With the increasing legalization of marijuana across the United States, more and more people are trying it out. And while smoking marijuana has its own risks, consuming marijuana edibles can be even more dangerous. For teens especially, marijuana edibles can be particularly dangerous since they often look like regular candies or snacks. As a result, teens may mistakenly consume too much and experience serious side effects.
Long-term use of marijuana edibles can also create health risks and the development of marijuana dependence. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, our team works with teenage boys who need help working their way through marijuana addiction. If you’re concerned about your son’s dependence on this drug, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275 to learn more.
What Are Edibles?
Any product to which people add THC or marijuana in order to ingest it is an edible. Often, these appear in the form of cookies or brownies. Sometimes it is in the form of gummies. In all situations, marijuana edibles still contain drugs that have psychoactive components to them, making them highly addictive to use over a period of time.
While teenagers cannot buy edibles from dispensaries in even states where recreational marijuana is legal, they might have friends or older siblings who can procure them. It is essential for parents to be aware of what their children might have access to, as well as how to spot the signs of use, in order to get them help as soon as possible.
What Are the Dangers of THC Edibles?
THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana. It is what causes a high when people smoke or ingest the drug. When THC enters the bloodstream, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which alters a person’s mood, perception, and behavior.
The THC in edibles can be especially potent. When people smoke marijuana, they can control how much THC enters their system by taking smaller or larger puffs. With edibles, however, it is difficult to tell how much THC is in each bite. As a result, people who consume marijuana edibles often accidentally ingest too much THC, leading to dangerous and sometimes even life-threatening side effects.
Some of the dangers of edibles, especially for teens, include:
- Using marijuana as a teen may encourage the use of other highly addictive and more dangerous drugs later.
- Teen marijuana use in any form can stunt cognitive brain development creating permanent damage to the brain itself.
- Because the effects take a long time to develop, many people use too much marijuana, creating dangerous toxins in the system.
- There is a risk of addiction occurring. When this happens, your teen gets cravings for edibles or other products and cannot stop doing so independently.
- Tolerance develops, leading to the need to use more of the drug to get the same results, leading to a risk of overdose.
Teens who use edibles may be at risk for developing more worrisome conditions over time, including addiction to other drugs. Furthermore, using marijuana edibles may cause underlying trauma, depression, and anxiety. Often, these products are used as a way to cope with the symptoms of mental health disorders. That positions a teen to be at high risk for complications later.
How to Tell if Your Teen Is Using Edibles
It can be challenging to detect marijuana edible use because they can look like, smell like, and even taste like traditional sweets. If you are worried that your child might be using these products, it is important to know what to look for, including:
- Changes in eating habits
- Skipping school or activities they once enjoyed
- Lying or being secretive
- Red, bloodshot eyes
- Problems with memory
- Increased cravings for sweets
If you are concerned that your teen is using marijuana edibles, reach out to a professional who can help. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we specialize in helping families heal from the effects of addiction. Our teen-specific program can help your child get back on track to a bright future.
Effective Treatment for Marijuana Abuse
If you believe your teen is using marijuana in dangerous ways, now is the time to seek help. The first step is to reach out to a professional who can assess your child’s situation and create a tailored treatment plan. Foothills at Red Oak Recovery can help. Our effective, evidence-based treatment program has helped countless families heal from substance use disorders.
- Family therapy programs
- Equine therapy programs
- Academic support programs
- Holistic healing solutions
- Co-occurring issues treatment
Find Hope and Healing at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Edibles may be becoming more common or you may be able to recognize the signs of your teen using THC edibles. There are risks to using these products that most teens do not recognize. If your teen is battling an addiction to marijuana edibles or any drug, turn to our team at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery for help. Call us at 866.300.5275 or connect with us online for support.
