Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a psychoactive substance that comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. The cannabis plant contains over 125 chemical compounds called cannabinoids, including delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Delta-9 THC is the most abundant compound in the cannabis plant, and it is responsible for its mind-altering effects. Cannabis can be smoked, vaped, eaten, or used in oils and tinctures. While both medical and recreational cannabis use are now legal in Illinois for adults 21 and over, cannabis use can negatively impact the mind and body, especially when used by adolescents and young adults.

What is cannabis?

Short-term effects of cannabis use

  • A sense of euphoria or being “high”

  • Altered perception of time and surroundings

  • Impaired memory and concentration

  • Difficulty thinking clearly or making decisions

  • Lack of coordination and slower reaction time

  • Increased heart rate

  • Anxiety, paranoia, or panic (especially with high THC levels)

  • Increased appetite

How does cannabis affect the brain and body?

Whether cannabis is smoked, vaped, or eaten, the main active compound that causes the substance’s mind-altering effects is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When THC enters the brain, it binds to receptors called cannabinoid receptors, which are primarily found in the nervous and immune systems. The binding of THC molecules to these receptors causes many different effects because they are present in many areas of the brain. The specific areas of the brain affected are shown in the graphic below.

Is cannabis addictive?

YES, cannabis can be addictive! While the recent increase in cannabis legalization in the U.S. has led many to believe that cannabis is not an addictive substance, cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a real and diagnosable condition. People with CUD may find it difficult to stop using cannabis even when it negatively impacts their daily life, health, relationships, or responsibilities.

According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), among people aged 12 or older, 6.8% (or 19.2 million people) had CUD in the past year. The percentage of people with a past year CUD was highest among young adults aged 18 to 25 (16.6% or 5.6 million people). The risk of developing CUD is stronger in those who begin using cannabis before age 18.

  • Using more cannabis than intended

  • Trying but failing to quit using cannabis

  • Spending a lot of time using cannabis

  • Craving cannabis

  • Using cannabis even though it causes problems at home, school, or work

  • Continuing to use cannabis despite social or relationship problems

  • Giving up important activities with friends and family in favor of using cannabis

  • Using cannabis in high-risk situations, such as while driving a car

  • Continuing to use cannabis despite physical or psychological problems

  • Needing to use more cannabis to get the same high

CANNABIS & THE DEVELOPING BRAIN

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CANNABIS & THE DEVELOPING BRAIN 〰️

Youth Cannabis Use & Mental Health

Adolescent cannabis use is strongly linked to increased risks for mental health challenges, including addiction, depression, and psychosis. Teens who use cannabis are significantly more likely to develop a substance use disorder. Research also shows that cannabis use during adolescence increases the likelihood of experiencing major depressive disorder, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts. While the exact cause-and-effect relationship is complex, studies consistently demonstrate that frequent cannabis use during the teen years can lead to more severe psychiatric symptoms and earlier onset of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition.

Youth Cannabis Use & Cognitive Functioning

Cannabis use during adolescence affects brain development and impairs cognitive functioning in key areas such as attention, memory, processing speed, and executive function. Studies show that teens who begin using cannabis at an earlier age or who use more heavily face greater long-term deficits in IQ and cognitive performance. These impairments often persist even after extended periods of abstinence, suggesting long-lasting or possibly permanent changes in brain function.

Youth Cannabis Use & Academic Performance

Regular cannabis use during adolescence is strongly associated with poorer academic outcomes. Longitudinal studies show that teens who use cannabis more frequently are more likely to experience declines in school performance, increased school absences, and are at greater risk of dropping out. Earlier onset of use is particularly concerning, as it is linked with long-term impacts on educational attainment and reduced occupational success in adulthood. These academic consequences persist even after accounting for other factors, highlighting cannabis use as an independent risk factor for diminished academic achievement.

Youth Cannabis Use & Driving

Cannabis use impairs driving ability, and it is now more common for teens to drive under the influence of cannabis than alcohol. THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, reduces motor coordination, reaction time, and lane control—factors that are especially dangerous for inexperienced drivers. Studies show that cannabis-related driving impairment can last for several hours after use and is comparable to the distraction caused by texting. With motor vehicle accidents being a leading cause of death among teens, driving under the influence of cannabis presents a serious and growing public health concern.

Delta-8 THC: What you need to know

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the many compounds present in the Cannabis plant. However, since levels of delta-8 THC naturally occurring in the plant are very low, most delta-8 products sold in retail stores are derived from hemp. In Illinois, delta-8 THC remains legal when derived from the hemp plant.

The dangers of Delta-8 THC

The production of delta-8 THC is not regulated by the FDA, meaning that the ingredients used, contents, purity, quality, and safety of each product is ambiguous.

One study demonstrated that among 51 online retailers that sell delta-8 products, only six required some form of age verification for purchase. Delta-8 THC is widely available in local smoke shops, gas stations, and convenience stores. Thus, individuals under the age of 21 can easily gain access to these products, which is a significant cause of concern.

Additionally, there are no regulations on the marketing and packaging of delta-8 THC products. Many delta-8 products, especially edibles, contain packaging that would be appealing to youth. As seen in the image to the right, the packaging of delta-8 edibles often mimics that of well-known snack and candy brands.

For a comprehensive overview of the current status of delta-8 THC products, read more here.