Rising Popularity Among Young People

Younger generations, including Gen Z and millennials, are drinking less alcohol and increasingly trying cannabis edibles and THC drinks. These products include brownies, cookies, pastries, gummies, candies, and beverages containing THC.

Insights for this article come from Mark S. Gold, M.D., a pioneering researcher and professor of psychiatry at Yale, the University of Florida, and Washington University in St Louis. He has advanced understanding and treatment of substance use disorders, including opioids, cocaine, tobacco, overeating, and depression.

Why Teens Choose Edibles and THC Drinks

Teens often see these products as safer than smoking cannabis. Flavoured, easy to hide, and resembling regular sweets or drinks, they have become more appealing to young users.

Health and Safety Risks

Even though they seem harmless, cannabis edibles and THC drinks carry significant risks:

• Delayed effects: The intoxicating effects may take 30 minutes to two hours, leading some users to consume too much.
• Unknown potency: Labels are often inaccurate, and some products contain far higher THC than recommended for adults.
• Impact on the brain: Regular THC use can affect memory, attention, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
• Physical health: Studies link THC use to increased risk of heart attack and stroke, even in otherwise healthy young adults.

Accidental Poisonings

Children under five have faced a surge in accidental exposures, especially from gummies and candies. Symptoms include impaired movement, slurred speech, anxiety, and, in severe cases, seizures or coma.

Growing Market and Access

Sales of these products in the U.S. are expected to exceed $8 billion by 2025. Teens and young adults can buy them at convenience stores, gas stations, and online, sometimes without age checks.

Lessons from Other Countries

Canada’s experience shows that legalising cannabis edibles led to higher adolescent use and more teens combining cannabis with alcohol. Early use also increases the likelihood of trying other illicit drugs.

Protecting Young People

Adolescents and young adults using cannabis edibles and THC drinks face risks to brain development, mental health, and overall safety. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals should stay informed and vigilant to protect young people.

Source: Psychology Today