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

You can help prevent underage use by starting the conversation with youth in your life about the dangers of using cannabis. Make sure they are aware of potential consequences.

It can be difficult to talk with youth about cannabis and other drugs. But it is important to teach them about these substances and your expectations if they are offered drugs. These conversations are not a one-time event. Start talking with children when they are young and continue the conversations as they grow older. When you talk and listen it shows that you care about what they are interested in. It also helps you understand their world better.

Tips for talking with youth:

• A big part of communicating is listening. Try starting by asking youth what they know about cannabis and if they think it’s dangerous.
• Talk openly and provide guidance about the risks of using cannabis. Stay calm and try to maintain a nonjudgemental tone. Focus on how using cannabis can get in the way of youth achieving their goals.
• 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.
• Telling youth to “just say no” will not prevent them from trying cannabis products. Talk with youth about options for saying no and let them choose the ones they prefer. 

See "How to Talk with Youth About Cannabis" from the Minnesota Department of Health

In a survey of Minnesota students, 81% of 11th graders reported never using cannabis

• See talking to teens from the University of Minnesota

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

How you talk to youth depends on their age

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