Dear Teens, Here’s What You Need to Know About Cannabis Use

Let’s be real—cannabis is everywhere these days. Since it became legalized in New York for recreational use, the product selection has exploded. But just because something’s popular doesn’t mean it’s harmless or right for you. 

If you're a teen trying to figure out the facts, read on. This post isn’t here to lecture or scare you. Consider the effects weed can have on you, and consider that staying away from cannabis could set you up for bigger wins in life.

Understanding the Risks of Teen Cannabis Use

Cannabis is particularly concerning for teens because your brain is still developing until around age twenty-five. Any substance you use during your teen years can affect your brain for the rest of your life. 

The substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive part of cannabis that produces most of its mind-altering effects. You may also be familiar with cannabidiol (CBD), which doesn’t produce a “high,” but also isn’t completely harmless (CDC, 2025).

Using cannabis can have the following effects (and these are just a few—a longer list can be found here):

• Struggles with Mental Health: According to CDC, cannabis use “has been linked to a range of mental health problems, such as depression and social anxiety” (CDC, 2024). Individuals who already struggle with mood changes or suicidal thinking may find cannabis worsens these tendencies. Although it’s rarer, cannabis use has also been linked to psychosis and the onset of schizophrenia.

• Impaired Brain Function: Cannabis use can cause issues with memory, reasoning, focus, and planning abilities.

• Your Grades Might Take a Hit: According to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, regular cannabis use is associated with increased absences, poorer school performance, and increased risk of dropping out of school (MottChildren.org, 2023). 

• Danger on the Road: Any substance increases your risk for impaired driving. To keep yourself and others safe behind the wheel, it’s best to stay sober if you plan to drive.

• Risk of Heart and Lung Problems When Smoked: Don’t believe the myth that cannabis is “better” for your lungs—it’s not. Any substance that is smoked increases the risk for heart and lung issues, including short-term effects on your athletic performance.

• Dependency: Starting a cannabis habit early in life can make it more challenging to quit.

What Teens Can Do About Cannabis Use

If You Use Cannabis, Stop. Your brain is still developing, and every time you say “no” to cannabis will support your growth. If you smoke cannabis, quitting will also give your lungs and heart a chance to heal. If you’re having a hard time quitting, consider starting with break days and work your way up. You can also call us at (607) 432-0090 for support and local resources.

Don’t Use Cannabis if You Plan to Drive.

Remember that Cannabis Has Not Been Approved by the FDA for Any Therapeutic Purposes. Even though many cannabis products are touted as healthy, more research needs to be done. Some of the treatments that have been approved by the FDA use synthetic versions of cannabis that have been engineered to work in specific cases and at specific doses (more on that here).

Spread the Word. Share information about cannabis with your peers, and resist the pressure to take cannabis—your body and brain will benefit!

Sources:

AACAP. “Marijuana and Teens.” Accessed May 17, 2025. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Marijuana-and-Teens-106.aspx. 

CDC. “About CBD.” Cannabis and Public Health, January 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/about/about-cbd.html. 

CDC. “Cannabis and Teens.” Cannabis and Public Health, February 20, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/cannabis-and-teens.html.

C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. “Marijuana and Teens,” March 2023. https://www.mottchildren.org/posts/your-child/marijuana-and-teens.

LEAF, Inc. “Having ‘the’ Talk with Your Kids (and We’re Not Talking About Sex),” August 7, 2024. https://leafinc.org/blog/having-the-talk-with-your-kids-and-were-not-talking-about-sex. 

National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Cannabis (Marijuana) | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA),” September 24, 2024. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis-marijuana.