Cannabis is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant. It contains a chemical compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for its mind-altering effects. When consumed, cannabis produces a range of effects, including relaxation, euphoria, altered perception of time and space, increased appetite, and changes in mood and cognition.
“30% of 12th graders reported using cannabis in the past year, with 6% using it daily. Teens who use cannabis may be less likely to graduate from high school or college compared to those who abstain.”
Teenagers may experiment with cannabis for various reasons, including peer pressure, curiosity, stress relief, and the influence of media and pop culture. Societal attitudes and the legalization of cannabis have contributed to its growing normalization.
Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of cannabis because of ongoing brain development. Regular use of cannabis during adolescence can lead to cognitive impairment, memory problems, and decreased academic performance. Cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Cannabis is different from cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis refers to the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant. CBD is one of the many compounds, along with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), that can be present in the cannabis plant. CBD does not cause a “high” by itself. CBD can be derived from hemp, which is defined as any part of a cannabis sativa plant with no more than 0.3% of THC, or non-hemp plants.
In 2018, the U.S. Congress passed and signed into law the Agriculture Improvement Act This law removed hemp from the federal Controlled Substances Act, effectively legalizing CBD if it comes from hemp.
However, a few states have not removed hemp from their state’s controlled substances acts, so legality of CBD products differs across states.
