Menu Close

Our Programs & Activities Will Guide Your Teen Through Rehab

Dangers of THC Edibles

Foods and snacks developed with cannabis are known as edibles. They can be used for medical and recreational purposes. It is important for people to only take the prescribed dose. For those with teens engaging in marijuana edibles and with the signs of addiction, it is critical to seek help. At Destinations for Teens, there is help to change these behaviors.

What Are Edibles?

Edibles look like cookies and brownies. They tend to be gummies or any type of sweet treat that seems innocent. These products have been infused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the component of marijuana that creates the psychoactive effects, or more simply, the component that causes a person to feel high. While TCH edibles look like no big deal, there are some risks to using them. They are never acceptable for teens or children to use because of the risk of addiction and damage to the brain. Yet, they have come more accessible than ever to even teens.

What Are Some of the Risks of Marijuana Edibles?

Edibles impact people differently, some with a stronger reaction than others. Some also develop an addiction from the overuse of these products. A common concern, for example, is overconsumption. The effects of edibles take time to occur because the substances need to go through the digestive system. That means many people consume a lot of these products at one time to just see some improvement. Some of the risks to using THC edibles include:

  • Reckless behavior, such as engaging in unprotected sex or operating a motor vehicle high
  • Damage to the heart, sometimes permanent damage
  • Increased risk of psychosis, including confusion and hallucinations
  • Development of paranoia, anxiety, and depression
  • Changes to cognitive function, often complications with memory and thought processing

The long-term use of THC edibles is relatively unknown. In some people, they can be used excessively and lead to health complications. Because a teen’s brain is not fully developed, it is common for damage to occur. Studies indicate early access to drugs, even marijuana, and alcohol can create addictive behaviors that last a lifetime. It’s best, then, to work to eliminate these risks now.

THC Edibles and Addiction

A person with an addiction to drugs like marijuana may not realize the complications and consequences that come from it. Using edibles is one way to reach that desired high without the obvious signs, such as smelling smoke. It’s easier for teens to hide this type of behavior, even though they may be engaging in it every day. It is possible to develop an addiction to marijuana through the use of THC edibles. This is likely to lead to further complications, including dependence and the desire to use other, more powerful drugs.

What Can a Parent Do About Edibles?

It’s hard to know what steps to take to protect a teen because, in some areas, these marijuana edibles are easy to obtain. Teaching a teen about the risks of addiction is a good first step. If a parent believes their teen is using these products, it’s time to reach out for professional treatment. Destinations for Teens offers that including through programs such as:

Addiction Treatment Is a Call Away at Destinations for Teens

Edibles seem benign but carry consequences even if a teen does not realize it. THC edibles could be an indication of addiction, especially if used over a long period. If a teen is engaging in marijuana edibles or use, reach out to learn more about the treatment options we offer at Destinations for Teens. Call us at 877.466.0620 or connect online now.