For many parents, adolescent marijuana use does not set off the same alarm bells that fentanyl, cocaine, or “harder” drugs might elicit. However, a recent feature in the New York Times highlights how this once underestimated, widely legalized drug has been ravaging families and ruining young lives. This is a trend that the adolescent experts at Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center have witnessed firsthand for years. Join us for a new series of expert interviews, emergent research, and captivating real-life stories about the dangers of marijuana for adolescents — and what parents can do to protect their children.

The New Marijuana & Adolescents

"We can no longer compare it to the marijuana that parents used or experimented with decades ago," explains Elizabeth Fikes, Co-Founder and Director of Outreach and Communications at Stonewater. "You have to look at it as a totally different substance — one that is far more dangerous and can have much longer lasting effects."

Indeed, the evolution of marijuana over the last hundred years since its entry to the U.S. has been dramatic. The highly commercialized strains on the market today are 10 to 20 times stronger than what was previously available. At the same time, this is compounded by the dangers of new methods of consumption: Vaping and edibles make it easier than ever to consume higher quantities of the drug, faster — and more discreetly.

"What we're seeing now is that marijuana is often easier for adolescents to access than alcohol," Fikes notes. "The legalization movement has created a false sense of security for both teens and their families." More than 20 states have legalized marijuana in some form, and several nations.

Marijuana & Teen Mental Health

This increased accessibility comes at a time when teenage mental health concerns are already at historically high levels of acuity. For example, recent SAMHSA data shows that 19.5% of adolescents experienced a major depressive episode in the past year — more than double the rate seen in adults.

Bryan Fikes, Co-founder and CEO of Stonewater, has observed these parallel trends firsthand. "Mental health disorders over the past decade have been on the rise, and marijuana is by far and away the most common drug of choice,” he says. “It's hard not to consider some type of correlation."

Adolescent vs. Adult Cannabis Use

The implications for adolescent health and development are daunting. Stonewater Clinical Director Jeffery Noles, LAC, LPC, CTT, CCS, CSAT emphasizes that the developing teenage brain is particularly vulnerable to today's high-potency cannabis products, while most of the research done on the effects of marijuana has focused on developed adult brains.

“Most of us are thinking about that through the lens of responsible adults making choices for what they want to do with their lives,” Noles explains. “We’'re not really centering in on the impact it can have on a developing mind, which is quite different.'"

Teen Marijuana Use: What Parents Can Do

Despite this daunting picture, early intervention can make a crucial difference. At Stonewater, the team has witnessed numerous success stories of teens who received proper treatment and support — and transformed.

"The wonderful thing about the adolescent brain is that it is resilient," Elizabeth Fikes shares. "When they do come get treatment, we're able to see tremendous progress once they stop using, and we equip them with other tools to address underlying anxiety or depression."

For parents concerned about their teen's marijuana use, experts recommend:

Taking any marijuana use seriously, regardless of frequency

• Looking for changes in behavior, school performance, or friend groups
• Starting conversations early about risks and safety
• Seeking professional guidance if concerned
• Remembering that help is available and recovery is possible

It’s true, the landscape of teen marijuana use has changed dramatically. However, with awareness, early intervention, and proper support, families can navigate these challenges successfully. Understanding today's realities is the first step toward protecting our youth and helping them build healthy futures.

Stay tuned for more critical information that parents need to know as we continue our series The New Marijuana: Understanding Todays Risks for Our Children. 

And, if someone you know needs help, reach out to our team of adolescent experts via chat or on our contact page.