At what age should you really start using cannabis?

With cannabis legalization and growing online sales, many fear that despite age limits, cannabis may be more easily accessible to those under the legal age. Some may argue that cannabis can be beneficial in a variety of medicinal and therapeutic ways, but it can do more harm than help when it comes to the developing brain. What is the Right Age to Start Using Cannabis That Will Not Do Permanent Damage?

Hai Nguyen, a health economist at Memorial University of Newfoundland, wanted to find the ideal age to smoke cannabis. With a research team, they took data from 20,000 people between the ages of 18 and 65. The study also takes into account general health, mental health, and education levels, and the results are fixed at age 19. According to the researchers, smoking weed 19 years later is associated with significantly high risks such as mental health and memory problems.

The fact is that the brain is not fully developed until the age of 25. The drug’s effects on the young, developing brain far outweigh its potential benefits. The legal age for consumption in the USA is 21 years. In Canada it ranges from 18-21. This means that people over the age of 18 can consume as they please. Not to mention the age should be changed – because we don’t want to drive the youth into the arms of the black market, but knowing the possible risks one should be concerned about.

Cannabis and the developing brain

We continue to hear different opinions about cannabis in terms of its benefits. However, there are also potential hazards to consider. Some argue that early cannabis use can lead to addiction, and heavy use can cause other health problems. But then we’re also told that cannabis can help with anxiety and pain, along with therapeutic benefits in multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

In 2018, a study found that when teenagers increased their cannabis use for over a year, their memory skills decreased. Meanwhile, a 2019 study suggested that cannabis can interfere with the natural thinning of gray matter in teenagers’ brains, which can lead to cognitive problems. After all, the brain doesn’t stop developing until they are 25, and 18-21 are still considered critical to brain development. Several studies found consistent evidence of structural brain abnormalities and altered neural activity in teenagers and young adults.

Know the risks

It’s still not clear whether cannabis alone is the main culprit for some of the negative effects on young adolescents. While most people who use cannabis do not develop problematic use, those who use cannabis frequently (daily or almost daily) for a long period of time may put themselves at risk of addiction.

A person can become addicted if they feel they need to consume cannabis just to feel normal and function during the day. People who stop using cannabis after using it regularly may experience mild withdrawal feelings. Common symptoms of cannabis withdrawal include restlessness, nervousness, irritability, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.

Even if you have limited experience with drugs, you probably know more about the most important topics than you think. Most people intuitively understand that all drugs can be both good and bad. Medications recommended by a doctor can also cause harm, especially if not taken properly. When it comes to cannabis, almost everyone knows people who have had fun or have otherwise benefited from using cannabis or other drugs. Likewise, most people know someone who has had bad experiences. The important thing is: the younger the age, the higher the risks.