candies
- Baked goods, snack foods, and desserts, such as cookies, brownies, cupcakes, popcorn, and ice cream
- Sweetened beverages such as sodas and lemonade
Youth report that teens consume edibles, primarily to reduce the likelihood of getting caught. Edibles are also attractive to those who do not like to smoke or have concerns about smoking.
Overdoses
Cannabis exposure in young children increased by 136% from 2018 to 2021, according to Missouri Poison Center. And the rates continue to rise. Accidental ingestion occurs because many edible products have an ordinary appearance, but just one cookie or candy bar can contain several times the recommended adult dose of THC. Anyone who eats an entire THC edible—especially a child—can experience overdose effects such as:
- Intoxication
- Altered perception
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Paranoia
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Excessive sleepiness
- Apnea (not breathing for 10 seconds or longer)
- Heart problems
It is recommended that all cannabis products remain in their original packaging and are locked up to reduce youth access. Youth should be warned about eating candy or baked goods that are not in their original packaging. Cannabis edibles packaging contains information about THC content, and youth should be taught to recognize this.
To request a FREE locking bag from All In Clayton Coalition, email lilischliesser@claytonschools.net.
Cannabis and the Teen Brain
Teen cannabis smokers often have less self-control, which can lead to unsafe behavior. Brain imaging shows that regular users of cannabis have less gray matter than nonusers in the region of the brain that contributes to impulse control, as well as to decision-making and learning. Results of multiple studies have found that teens who started using cannabis at a young age showed less control of inhibitions. Because the prefrontal cortex and other areas of the brain are vulnerable in youth, cannabis can reduce impulse control and emotional regulation. Additionally, heavy cannabis use starting in teens or younger may permanently lower IQ by as many as eight points. Heavy use also causes loss in brain processing speed and memory.
Since the negative effects of cannabis on teens’ attention, memory, and learning can linger for days or even weeks, a student who uses frequently may be regularly operating at a reduced mental capacity at school. Students who frequently smoke cannabis tend to get lower grades, have higher truancy, and are more likely to drop out of high school. Beyond youth school performance, heavy cannabis use has also been linked to lower income, unemployment, and lower satisfaction with life.
Addiction
Teenagers are more likely than young adults to become addicted to cannabis within a year after trying it for the first time, according to a study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Mounting evidence shows adolescents are more vulnerable to substance use disorders than young adults. Researchers found that 10.7% of teenagers between the age of 12 and 17 developed cannabis use disorders (CUD), versus 6.4% of young adults between the age of 18 and 25.
A joint study from the University of Michigan and Brown University found higher-potency cannabis to be more addictive than low potency. It is associated with a higher risk of CUD or cannabis addiction in young users. Researchers found that regular pot users who first tried cannabis when the national average THC levels held at 4.9% had almost twice the increased risk of developing symptoms of CUD within a year. But those who started regularly using pot when national average THC levels were 12.3% had a 4.8 times higher risk of CUD.
Mental Health
Cannabis use is also correlated with creating or worsening many mental health problems including anxiety, depression, psychosis, and suicidal ideation. Numerous studies have demonstrated that using cannabis before the age of 15–18 significantly increases the risk of developing psychotic symptoms.
A growing number of states have identified PTSD as an approved condition for medical cannabis. However, this is not based on any research. There is no evidence that cannabis successfully treats PTSD and there is evidence that it can make it worse.
Multiple studies have documented a relationship between cannabis use and suicidality.
Why Teens Use
According to the 2022 Missouri Student Survey, 14% of Clayton High School students had used cannabis in the last 30 days. Teens use cannabis for many reasons, including curiosity, peer pressure, and wanting to fit in with friends. Some use it to cope with anxiety, stress, and even depression.
Due to messaging about cannabis’ medical uses and legalization efforts, perceptions of harm among youth are lower than in the past. Fifty percent of Clayton High School students said there was ‘slight’ or ‘no’ risk using cannabis once or twice a week, according to the 2022 Missouri Student Survey.
2022 Missouri Student Survey data also demonstrate how root causes may impact cannabis use among Clayton youth. By 8th and 9th grade, parent disapproval, peer disapproval, perception of risk, and perception of difficulty to get all start to drop. We may be able to address underage cannabis use in our area by addressing these root causes.
The Law
In Missouri, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess or use cannabis without a medical card. Federally, cannabis is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
What Can Parents Do?
- Keep cannabis products locked up and out of reach. To request a FREE locking bag from All In Clayton Coalition, email lilischliesser@claytonschools.net.
- Express a no-use attitude. Children whose parents have a positive attitude toward cannabis use are five times more likely to use cannabis by 8th grade.
- Start early. Since teenagers who use cannabis often start by age 14, parents should start an ongoing conversation about drugs by the 4th or 5th grade.
- Be clear and specific about your family’s expectations about cannabis use.
- Give your child ways to say no to cannabis and other drugs. Role-play social situations where your child is offered cannabis by a peer. Help your child to find the right words to refuse drug offers. Help your child suggest an alternative to using drugs.
- Let your child know that it is fine to walk away from someone, including a friend, who is offering drugs and, if needed, to call you for a ride home.
- Remember to provide compliments for good choices and healthy behavior.
- Keep track of your child: Monitor your child’s behavior to ensure the rules are being followed.
- Remain actively involved in your child’s life and get to know their friends.
- Network with other parents so that you may support one another to keep your children away from drugs.
- Monitor your behavior:
- You are a role model for your child so think about what you do and the message it sends.
- Avoid heavy drinking around your child or teen.
- Do not use cannabis around your child or teen.
- Never drive after using alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs.
How Can I Tell If My Teen Is Using Cannabis?
Be aware of changes in your child’s behavior, such as carelessness with grooming, mood changes, and relationship problems with family members and friends. In addition, changes in grades, skipping school, lost interest in favorite activities, and changes in eating or sleeping habits could all be related to drug use.
If you think that your teen is addicted or cannot stop using cannabis or other drugs, contact their doctor and visit our resources page at https://allincoalition.com/get-help/.
Sources:
“Cannabis (Marijuana) Potency.” National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 23 Nov. 2022, https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/marijuana/cannabis-marijuana-potency.
Detrano, Joseph. “Cannabis Black Market Thrives Despite Legalization.” Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, https://alcoholstudies.rutgers.edu/cannabis-black-market-thrives-despite-legalization/.
Friese, Bettina, et al. “Teen Use of Marijuana Edibles: A Focus Group Study of an Emerging Issue.” The Journal of Primary Prevention, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4864086/.
Kreski, Noah. “Major Uptick Reported in Cannabis Vaping for All Adolescents.” Search the Website, 19 May 2022, https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/public-health-now/news/major-uptick-reported-cannabis-vaping-all-adolescents.
“Marijuana Health Risks – Teen Brain Development: MJ Factcheck.” Marijuana FactCheck, 28 Jan. 2019, https://www.mjfactcheck.org/brain/brain#brain%20development.
Missouri Student Survey. Missouri Department of Mental Health, 2022. https://dmh.mo.gov/alcohol-drug/missouri-student-survey.
Stuyt, Elizabeth. “The Problem with the Current High Potency THC Marijuana from the Perspective of an Addiction Psychiatrist.” Missouri Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6312155/.
Thompson, Dennis. “Study: Today’s Stronger Pot Is More Addictive.” WebMD, WebMD, 17 Dec. 2018, https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20181217/study-todays-stronger-pot-is-more-addictive.
Volkow, Nora D. “Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders by Time since First Substance Use among Young People in the US.” JAMA Pediatrics, JAMA Network, 1 June 2021, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2777817?guestAccessKey=84ec6be8-7880-4e99-89e9-42f08c11dec7&utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_content=tfl&utm_term=032921.