Weed is everywhere. From social media to hanging out with friends to raves and parties, it’s known to be chill and harmless. Weed certainly has its upsides—it can relax you, ease anxiety, and even spark creativity. But when it comes to using cannabis, especially while you’re young, it’s not all green light.
Facts About Weed
Your Brain Is Still Developing
From birth to around 25, your brain is constantly developing, particularly in areas that control memory, decision-making, and emotions. The frontal lobe, which is responsible for things like focus, impulse control, and rational thought, is one of the last areas to fully develop. This is why taking cannabis before your brain has fully matured can have lasting consequences.
When you use weed during this crucial period of brain development, you may slow down or interfere with that process. This can lead to long-term challenges, such as difficulty focusing, learning, and emotional regulation. It’s not just about how you feel in the moment; it’s about how your brain’s wiring could be affected in the future.
It’s Not Harmless
Many people think of weed as a harmless recreational drug, especially since it’s often touted as non-addictive. However, the reality is more complex. While weed may not be physically addictive in the same way substances like alcohol or nicotine can be, frequent or heavy use can lead to dependency. This means that, over time, you might feel the need to use it more often or in higher doses to get the same effects, which can impact your life and your well-being.
For some individuals, regular cannabis use is also linked to increased anxiety, paranoia, and even depression. While cannabis may offer temporary relief from stress or negative emotions, it can actually make mental health issues worse in the long run. This can be especially concerning for young people, whose brains are still learning how to manage emotions and handle stress.
We Still Don’t Know Enough
While weed is one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide, research on its effects is still evolving. There’s a lot we don’t yet understand about how weed interacts with the brain and body, particularly in the long term. What we do know is that young, developing brains are more vulnerable to the risks associated with weed use.
The science is clear: using weed at a young age can interfere with brain development, affect memory and learning, and even increase the likelihood of developing mental health issues later on. While weed may seem like a harmless way to relax or escape, the long-term impact could be much greater than you realize.
If You Choose to Use
1. Start Small
If you choose to use weed, it’s important to start small. Stick to low, occasional doses to reduce potential harm. While it may feel tempting to indulge in a higher dose to experience stronger effects, doing so can increase your chances of experiencing side effects like anxiety or paranoia. By taking it slow, you can monitor how it affects you and assess whether it’s something that works for you. If you notice negative effects, it’s worth considering taking a break or reassessing how you use it.
2. Check Your Patterns
Take a moment to think about why you’re using weed. If you’re using cannabis as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions, it might be a sign that you need to find healthier coping strategies. While cannabis can offer temporary relief, it doesn’t address the root causes of stress or mental health struggles. Over time, relying on weed to cope can make it harder to manage tough emotions and life challenges without it. If you’re noticing that you’re using weed more frequently or to cope with feelings, it’s worth considering other forms of support, like talking to someone you trust or reaching out to a mental health professional.
3. Prioritize Your Well-Being
Above all, recreational use of weed should never come at the expense of your mental or physical health. Make sure that it doesn’t interfere with other important areas of your life, such as your schoolwork, relationships, and personal goals. If you find that weed use is becoming a problem—whether it’s affecting your ability to concentrate, impacting your mood, or making it harder to get through your day—it might be time to take a step back and reassess your habits. Your well-being should always come first.
4. Buy Legally
When purchasing weed, always make sure you’re buying from licensed dispensaries. Buying legal weed (also known as legal cannabis) ensures that you’re getting a product that’s been regulated for quality and safety. Legal cannabis is subject to strict regulations, so you can be sure that what you’re using has been tested and is safe for consumption. To find licensed cannabis sellers in your area, you can visit the Public Safety Canada website to learn more about where to buy legal cannabis in your community. Learn more about finding licensed cannabis sellers here.
When Life Feels Heavy
It’s natural to use substances like weed when you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Whether it’s school stress, family pressure, or just the weight of growing up, we all have moments when we need an escape. If you’re turning to cannabis to cope with stress or anxiety, you’re not alone. Many people use substances to deal with their emotions, but it’s important to know that there are healthier, more effective ways to handle difficult situations.
Talking to someone you trust or reaching out for support can help you develop better tools for managing life’s ups and downs. At Kickstand, we offer free, confidential support for young Albertans. Whether you want to talk about substance use, mental health struggles, or just need someone to listen, we’re here for you. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed or unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to face challenges alone.
Find a Kickstand location near you, and let us help you work through the tough moments.
For a deep dive into the science of cannabis—its benefits, risks, and everything in between—check out this amazing video by Kurzgesagt. Understanding the full picture of cannabis can help you make better, informed decisions for your future self. Because the more you know, the better choices you can make—today and in the years ahead.
Take care of yourself. Your future self will thank you.
