Last updated : November 18, 2024
The baby boomers who took part in the hippie movement made smoking marijuana and casual drug use a popular lifestyle for many. As a result, marijuana has long since gained the reputation of being a “harmless” drug because users tend to be thought of as laid back and relaxed. However, the pot distributed back in the day was far less potent than what is available legally today. Therein lies the problem because we have no idea how high-potency pot is going to affect the human body over time.
Somebody needs to tell Gen Z.
The stoner generation
Born between 1997 and 2012, Generation Z, also known as Zoomers, ranges between twelve and twenty-seven years old. They are considered resourceful and independent learners who value diversity and inclusive culture. They are also intent on learning from the past and not making the same mistakes as prior generations as they take their place in the world.
Many of them grew up watching alcoholic parents fight, divorce, find a new partner, and repeat—taking the kids on a roller coaster ride of emotional ups and downs that they don’t care to continue throughout their adult lives. They know the risks associated with alcohol abuse and addiction and the harmful effects that long-term drinking has on the body. So rather than picking up a drink, this generation is choosing to make marijuana their drug of choice.
Legalization enforces the “it’s a harmless drug” frame of mind for Zoomers and others, but, now that we’re a few years into it, alarming information is beginning to surface regarding using high-potency marijuana products.
THC levels keep rising
The marijuana industry is booming taking in over $35 billion in 2023. And, as with any product, the better it is, the higher the cost. Distributors have teams of scientists—possibly working overtime—coming up with stronger and stronger strains of marijuana. Some have reached THC levels as high as 30%.
Additionally, though, high-potency marijuana concentrates are being sold with THC levels upwards of 90%! Vaping oils and “dabs” are trending among the Gen Z crowd. However, a growing number of teens and young adults are having psychotic episodes, and the common denominator among them is having used marijuana in some form before the incident.
Moreover, continued regular use makes the user five times more likely to develop schizophrenia over the next ten years than those who don’t use marijuana according to a recent study. Schizophrenia is a disabling brain disorder that causes psychosis and also affects concentration and a loss of emotional expression. Young people who smoke high-potency pot and who have a parent or sibling suffering from psychosis are at an even higher risk.
Moreover, often considered not to be an addiction-forming drug in days past due to its low levels of THC, today’s high-potency marijuana is.
Signs of addiction
Studies show that heavy marijuana use over a prolonged length of time can alter the circuitry of the brain. High levels of THC encourage reinforcing marijuana use and, eventually, addiction.
Symptoms of marijuana addiction include:
- Using marijuana or marijuana products excessively
- Unable to successfully cut down or control use
- Spending a lot of time obtaining or recovering from use
- Cravings
- Avoiding obligations at work, school, or home
- Continuing use even if it’s negatively impacting relationships
- Using despite recurring physical or psychological problems
- Develops a tolerance that requires higher dosing levels
- Experiences withdrawal symptoms
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms are considered to be mild and can include:
- Irritability
- Anger
- Aggresion
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Restlessness
- Depression
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
Seeking treatment
More studies are being done on marijuana and how it affects the human body because a growing number of people are reporting adverse reactions to the drug. Sadly, though, only about 10% of people who use marijuana daily seek treatment.
Reasons given for not seeking treatment are:
- Not necessary as withdrawal symptoms are mild
- Lack of motivation to change
- Desire to avoid stigma attached to addiction
For those who do seek help for their substance abuse problem, psychotherapeutic treatments seem to be proving themselves effective. Therapists use a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and contingency management (CM).
Hardly harmless
High-potency pot products are popular among teenagers and young adults, however, a growing number of young people are suffering psychotic episodes after using them. Additionally, it seems that the higher levels of THC are causing some to form addictions that put them at an even higher risk of either suffering a psychotic episode or, worse, permanently altering their brain circuitry.
Gen Z is embracing marijuana legalization to the fullest using the drug for relaxation, emotional release, sleep, and they think it’s fun. However, as data continues to surface regarding the affect of high-potency pot use over the long-term, we need to make sure they are aware of the findings.
No one has ever died because they overdosed on marijuana let’s keep it that way.
