Weed and Teen Health

🥦 Weed (cannabis, marijuana, pot) is legal to use in Vermont if you are over 21. 

🧠 Your brain is still developing through age 25. Using weed during this time may impact memory, problem-solving skills and attention.

🫨 Using weed to cope with anxiety or stress may actually make you feel worse, especially if you are using higher THC doses.

🤯 Using weed regularly before you are 25 can affect your amygdala, the part of your brain that helps you control emotions like anxiety and stress. Changes to this part of the brain may make those emotions harder to handle on your own later on.

Learn more about:

  1. Weed & Your Health
  2. Benefits of Not Using Weed
  3. Try Other Ways to Deal with Stress
  4. Support is Available

Weed and Your Health

Your mind, body and brain can all be impacted by weed use. The extent of this impact is not fully known, but there are some things we do know.

💨 Vaping

The additives, tools and high temperatures used for vaping weed may expose you to toxic substances, which may cause serious lung injury.

Learn more about the health risks of vaping nicotine at UnhypedVT.com

🫁 Lung Health

Smoke from weed contains many of the same toxins and chemicals found in tobacco smoke and inhaling it can increase your risk of developing lung problems.

The additives, tools and high temperatures used for vaping weed may expose you to toxic substances, which may cause serious lung injury.

🤯 Mental Health & Emotions

Using weed to cope with anxiety or stress may actually make you feel worse, especially if you are using higher THC doses.

Using weed regularly before you are 25 can affect your amygdala, the part of your brain that helps you control emotions like anxiety and stress. Changes to this part of the brain may make those emotions harder to handle on your own later on.

🧠 Brain Health

Using weed can impair your judgement, coordination, reaction time and attention.

Driving under the influence of weed is illegal and increases your risk of getting into a crash.

Your brain is still developing through age 25. Using weed during this time may impact memory, problem-solving skills and attention.

🚩 Dependence

If you use weed frequently and in high THC doses, you may be at increased risk of developing dependence on weed. As your tolerance changes, higher doses of THC may be needed to feel the same effects. This could lead to physical dependence or habitual use.

If you want to quit or are having a hard time quilting, VT Helplink is available 24 hours a day, every day. Call or text "LINK" to 802-565-5465 or visit VTHelplink.org.

🤮 Severe Reactions

Some people who use weed frequently and at high THC doses experience severe stomach pain, persistent nausea and uncontrolled vomiting. This is medically known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).

If you experience these symptoms, seek help from a doctor.

Benefits of Not Using Weed

By not using weed, you are protecting your health.

🙂 Less at risk for stress, anxiety or emotion instability

🧠 Healthy brain development, which means better concentration, attention, memory and coordination - both long and short term

🫁 Healthy lungs

👍 No risk of dependence or severe reactions 

Try Other Ways to Deal with Stress

Teens are under a lot of stress - from schoolwork, sports, and jobs to family life, relationships and peer pressure. It's a lot to deal with, but there are things you can do to manage that stress.

📱 Take a break from scrolling or watching too much negative media

🧘 Unwind with mindful breathing, meditation or stretching

🍎 Find time for exercise and a balanced diet

🫂 Connect positively with friends and family

👩‍⚕️ Talk with your doctor about what you are dealing with - they are here to help

💬 Talk it out with someone you trust, like a parent, school counselor or mental health professional

Support is Available

If you are having a hard time, there are people who can help!

VT Helplink alcohol and drug support center logo

👩‍⚕️ Talk with your doctor - they are here to help!

📱 Talk with a support specialist at VT Helplink. They are available 24 hours a day, every day. Call or text "LINK" to 802-565-5465 or visit VTHelplink.org.

  • Find local support groups
  • Get connected with health care professionals
  • It's free and confidential

💨Help quitting vaping nicotine

🆘 If you are experiencing a crisis, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ support is available through the Trevor Project, LGBT National Help Center and Trans Lifeline 

Contact Us

Substance Use Programs (DSU)

Vermont Department of Health
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8340

802-651-1550
ahs.vdhdsu@vermont.gov

Topics:
Adolescent Health Brain Health Cannabis
Last Updated: