We know medical marijuana has proven itself to be very effective in easing pain and nausea for individuals suffering from chronic and debilitating diseases. Scientists also see the potential value of cannabis for those with Crohn’s Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, glaucoma, and epilepsy.
But when it comes to marijuana use among teens and openly discussing the risks involved, leaders in New York State seem content to bury their heads in the sand.
Currently, New York State law requires that if a person under the age of 21 in possession of pot is caught by police, they will be subject to pay a $50 fine, and will be given a pamphlet on the dangers of marijuana and marijuana use disorder.
Recently, I tried to introduce a Resolution declaring ‘Marijuana Awareness Month’ in the State of New York to highlight and raise awareness of the dangers of teenage marijuana use in developing brains. Much to my surprise, the Resolution was shot down by the Assembly Majority. Why? Because they are afraid to highlight the dangers of marijuana use and marijuana use disorder, especially due to the disastrous rollout of legal marijuana we are currently seeing.
So, here are the facts the Majority in the State Legislature doesn’t want to admit. In 2021, 35.4% of young adults aged 18 to 25 reported using marijuana in the past year, and in 2022, 30.7% of twelfth graders reported using marijuana with 6.3% of them reporting they use marijuana daily. Since legalization, those numbers have increased to 38.2% and 6.5%. We also know the number of traffic accidents on our roads has increased, and the number of fatalities has also increased to 301 as of March 2023, according to The New York Times.
In addition, many young people also use vaping devices to consume cannabis products. In 2018, more than 1 in 10 eighth graders said they vaped marijuana in the past year. According to the DEA, the marijuana concentrate that is used for vaping is a highly potent THC-concentrated mass that is most similar in appearance to either honey or butter. It contains extraordinarily high THC levels ranging from 40 to 80%. This form of marijuana can be up to four times stronger in THC content than high-grade or top-shelf marijuana, which normally measures around 20% THC levels. Many young people prefer the vaping device because it is smokeless, sometimes odorless, and extremely easy to hide or conceal.
Long-term effects of consumption include marijuana use disorder, harm to brain health; mental health issues, such as depression or social anxiety; breathing problems, increased heart rate, which could increase chances of a heart attack; and problems with child development during and after pregnancy.
Then there’s dabbing. Dabbing is to weed what crack is to cocaine. Dabbing is the act of inhaling vaporized cannabis concentrates via a device, such as a dab rig, dab pen, e-rig, or vaporizer. Its side effects include rapid heartbeat, paranoia, hallucinations, numbness, or crawling sensations under the skin, anxiety, panic attacks, and/or uncontrollable shivering or shaking.
And for frequent and high-potency users there’s Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). (CHS) is recurrent nausea, vomiting, and cramping abdominal pain that can occur due to prolonged, high-dose cannabis use. These symptoms may be relieved temporarily by taking a hot shower or bath. Complications are related to persistent vomiting and dehydration, which may lead to kidney failure and electrolyte problems. Those affected experience severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, sometimes requiring emergency medical attention.
Marijuana use disorder, also known as marijuana addiction, is a psychiatric disorder defined in the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and ICD-10 as the continued use of cannabis. Cannabis users have shown decreased reactivity to dopamine, suggesting a possible link to a dampening of the reward system of the brain and an increase in negative emotion and addiction severity.
Cannabis users can develop a tolerance to the effects of THC. Cannabis addiction is often due to prolonged and increasing use of the drug. Increasing the strength of the cannabis taken and increasing the use of more effective methods of delivery often increase the progression of cannabis dependency. Approximately 17.0% of weekly and 19.0% of daily cannabis smokers can be classified as cannabis dependent. Adolescent cannabis users are therefore particularly vulnerable to the potential adverse effects of cannabis use.
We need to rethink marijuana use among our youth to make informed decisions. This is why Marijuana Awareness Month is important. It’s time to share information with friends, parents and educators. It’s time to be aware of the dangers of teen marijuana use, marijuana use disorder, dabbing, and CHS. And we need to stop sticking our heads in the sand!
Assemblyman Keith Brown
Assembly District Twelve
Assemblyman Keith Brown (R-Northport) represents the Twelfth District in the New York State Assembly. The Twelfth District spans across the Towns of Babylon, Huntington, and Islip, containing the hamlets of Baywood, Centerport, Cold Spring Harbor, Crab Meadow, East Northport, Eaton’s Neck, Edgewood, Elwood, Greenlawn, Halesite, and the villages of Asharoken, Huntington Bay, Lloyd Harbor, and Northport. The district also includes parts of Commack, Dix Hills, Deer Park, Fort Salonga, North Bay Shore, and Pine Aire.
