Teens get sick from high-THC marijuana products

Marijuana products can contain up to 100% THC. This is a relatively recent development, as marijuana growers and traders have learned how to grow potent produce over the last several years.

According to the New York Times, these high levels of THC affect teenagers, increasing their likelihood of addiction and even leading to conditions like cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

Photo by Tim Mossholder via Unsplash

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The article interviews several experts, teenagers and their parents, and paints a picture of some of the marijuana products in circulation today, claiming that they are stronger than in years past and that they can negatively impact consumers.

Elysse, one of the teenagers interviewed, shared that marijuana made her euphoric and happy. The oils and waxes she bought had THC levels of up to 90%, which she consumed several times a day. After a few months of regular use, her positive highs turned into sad and anxiety-provoking experiences, including one instance where she threw up more than 20 times in two hours. She was diagnosed with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, a rare side effect of cannabis.

While there’s a lot we don’t know about marijuana, it’s clear that the drug has great medicinal prowess. As for its side effects, they’re not fully understood, but cannabis has been linked to conditions like cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, cannabis addiction, mental illness, and more. These issues are more of a concern in the case of teenagers, as overuse of the drug affects their brain in ways that may affect them for the rest of their lives.

More states are legalizing cannabis, but as the drug remains illegal at the federal level, each state is moving at its own pace. Currently, recreational marijuana is legal in 19 states, Washington DC and Guam. Only Vermont and Connecticut have caps on THC concentration.

RELATED: Teenage marijuana use continues to fall, especially where it’s legal, see chart

Still, banning the amount of THC in cannabis products may not be the answer. Marijuana supporters are interested in keeping the drug away from teenagers and claim the best way to do that is to set up legal marijuana markets, replacing the black market with an industry that is regularly tested and follows specific rules and regulations is working.