{"id":16914,"date":"2024-02-13T20:02:48","date_gmt":"2024-02-13T20:02:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/?p=16914"},"modified":"2024-04-23T18:31:32","modified_gmt":"2024-04-23T18:31:32","slug":"u-s-surgeon-generals-advisory-marijuana-use-and-the-developing-brain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drugprevent.org.uk\/ppp\/2024\/02\/u-s-surgeon-generals-advisory-marijuana-use-and-the-developing-brain\/","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Surgeon General\u2019s Advisory: Marijuana Use And The Developing Brain"},"content":{"rendered":"

I, Surgeon General VADM Jerome Adams, am emphasizing the importance of protecting our Nation from the health risks of marijuana use in adolescence and during pregnancy. Recent increases in access to marijuana and in its potency, along with misperceptions of safety of marijuana endanger our most precious resource, our nation\u2019s youth.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

BE PREPARED. GET NALOXONE. SAVE A LIFE.<\/span><\/p>\n

Background<\/span><\/h2>\n

Marijuana, or cannabis, is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. It acts by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain to produce a variety of effects, including euphoria, intoxication, and memory and motor impairments. These same cannabinoid receptors are also critical for brain development. They are part of the endocannabinoid system, which impacts the formation of brain circuits important for decision making, mood and responding to stress.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marijuana and its related products are widely available in multiple forms. These products can be eaten, drunk, smoked, and vaped. Marijuana contains varying levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the component responsible for euphoria and intoxication, and cannabidiol (CBD). While CBD is not intoxicating and does not lead to addiction, its long-term effects are largely unknown, and most CBD products are untested and of uncertain purity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marijuana has changed over time. The marijuana available today is much stronger than previous versions. The THC concentration in commonly cultivated marijuana plants has increased three-fold between 1995 and 2014 (4% and 12% respectively). Marijuana available in dispensaries in some states has average concentrations of THC between 17.7% and 23.2%. Concentrated products, commonly known as dabs or waxes, are far more widely available to recreational users today and may contain between 23.7% and 75.9% THC.<\/span><\/p>\n

The risks of physical dependence, addiction, and other negative consequences increase with exposure to high concentrations of THC and the younger the age of initiation. Higher doses of THC are more likely to produce anxiety, agitation, paranoia, and psychosis. Edible marijuana takes time to absorb and to produce its effects, increasing the risk of unintentional overdose, as well as accidental ingestion by children\u00a0and adolescents. In addition, chronic users of marijuana with a high THC content are at risk for developing a condition known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which is marked by severe cycles of nausea and vomiting.<\/span><\/p>\n

This advisory is intended to raise awareness of the known and potential harms to developing brains, posed by the increasing availability of highly potent marijuana in multiple, concentrated forms. These harms are costly to individuals and to our society, impacting mental health and educational achievement and raising the risks of addiction and misuse of other substances.\u00a0 Additionally, marijuana use remains illegal for youth under state law in all states; normalization of its use raises the potential for criminal consequences in this population. In addition to the health risks posed by marijuana use, sale or possession of marijuana remains illegal under federal law notwithstanding some state laws to the contrary.<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch the Surgeon General Answer FAQs on Marijuana<\/span><\/h3>\n

https:\/\/youtu.be\/OYZvUDbzUk8?si=_hDG7gAcem3esbvS<\/p>\n

Marijuana Use during Pregnancy<\/span><\/h2>\n

Pregnant women use marijuana more than any other illicit drug. In a national survey, marijuana use in the past month among pregnant women doubled (3.4% to 7%) between 2002 and 2017. In a study conducted in a large health system, marijuana use rose by 69% (4.2% to 7.1%) between 2009 and 2016 among pregnant women. Alarmingly, many retail dispensaries recommend marijuana to pregnant women for morning sickness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marijuana use during pregnancy can affect the developing fetus.<\/span><\/p>\n