Top 5 Reasons Why Young Adults Use Marijuana

By Anna

 

A 2018 American Journal of Psychiatry report said that using cannabis is worse than drinking alcohol for teenagers. Another recent study concluded that weed use is associated to higher odds of depression and suicide among teens. A study from the Neuropharmacology journal published this year found that cannabis exposure in young adults can cause anxiety disorders.

While several health benefits of the herb may have been unlocked for adults, the same cannot be applied to youngsters. Experts don’t recommend marijuana use in individuals below 21 years of age.

In fact, weed use is not even legal for young people. Yet, statistics reveal that weed use among adolescents has touched an all time high in three decades.

In fact, one in six people start using weed during their teenage years. Marijuana also happens to be the top-most common drugs among teens in the United States. The question is, why do teenagers even use cannabis? Understanding this is important to know how to prevent adolescents from weed use. In this regard, here are the top 5 reasons why teenagers use marijuana:

1 – Because of peer pressure

Teenage is the phase in which kids try to fit in, become more social, make more friends. To get recognized as one of the ‘cool’ people around, teenagers start smoking weed.

Therefore, you should be aware of the company your child is in. Apart from friends at school, older friends in the neighborhood can also influence young boys and girls to consume cannabis.

2 – Out of curiosity

Marijuana is a popular drug, as mentioned above. Many students try it because they want to know what it feels like. Trying it once or twice can form into a habit easily which can eventually even lead to addiction.

3 – Because they think it is safe

Another reason why marijuana use is common among teenagers is because they are misinformed about it.

Research shows that cannabis can help improve mood, get rid of pain, and even help you sleep better. While all this is true, you shouldn’t consider using the plant until you reach adulthood.

Unfortunately, most teens are misinformed which is why they use it thinking they can do the drug and not have it impact their health negatively. Since during teens years the brain is still developing, cannabis use doesn’t serve it well.

4 – Out of boredom

The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse reports that one-third of teen weed users smoke cannabis because they are bored.

If you notice any signs of weed use in your child, promote healthy hobbies to him so that he can spend his time productively instead.

5 – Because of stress

Did you know that stressed teens are more likely to do substance abuse? Many adolescents make use of weed to self-medicate. Some just want to escape their circumstances and feel good.

Depression, anxiety, frustration – there can be many such causes that can lead a teen toward using cannabis.