Marijuana - The effects of cannabis on the developing brain

It is not a secret about how concerned I am that marijuana is legal in my country. I am even more concerned that there is a hint of persons/institutions trying to legalize other drugs, even more powerful. When I decided to begin caring for people with mental health concerns, addiction was not in the forefront. I had no interest in dealing with addiction. However, that is in my opinion not possible. I therefore have one stipulation. Do not see me if you are under the influence. Though in the beginning, I thought I had that in control, experience has dictated that though I may wish to see people who are sober or not under the influence of drugs, how can I turn anyone away who comes to see me because of pain? Addiction is pain. So, the more I deal with the suffering of addiction, the more I become very much opposed to the legalization of illegal drugs. However, I do not run my country and am not interested right now if ever of getting involved in politics and so I can only inform you of what I learn and have learnt. I am sure I have written here about addiction before, so I will just relay what I learned and refreshed myself at my last seminar about two weeks ago. It was during that snow storm, where I was forced to take the TTC. It was rather nice because it is not to often that my city quiets down and snow storms usually makes that happen. There were students all around me as well as we walked to our respective destinations. Academia usually surpasses all else. There were about fourteen of us in the seminar room, however, our peers were watching and sharing from all over Ontario. We would share thoughts, concerns and experiences from Kingston, Ottawa, Niagara (I love Niagara Falls and appreciated the photo of the falls), Kitchener, Oakville, Owen Sound and London. The topic - The effects of cannabis on the developing brain. At this seminar the speaker is Dr. K. Shen, MD., CCFP, Addiction Specialist, helping lead young physicians in their training. Points were as listed here. There is no medication right now to wear off marijuana. Spiritual care is important. In a 12 month period survey, 27, 8 youths 16 to 19 years of age had driven within 2 hours of marijuana consumption. 43, 1 of youth 20-24, drive within 2 hours. Recommendations of waiting time is 6 hours of no driving. Almost 1/2 of Canada is among the highest recreational users in the world. 15 to 24 years of age are the highest. One to six youths who try marijuana will become addicted. illegal and legal differences is the THC which has more euphoria. CBT - higher tends to less euphoria and helps with seizures and pain (medical use). Effects on youths with legalization? In the States there is now 10 States where marijuana is legal. In the city of Oregan, after legislation, there was more use. Colorado - more risk with children injury accidentally. Higher risk suggested in crime and driving. We shall see what will happen in our country. Where do children get marijuana? 22% were from their parents. 38% was obtained legally. What are the reasons youths try cannabis? It is legal and therefore it must be ok. They take it to relieve depression and anxiety, pain control, peer pressure, euphoria, sleep. Youths wanting to fit in. It seems exciting or out of boredom. Do they think there is a risk? Yes, maybe, but it won’t happen to them. Social media is reaching out to teens as never before. How does one filter to get research based effects on the brain? Marijuana effects respiratory, heart increased, risk of psychosis, risk for addiction. Impacts on development, memory loss, can reduce ability to make decisions, loss of motivation, low self esteem, can increase depression. Effects the pre-frontal cortex. Effects are worse when the brain is still developing. It effects IQ which may not be reversible. It is like pouring salt rather then a pinch of salt on chips, but it is your brain. The brain is rapidly developing til age 25. 17 -25 increases psychosis and mental illness. Notice a connection between marijuana and psychosis. You see it in vulnerable patients. More research has to be done. There is no clear recommendation at the moment. DSM - 5, spends more time on the drug, craving, thinking about it, can’t stop, problems at work and home. There are four or five or six in criteria already in that spectrum etc…It starts as recreational, longer term contributes to problems and increases mental health concerns. What are the signs for addiction in a teen? Changes in behaviour, drop in school grades, isolation, more withdrawn, change in sleep patterns. Treatment: prevention if possible, no approved medication, treat anxiety and depression, counselling, on-going research, dialogue with teens, drug kit tool - how to have conversation with teen, schools - have talks in schools. Screening tools for adolescents: Questionnaire: use of alcohol or drugs to fit in, use alcohol or drugs alone, asking to cut down. Medications in the future? No clinical trials right now. Counselling, Cognitive behavioural Therapy, Motivational enhancement therapy……. www.drug free kids canada.org wp. Marijuana is not a non problem drug. It can alter the structure of the developing brain. In some the effects may not be reversible. www.ccsa. For therapists: what is the cause the person is the user? Find other way to cope with anxiety or depression. My question: Is paranoia a symptom? Answer: Powerful blurted out by more than one expert: “Absolutely!” When one is in denial - use the approach “What is your goal?” My question: smoking marijuana among children? Response: same as second hand smoke (cigarettes). The rest of the seminar involved updates on policies about association changes, college updates etc….which is important to me but boring for you. So, I hope this has been of interest to you. Though this may sound depressing, I find it very rewarding where youths who have become addicted, after many years, come to therapy for help determined to stop. I often refer them to support groups while using CBT. I usually do ask clients why they are coming to me and how they would like me to help them, which is them letting me know what their goals are and how I can help them get there. It is always their option. The control is theirs. Regarding addiction, it affects the entire family. Sometimes addicts stop and then start again not because they want to, but because the addiction is so compelling. This is a process, not the end. I have probably seen people at every stage of their addiction and there is nothing so rewarding as when someone is so determined to make changes and I am able to journey along with them on their travels to see those results. Next week it is back to theology and alternating, I will continue to catch up with seminars before more begin. I was invited to attend a talk about engineers who have developed cannabis detectors and digestible cameras as well as more about the brain. However, I was too late in responding and so I wouldn’t have my choice of including the brain. What I have learned is not to stall in my rspv’s. I have to always pick and choose what I attend as well as considering my clients needs. So, I now know there is a limit at this university which I did not know in the past because I usually respond right away. The weather this winter has been challenging, in my decision making of what to attend.