At the moment, 24 states have legalized the use of cannabis for individuals 21 years or older, including the state of Connecticut. As recreational use is further legalized, conversation around cannabis use in young adults is emerging.
While cannabis use is technically prohibited on the UConn campus, it’s no secret that cannabis use is common on many college campuses. Most people think of cannabis use as a perfectly safe habit, but there are risks associated, as there are with any substance. Cannabis can have particularly strong effects on those who struggle with mental health.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH,) lower doses of THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis) is effective in treating the symptoms of panic disorders. Further research from the NIH also shows that cannabis use may produce brain signals that ease the symptoms of major depressive disorder. In another study published in the Journal of Psychology and Neuroscience, some cannabinoids present in THC may help symptoms of severe PTSD. While new research is still coming out on cannabis and mental health, there is potential for positive effects.
However, there are also many studies that show that THC may not be very beneficial to the mental health of young adults. In higher and uncontrolled doses, THC can be incredibly harmful to your mental health. For example, people who have a family history of mental illness are more likely to experience the harmful effects of cannabis, such as paranoia, anxiety and depression. If you have a family history of schizophrenia, there is a possibility that consuming high doses of THC may cause you to experience symptoms of the disease, such as hallucinations and delusions.
Furthermore, people who use cannabis for extended periods of time may be at risk for drug-induced psychosis. While psychosis induced by marijuana is scary, in most cases it is a temporary issue and will likely resolve once the person stops ingesting cannabis or other mind-altering substances. According to the American Addiction Center (AAC), while cannabis is not as physically addictive as other substances, such as alcohol or opioids, the risk for psychological and physiological dependence and abuse is still very much present.
If you or someone else in your family has a history of substance use disorder, avoiding cannabis may be the best course of action for you. This is because cannabis can act as a “gateway” substance, particularly if your use begins before the age of fifteen. In pre-teens and adolescents, cannabis use can alter the chemistry in your brain making you more dependent on substances to get through your day. Extreme caution with all substance use is recommended, as our brains do not stop developing until we are twenty-five years old.
In some cases, there is potential for cannabis to help ease symptoms of mental illness or help individuals manage their mental health. New research is emerging every day on the potential use of cannabis in the management of mental illness. However, cannabis use also comes with many risks. People who regularly use cannabis in high doses are much more at risk than the general population for experiencing psychosis or life-long illnesses such as schizophrenia. Additionally, cannabis use comes with the potential for psychological and physiological addiction, especially if you have a history of substance use disorder, or have a family history of substance use disorders.
At the end of the day, it is ultimately up to you whether or not you use cannabis. Knowing the risks and benefits of cannabis use regarding mental health may help you become more informed, and make the best choice for you and your life.