Is medical marijuana actually useful?
TeenHealth FX knows how much information is in the public about marijuana, it can be very confusing! Medical marijuana can have some benefits for individuals going through very serious medical conditions. For teens, the use of medical marijuana comes with many risks. Medical marijuana is rarely recommended to teens unless they are experiencing a very serious medical condition where they will be under constant medical supervision.
Adult patients that are living with epilepsy (constant seizures) or cancer treatment pain or nausea may have some benefits from medical marijuana. It is always important to consult with a doctor first to make sure the marijuana does not stop the benefits of other medications or treatments.
Teens who use marijuana are at risk of:
- Impaired brain development
- Increased mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, psychosis)
- Impaired memory, learning, or attention
If you are still curious or have more questions, reach out to a trusted adult or parent about medical marijuana.
