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Why many young people use marijuana.

Today's young people are growing up in a world that tolerates more forms of substance use, both medical and non-medical, than at any other time in history. The powerful marketing capacities of the tobacco and alcohol industries, and their focus on the youth market, add to this environment. Finally, an unprecedented ease of access to various media has meant that more young people than ever are "consuming" a pop culture that tends to tolerate or even promote substance use.

Drug use is nothing new. People have used a wide variety of substances throughout history to satisfy some sort of need, ranging from enhancing pleasure, to relieving stress and coping with long hours of work. Young people use substances for many of the same reasons as adults, but there are special pressures associated with normal adolescent development - and the search for identity - that help to explain the popularity of marijuana today. Research demonstrates that adolescents may use marijuana as a way of?

• demonstrating independence;
• developing values distinct from parental and societal authority;
• developing strong peer bonds;
• seeking novel and exciting experiences;
• taking risks and satisfying curiosity.

The motivation to use marijuana is reinforced by the spirit of the times, which one commentator has described as "a runaway world" filled with uncertainty and a lack of direction. Marijuana use by Canadian teens is among the highest in the world.

How young people get started using marijuana.

Young people are most often introduced to marijuana by friends. Most use marijuana for the first time out of curiosity and to be sociable. Those who continue to use usually report that they do so to relax, feel good, enjoy music and movies, and to be sociable. Those who choose not to use say they're just not interested or that they fear the adverse health effects. They do not tend to mention the penalties associated with use. Only about 50% of users report that they enjoyed their first experience - many don't feel anything, while others experience unpleasant psychological effects.

Why some have problems with marijuana use.

People usually develop problems with marijuana use as a result of a combination of personal, family and school-related factors. These factors may include mental health issues, a troubled home and family environment, or weak performance in school. Daily use of marijuana is a strong indicator of potential problems. A review of studies shows that problematic marijuana use is linked with:

• truancy;
• low self esteem;
• delinquent behaviour (stealing, vandalism, fare dodging);
• having delinquent friends;
• hanging out on streets (boredom); and,
• other behavioural and mental health issues (for example, those in special education programs tend to use more).

It is important to note that saying these problems are linked to marijuana use, is not saying that one is caused by the other, but only that there is a statistical association.

Effects of marijuana on health and performance.

The average age of first use of marijuana in Canada is about 14 years; earlier use of marijuana (and other substances) may be an indication of other issues in the child's life (such as mental health problems) and can lead to other problems. There is no conclusive evidence to support a theory that has been proposed for many years suggesting that marijuana use leads to other illegal drug use - the so-called gateway theory. While it is true that most users of other illegal drugs (e.g., cocaine, heroin) have used marijuana, the vast majority of young marijuana users do not use any other illegal substance.

The active ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which, when ingested, produces a range of effects that include a sense of well being; a feeling of relaxation; enhanced sociability; difficulty concentrating; distortions in sense of time, vision and hearing; and at higher doses, auditory and visual hallucinations. Other effects include increased heart rate, reddening of the eyes, sedation, increased appetite, and decreased muscle tone. The extent of these effects and the actual experience of the user will be determined by a number of important factors that can vary greatly.

Use of any drug has some measure of risk attached to it, and marijuana is neither a demon weed nor a benign substance. As with all substances, it is important to distinguish between casual, regular and heavy use, with negative effects being more likely with heavier use. Studies of effects are hampered because marijuana is often used in combination with other substances, particularly tobacco.

Any discussion of risks and problems associated with marijuana needs to include specific circumstances that can greatly increase those risks, such as:

1. use at an early age.
2. using in combination with other substances.
3. When marijuana is used with other substances, from alcohol to heroin; the results can be difficult to predict and potentially dangerous; depending on the substance the effects may be additive (1+1), synergistic (1x1), or may cancel each other out.

Using in combination with other activities.

Driving: Marijuana affects driving ability (PDF format); the risks increase significantly with dose and affect certain tasks more than others (simpler tasks such as road tracking are more affected than more complex tasks). When combined with alcohol, there is serious driving impairment even at low doses.

School tasks: Because it can impair memory, concentration and problem-solving, marijuana use combined with school or homework has the potential to reduce performance.

Athletics: Marijuana is not a performance-enhancing substance; rather it has the potential to impair performance, possibly leading to injury. A study in Quebec showed that a startlingly high number of students in that province play sports while under the influence of marijuana.

Using while pregnant.

As many people are aware, alcohol use during pregnancy can be very risky and can result in life-long effects for the child; occasional use of marijuana through pregnancy does not appear to result in any effect in the newborn, while regular use has been shown to result in reduced fetal growth. A long-term study in Ottawa has shown there are subtle effects on cognitive functioning among offspring at 9 to 12 years of age of marijuana-using mothers.

Preventing marijuana use problems - at home and school.

What parents can do
If a person has not used marijuana or other substances during their adolescent years, it is unlikely they will do so in the years following. Those who do use during adolescence tend to "binge" or use to intoxication. This pattern of use tends to fall off with the demands of adulthood, particularly a job and family. Knowing that, parents may wish to adopt an attitude toward marijuana and other drug use that places the greatest emphasis on helping their child to get through adolescence safely.

Some quick tips:

1. strive for a "middle path" in parenting your teen, being neither overly restrictive nor overly lax;



2. be aware of your own relationship with intoxicants, and show a readiness to make healthy choices;



3. look for natural opportunities to discuss substance use issues; use occasions when the child has been or may be in a drug-using situation as an opportunity to discuss their use or non-use.

In discussion, bear in mind:

1. Listen to your child: their perceptions are the reality that must be addressed.



2. Help them with their "decisional balance" by weighing perceived benefits against risks; use this article as a reference.



3. Young people are influenced by their perception of what is "normal". Point out that although it may seem "everyone" is using marijuana, the majority in most schools and grades do not use marijuana.



4. Consider a harm reduction approach with your teen. That is, point out your preference that they not use marijuana or other substances at all, but identify drug-using situations that are particularly unsafe and really need to be avoided (for example, using around driving and sexual situations, using to the point of intoxication, using in combination with other substances or medications, or while involved in physical or cognitive activity).



5. Be alert to problems:
   
   
   1. early use (under the age of 14) may be a signal that there are other issues and problems that need to be dealt with;
   2. declining school marks and reduced interest in school ~ this should be viewed as a red flag for a number of possible problems, including drug use, that need to be followed up with the school;
   3. changes in drug use ~ if for example, using to intoxication appears to be increasing or occurring regularly, seek the advice of a professional.

What schools can do.

The overall school environment sends messages about the worth of students and the school's interest in promoting their health and safety. Schools need to strive to be an attractive, positive place for all students. These values need to be reflected in school policies that everyone is familiar with.

Pay attention to drug education, using evidence-based programs; many programs in use today are not supported by research; several methods, such as those based on life skills and normative approaches, are showing greater promise. Programs need to be delivered by competent, trained staff who are comfortable with interactive and peer-based approaches.