wsj.com: Thinking About Marijuana and Mental Health
1/22/2024
“Potent Pot Hurts Kids” (Page One, Jan. 11) highlights the increasing incidence of marijuana-induced psychotic disorders in teenagers. As cannabis potency rises, the risk of severe mental-health issues escalates, particularly among young users. This is a wake-up call for parents who may view marijuana as a harmless rite of passage. Marijuana use can trigger or worsen mental-health disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in adolescents, a group already vulnerable to mental-health challenges.
This challenge calls for proactive strategies to guide our youth toward drug-free lifestyles. The goal is to present teenagers with compelling alternatives to marijuana use, creating supportive environments where they can explore their potential and manage stress without harm.