Nowadays, cannabis use is steadily increasing among the younger generation, and this trend has become a major concern in our society. But the real question is—where does this use begin? How does an adolescent or young person become drawn to a substance like cannabis?
Often, it starts with curiosity or during hangouts with friends, where the goal is to feel momentary pleasure. Sometimes, it happens under peer pressure with phrases like, “Just try it once; everyone does it,” or “Weed helps you concentrate better on studies.”
This tendency intensifies when young people observe that a significant portion of society considers cannabis to be a relatively safe and less harmful “soft drug.” Nowadays, social media content often portrays cannabis as “relaxing,” “cool,” or a boost to creativity—messages that implant a positive perception in impressionable young minds.
Sometimes, this is further compounded by personal struggles such as depression, loneliness, family conflict, or emotional breakdown. For individuals with no sense of stability, no goals, and no one to talk to or be understood by, cannabis can seem like a temporary escape from reality. But over time, that temporary escape may gradually turn into a habit.
The saddest part is that due to a lack of awareness and open discussion about mental health within families and educational institutions, young people often take the wrong path without truly realizing or understanding the consequences. Many believe that cannabis doesn’t create dependence or cause physical withdrawal symptoms like alcohol or heroin. However, modern research tells a different story. Experts now warn that cannabis is no longer the harmless plant it was once considered to be. It has transformed into a chemically complex “liquid drug” that poses serious mental health risks, especially for young people.
What many don’t know is that cannabis is not just about temporary relief or pleasure. It can lead to Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), a recognized mental health condition. While cannabis may not always damage the liver like alcohol or cause lung cancer like cigarettes, the toxic smoke and harmful chemical components in it can severely affect the respiratory system. Many users even hold the smoke in their lungs longer, which increases the harmful effects.
Cannabis and Psychotic Features (Psychotic Effects Linked to Marijuana)
Cannabis use can lead to psychotic effects, especially when consumed in large quantities or on a regular basis. The hallmark of psychosis is losing touch with reality. While such effects may be temporary in many cases, they can sometimes evolve into chronic mental illness. Individuals with a family history of mental disorders are at even greater risk. Frequent or heavy cannabis use may impair memory, learning, attention, decision-making, movement, and speech. Therefore, cannabis is not just a source of short-term enjoyment; it carries long-term mental health risks—especially for youth.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis on the Brain
Recent cannabis use (within 24 hours) in adolescents and adults can impair cognitive functions such as thinking, attention, memory, coordination, movement, and time perception. Cannabis consumption has been linked to poor academic performance and memory-related issues among youth (CDC, 2024).
During brain development—such as in children and adolescents—the immature brain is particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of cannabis and its primary psychoactive ingredient, THC. The human brain continues to develop until around age 25. Using cannabis before age 18 may impact neural connections crucial for attention, memory, and learning. These effects can last for a long time—and in some cases, may become permanent. However, more research is still needed to fully understand these outcomes. (Source: Cannabis and Brain Health, Cannabis and Public Health, April 16, 2024)
THC—The Active Ingredient in Marijuana
The main psychoactive compound in cannabis is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It’s a chemical component of the cannabis plant that primarily creates the feeling of being “high.” Cannabis contains over 113 types of compounds (cannabinoids), with THC being the most potent and active. THC directly affects dopamine production in the brain (Tetrahydrocannabinol, 2025). Excessive dopamine release may lead to symptoms of schizophrenia or psychosis. THC particularly impacts brain areas such as the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, which are crucial for thinking, memory, and emotional regulation.
How Does Cannabis Cause Psychotic Symptoms?
THC disrupts the brain’s dopamine balance by increasing dopamine levels abnormally. This imbalance can trigger mental disorders like schizophrenia, paranoid delusions, and psychosis.
Possible symptoms include:
• Hallucinations – seeing or hearing things that are not actually there
• Delusions – such as believing “Everyone is plotting against me”
• Disconnection from reality
• Distorted thinking or confusion
• Excessive suspicion or paranoia-driven aggression
• Disorganized and incoherent speech
• Social withdrawal from family, friends, school, or work
• Inflated self-confidence or irrational suspicion toward others
Cannabis Use Among Adolescents
Cannabis use among adolescents is alarmingly high. Globally, 5.5% of adolescents aged 15–16 have used cannabis, compared to 4.4% of adults. Particularly in regions like Oceania and Europe, adolescent cannabis use is noticeably higher. In these areas, Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) among youth has become a significant issue. Though cannabis may provide temporary relaxation, prolonged or excessive use can negatively impact brain function and development—especially in young brains.
Legal Status and Current Trends
Although marijuana remains illegal in many places, the term “illegal” may soon become obsolete. Since 1996, 23 U.S. states have legalized marijuana for medical use. In states like Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Washington D.C., recreational use is permitted for adults over 21. (Marijuana and the Developing Brain, n.d.)
However, these laws are not without controversy. Critics fear that legalization—despite age restrictions—could make marijuana more accessible to youth. Since adolescent brains are still developing, this exposure could lead to long-term and irreversible harm.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Cannabis Use?
The most effective tool against cannabis abuse is awareness. Families should openly discuss the realities of drug use with their children so they have accurate information. Schools must implement regular anti-drug campaigns and awareness programs to foster healthy attitudes among students. Additionally, peer influence should be directed positively to keep youth away from drugs.
It is also vital to raise public awareness through media about the harmful effects of cannabis. Lastly, making mental health support and counseling services more accessible is essential so that at-risk individuals can receive the help they need.
References
CDC. (2024, April 16). Cannabis and Brain Health. Cannabis and Public Health.
https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/brain-health.html
Marijuana and the developing brain. (n.d.). Https://Www.Apa.Org
Shazzad, M. N., Abdal, S. J., Majumder, M. S. M., Sohel, J. U. A., Ali, S. M. M., & Ahmed, S. (2014). Drug Addiction in Bangladesh and its Effect. Medicine Today, 25(2), 84–89. https://doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i2.17927
Tetrahydrocannabinol. (2025). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tetrahydrocannabinol&oldid=12970902
What Does Weed Do to Your Brain? Long-Term Effects. (n.d.). GoodRx. Retrieved July 5, 2025, from https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/cannabis/what-does-weed-do-to-the-brain
World Drug Report 2024. (n.d.). United Nations: Office on Drugs and Crime. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/world-drug-report-2024.html
গাঁজা সেবনে মানসিক রোগের ঝুঁকি বাড়ে। খবরের কাগজ. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2025, from https://www.khaborerkagoj.com/knowledge-science/845200
Malibu, S. (2022, October 12). Cannabis Induced Psychosis Symptoms and Treatment. Summit Malibu. https://summitmalibu.com/blog/cannabis-induced-psychosis-symptoms-and-treatment