Despite the fact that CBD products are now legal in every state, medical marijuana is legal in 33 states, and recreational marijuana is legal in 10 states (plus DC), the rate of teenage marijuana use has actually been decreasing over the past few years. This data suggests that the relationship between legality and consumption is not particularly strong.
However, as attitudes change and marijuana use becomes less common, that does not mean the substance itself should be considered risk-free. Even if marijuana is medically useful in certain situations, it can still pose a unique set of harms for certain users. Considering that the human brain is generally believed to not be fully develop until the age of 25, teenagers are especially likely to experience marijuana’s inadvertent effects.
A recent analysis that was jointly conducted by Oxford University (UK) and McGill University (Canada) concluded that individuals who consume marijuana at least once per week before the age of 18 are 37 percent more likely to develop depression. The analysis carefully looked at 11 different studies and attempted to generalize some conclusions from the result.
Any study of this nature will obviously need to be taken with a grain of salt. Still, these results are rather alarming to both parents and teens. In this article, we will discuss the possible connection between teen marijuana use and early onset adult depression. We will also discuss the risk factors associated with depression and possible treatment options.
Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Depression and marijuana use are frequently claimed to have a “chicken and the egg” like relationship. Even if there is a positive correlation between marijuana use and depression, it is difficult to determine whether individuals are depressed because they’ve consumed marijuana or if they’ve been consuming marijuana in order to cope with their depression. There is likely no clear way to prove that one entirely causes the other. The reasons why depression and substance use exist will vary tremendously by each individual.
Still, psychologists are fully aware of the common “post hoc ergo propter hoc” fallacy and as a result, will carefully interpret all studies with a strong degree of caution. When interpreting the studies mentioned earlier, epidemiologist Guohua Li (Columbia University) stated, “The results have to be interpreted with caution because it’s based on a very small number of published studies, but the signal is quite strong.” Li goes on to claim that “The implications of the study for public policy and mental health are profound.”
Why waiting until later can make a major difference
As is the case with most—perhaps all—substances that have a psychological impact, waiting until later in life to consume will decrease long term harms. The teenage brain is going through puberty and is actively experiencing major biological and chemical changes. Introducing additional chemicals into this mix has been proven to have some lasting consequences.
Some of the long-term harms of early, regular cannabis use include memory loss, general fatigue, and an increased likelihood of developing depression. Though there is obviously no “magic switch” that is flipped the day an individual turns 25, this is the generally accepted year for when the brain has fully matured. The further an individual is from that age when they begin using marijuana on a regular basis, the more likely their brain chemistry will be altered.
Identifying early signs of depression
In order to determine whether early marijuana use has contributed to the development of your teen’s depression, the first thing you will need to do is determine whether your teen is actually depressed. There are many signs of depression that can potentially be identified by outsiders, but only a licensed physician can issue a formal diagnosis.
Once your teen has received a diagnosis of depression, their doctor will almost certainly ask them about their current level of substance use (including marijuana). While many teens will downplay or outright deny that they are using any substances, it will be crucial for them to be honest in order to get the correct treatment.
Is marijuana addiction real? When will treatment be necessary?
One of the common myths about marijuana—one that is particularly propagated by teenagers—is that marijuana is not addictive. Though marijuana may not have the same physically addicting properties as heroine and other “harder” substances, at the very least, marijuana can be habitually addictive.
Individuals who require marijuana use in order to function will likely be diagnosed with “Marijuana use disorder.” This condition can produce a variety of negative consequences such as difficulty sleeping, physical discomfort, changes in sleeping and eating habits, and ongoing irritability. Many of these symptoms overlap with the symptoms of depression mentioned above. According to a recent NIH study, individuals who begin regularly consuming marijuana before the age of 18 are “four to seven more times” more likely to develop marijuana use disorder. This is yet another reason why prolonging marijuana use is incredibly important.
Seeking treatment for substance abuse use is often stigmatized due the fact that marijuana is not as intense or overtly harmful as heroine, amphetamine, cocaine, alcohol, and other drugs. However, just because a substance isn’t the most harmful one available, that doesn’t mean that its potential risks should be ignored. If marijuana has made it difficult for your teen to function and live their everyday life, then rehab or residential treatment programs may be necessary. This is especially true for individuals who abuse marijuana and also have an underlying mental health disorder (such as depression).
Possible treatments for addiction and depression
Addiction—to any substance, including marijuana—and depression often go hand in hand. In response, psychologists have been increasingly utilizing an approach to treatment referred to as co-occurring treatment or dual diagnosis. These treatments are ideal for individuals suffering from depression and substance abuse disorders, due to their unique ability to address multiple (or co-occurring) conditions at once.
There are many different varieties of treatment options available.
Treatment options that attempt to address the whole person have been proven to be the most effective. Whether your teen is suffering from marijuana use disorder or anything else, there are certainly reasonable solutions within reach.
Conclusion
While there is still plenty of research needed to be completed on the topic, there appears to be a somewhat strong link between regular marijuana use among teens and adult depression later in life. According to a comprehensive review of studies, the risk factor appears to be as high as 37 percent. In response to these figures, treatment centers across the globe are attempting to develop more comprehensive forms of treatment.