Brain development

Use of cannabis has dangerous outcomes for youth.

• The human brain continues to develop and mature into the mid-twenties.
• Developing brains are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of cannabis.

Using cannabis often, especially at younger ages, can change important parts of the brain that are responsible for:

• Attention
• Decision-making
• Learning
• Memory
• Motivation

More research is needed to understand the long-term effects of cannabis on the brain. Some studies suggest that these negative effects may last a long time.

Cannabis use can affect:

• Athletic performance
• Mental health
• Memory

See Cannabis and teens from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Effects and addiction

Call or text 988 if you are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises. A trained crisis counselor is available to help you 24/7 for free.

Effects of edible cannabis on youth

Anyone who consumes edible cannabis products can experience effects, such as: 

• Altered perception, intoxication, nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety, panic and paranoia
• Dizziness, weakness, poor coordination and slurred speech
• Excessive sleepiness, sleep apnea (not breathing for 10 seconds or longer) and heart problems

Cannabis can be addictive

Over the past few decades, the amount of THC in cannabis has steadily climbed. Products with high concentrations of THC can have greater intoxicating effects. They can also increase the risk of overconsumption.

Cannabis Use Disorder happens when people are unable to stop using cannabis. It continues even when it is causing health and social problems in their lives.

• Approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder.
• It is estimated that people who use cannabis have about a 30% likelihood of becoming addicted.
• People who start using cannabis when they are young, or who use it often, have a higher chance of developing cannabis use disorder.

See understanding your risk for Cannabis Use Disorder from the CDC

Talking to youth

It is important to talk to youth about the dangers of cannabis use.  

Treat these talks the same way you’d talk about substances like alcohol and tobacco. Like alcohol and tobacco, cannabis is legal for adults over 21 in Minnesota but harmful for youth.

Prevention is possible when youth have positive influences, including:

• Parent and caregiver support, engagement, monitoring, and disapproval of substance use
• School connectedness, academic support, and out of school time activities
• Access to health resources and medically accurate information
• Public policies that support prevention and prevent access to products
• In a survey of Minnesota students, 81% of 11th graders reported never using cannabis

See talking to teens from the University of Minnesota

How you talk to youth depends on their age

See information about how to talk with teens and younger children about cannabis