At pH Wellness, we recognize that marijuana addiction is a complex and often misunderstood issue, especially for young people and their families. Our expert team provides evidence-based care rooted in compassion, supporting teens through every stage of disorder treatmentโfrom recognizing the signs of marijuana use to addressing withdrawal symptoms, academic struggles, and the emotional toll of addiction. If your child is struggling with cannabis use, pH Wellness is here to help them reclaim their health, purpose, and future.
Understanding Marijuana Abuse in Teens
With the rise of legalized cannabis and the growing normalization of recreational marijuana, many teenagers mistakenly believe that smoking marijuana or using cannabis recreationally is safe and consequence-free. But research shows that frequent marijuana useโespecially during adolescenceโcan lead to cannabis use disorder, a serious condition that affects both brain development and emotional well-being.
The developing brain is especially vulnerable to the negative effects of THC, the active compound in the marijuana plant. Repeated exposure during the teenage years has been linked to reduced memory, difficulty with decision-making, and increased risk of mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and even psychiatric disorders. According to the Mental Health Services Administration, marijuana addiction can significantly disrupt a teenโs ability to thrive socially, academically, and emotionally.
Marijuana abuse may also lead to physical health issues and long-term substance use disorders, especially when paired with other drugs or alcohol. At pH Wellness, we take a holistic approach to disorder treatment, addressing the full scope of issues related to drug abuse, from emotional triggers and family dynamics to withdrawal symptoms and academic recovery.
Signs of Cannabis Use Disorder in Teens
Recognizing the signs of marijuana use early is critical for parents, caregivers, and educators. While not all teen marijuana use points to addiction, frequent or compulsive useโespecially in the face of negative consequencesโshould not be ignored. Whether teens are smoking pot, vaping, or consuming high-THC products, a pattern of dependence may be emerging.
Behavioral Signs from Smoking Marijuana
- Increased secrecy or withdrawal from family and friends
- Loss of interest in school, sports, or hobbies
- Skipping class or frequent unexplained absences
- Sudden decline in academic performance or motivation
- Mood swings, irritability, or unexplained aggression
- Continuing to use marijuana despite negative consequences
- Obsession with having access to marijuana paraphernalia or hiding rolling papers
Physical Signs
- Bloodshot eyes, frequent use of eye drops
- Persistent cough or breathing problems related to smoking marijuana
- Changes in appetiteโespecially overeating (the โmunchiesโ)
- Lack of energy, poor hygiene, or extreme fatigue
- Slowed reaction time, poor coordination, or difficulty with motor tasks
- Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or vague health complaints
Psychological Signs
- Heightened anxiety or paranoia, especially in social settings
- Trouble focusing, difficulty remembering things, or poor problem-solving
- Increased reliance on marijuana to cope with stress or emotional discomfort
- Anxious behavior, depression, or social withdrawal
- Cravings or intense preoccupation with using cannabis
- Feeling self-conscious, out of control, or fearful without access to the drug
If youโre noticing these changes in your teen, it may be time to consult with a mental health or addiction specialist. The sooner treatment begins, the more likely a successful recoveryโespecially with the right support system in place.
The Risks of Marijuana Addiction in Teens
While recreational marijuana is often marketed as natural or harmlessโespecially in the era of legalized cannabisโits impact on young people, particularly teens, is far from benign. Research shows that teen marijuana use can lead to significant and lasting harm, especially during key stages of brain development. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), regular marijuana use among teens is linked to numerous negative consequences, including:
- Impaired brain development and long-term cognitive decline
- Reduced memory, slower processing speeds, and poor academic performance
- Higher rates of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety
- Increased risk of engaging in risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex, reckless driving, or using other drugs
- Greater likelihood of developing substance use disorders, including cannabis use disorder and eventual marijuana addiction
The developing brains of adolescents are highly sensitive to the effects of marijuana, especially products with elevated THC levels, which are more potent today than in past decades. This makes smoking marijuanaโor even using cannabis recreationally through vape pens or ediblesโa far more serious risk factor than many teens or parents realize.
In fact, researchers found that early and frequent cannabis use can drastically increase the likelihood of dependency. The Partnership to End Addiction (formerly Partnership for Drug-Free Kids) reports that approximately 1 in 6 teens who start using marijuana will develop a use disorder. Among daily users, that number jumps to as high as 50%, putting them at risk for long-term addiction and impaired well-being.
Despite widespread assumptions about the safety of medical marijuana or recreational cannabis use, the truth remains: marijuana abuse among teens is a growing public health concern, one that demands attention from both healthcare professionals and families alike. Early use doesnโt just affect grades or school attendanceโit can derail futures, strain family relationships, and contribute to a lifetime of struggle with mental health and drug abuse.
How to Help a Teen Struggling with Marijuana Addiction
If you suspect your child is battling marijuana addiction, itโs important to act with empathy, patience, and informed intention. Many teens who use marijuanaโespecially those who engage in cannabis dailyโmay not recognize the severity of their behavior or the negative consequences it can have on their mental health, academic success, and future. Studies show that the use of marijuana, particularly during adolescence, can impair brain development, lead to trouble remembering things, and even develop psychiatric disorders such as depression or anxiety.
For many parents, confronting cannabis use can feel overwhelming, especially when itโs paired with other substances like alcohol or signs of slipping performance in school. Fortunately, there are concrete, research-backed steps that can make a real difference.
1. Open a Non-Judgmental Conversation
Start by expressing concern without accusation. Teens often shut down when they feel criticized, so avoid lectures or threats. Instead, ask open-ended questions:
- โHow have you been feeling lately?โ
- โWhatโs your experience been like with using cannabis?โ
- โWhat do you think is helping or hurting you right now?โ
Let your teen know youโre listening because you care, not because you want to punish them.
2. Seek Professional Support
Cannabis use disorders are medical conditions that often require structured disorder treatment. A comprehensive evaluation from a therapist or counselor specializing in drug and substance use can provide valuable insights. Programs like SMART Recovery and Narcotics Anonymous offer peer-based support systems that many high school students and young adults find helpful.
You may also want to explore behavioral therapy, family counseling, or outpatient programs that are tailored to teen development. The earlier the intervention begins, the more effective the treatment tends to be.
3. Establish Healthy Boundaries
Consistent boundaries around marijuana use, alcohol, and other drugs are essential. Be clear about your expectations and the consequences of continued drug use, but stay firm with love. Boundaries should reflect a supportive home environment, not a punitive one.
For example:
- Limiting unsupervised time with peers who are using cannabis
- Setting curfews and monitoring changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Keeping lines of communication open, even when tensions rise
4. Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Many teens use marijuana to escape stress, anxiety, or pressure, especially in todayโs high-demand environments. Offering your teen alternative ways to decompress can reduce reliance on substances. Encourage:
- Regular exercise and movement
- Artistic or musical expression
- Meditation, mindfulness, or journaling
- Support groups with others who share their experiences
These activities can build resilience and help restore your teenโs sense of well-being without relying on using cannabis to cope.
If your childโs cannabis use is starting to interfere with school, relationships, or mental health, early support can make all the difference. Addressing the issue with compassion and evidence-based strategies increases the chance of lasting recovery.
pH Wellness Can Help
If you’ve noticed common signs of marijuana dependency in your teenโsuch as mood swings, loss of motivation, slipping grades, or changes in behaviorโitโs time to take that concern seriously. While recreational use of cannabis is increasingly normalized, the reality is that teenagers who engage in regular use of marijuana, especially over the past year, are at greater risk for developing long-term challenges, both emotionally and neurologically.
At pH Wellness, we specialize in supporting teens and families through the complexities of substance use disorders, including marijuana addiction in teenagers. Our programs are tailored to meet your child where they areโwith evidence-based therapies, holistic care, and a team that understands the unique needs of adolescents.
You donโt have to navigate this alone. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your teen heal, grow, and move forwardโbecause every child deserves a healthy future and the support to get there.
Works Cited
- Volkow, Nora D., et al. “Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 370, no. 23, 2014, pp. 2219โ2227. PubMed Central, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3930618/.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Know the Risks of Marijuana. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2021, https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep21-06-01-001.pdf.
- Partnership to End Addiction. Marijuana Resource Center. https://drugfree.org/marijuana-resource-center/. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
