Doctors are raising red flags about Oregon youth cannabis risk after witnessing increasing numbers of young people developing severe mental health issues. High-potency marijuana products are placing teenagers in harm’s way, leading to psychosis and other psychiatric disorders.
Dr David Rettew, who treats troubled adolescents in Lane County, speaks frankly about his observations. “I don’t want to be apocalyptic about cannabis, but it is particularly risky for youth,” he informed Oregon senators this week.
When it comes to young minds, prevention beats cure every time
The Numbers Tell a Worrying Story
The Oregon youth cannabis risk represents more than medical theory – it manifests in educational institutions currently. Nearly half of Year 11 students consider regular marijuana use relatively harmless. Approximately one-third of Year 8 pupils share this perception.
This constitutes a significant concern when considering teenage marijuana mental health dangers are substantiated. Dr Rettew explained that most individuals with substance dependencies – approximately 90% – initiated substance use during adolescence.
“People understand that tobacco and alcohol are dangerous,” he stated. “However, people do not recognise that cannabis is dangerous.”
Prevention is protection – don’t gamble with developing minds.
Why Today’s Cannabis Is Different
The Oregon youth cannabis risk has grown because today’s marijuana isn’t like the stuff from decades past. THC levels used to hover around 4-7%. Now they’re hitting 25-35% or even higher in some products.
Think of it like the difference between beer and spirits. The stronger the product, the bigger the teenage marijuana mental health dangers become. Multiple studies now link heavy cannabis use in young people with increased chances of developing schizophrenia.
Dr Rettew articulates this clearly: “There exists substantial evidence that cannabis increases the risk of psychotic disorders more than other substances, including methamphetamines, which is surprising.”
Marketing That Targets Kids
Part of the Oregon youth cannabis risk comes from how these products are sold. Lee Stewart, who campaigns for prevention, sees the problem everywhere she looks.
“There are lots of flavoured candies and flavoured vapes like watermelon splash and orange dreamsicle,” she explained. “It comes with exciting labels and eye-catching images that are attractive to young people.”
The teenage marijuana mental health dangers get worse when kids think they’re buying something safe. Cannabis shops use green crosses – medical symbols that make products look healthy rather than harmful.
Schools Aren’t Teaching the Truth
Oregon law says every state school must have proper drug education programmes. But investigations show 60% of schools don’t use evidence-based prevention curricula at any level.
That educational gap makes the Oregon youth cannabis risk much worse. Kids aren’t learning about teenage marijuana mental health dangers in school, and they’re not hearing about them at home either.
Wes Rivers, who analyses drug policy for the state, says most young people with substance problems first used drugs at school. Without proper education, students have no idea what they’re getting into.
Parents Need to Step Up
Paul Bryant operates a recovery facility and has assisted struggling families since 2004. He believes parents possess the key to reducing Oregon youth cannabis risk.
“Parental involvement proves hugely important,” Bryant stated. “Research demonstrates that parental attitudes discouraging substance use actually reduce youth consumption.”
His recommendation is straightforward: parents must communicate clearly with their children about cannabis use. No ambiguity, no mixed messages regarding teenage marijuana mental health dangers.
“I don’t want you doing this. It’s not acceptable. I don’t want it in my house,” represents what Bryant believes parents should communicate.
Strong families build drug-free communities – this principle guides effective prevention strategies.
The Business of Getting Kids Hooked
Oregon legalised marijuana in 2014, and now anyone over 21 can buy cannabis products from licensed shops across the state. The industry is worth billions, and that creates its own problems.
David Jernigan from Boston University warns that the cannabis industry cares more about profits than Oregon youth cannabis risk. Just like tobacco and alcohol companies before them, marijuana businesses want to hook customers young.
“We need to take a lesson from the power of alcohol and tobacco industries,” Jernigan told lawmakers. “Don’t let the cannabis industry’s push for profit influence state policies.”
He suggests banning high-potency products, raising taxes based on strength, and stopping sales of edibles altogether. If that’s too much, he wants cannabis shops banned within 1,500 feet of schools to reduce teenage marijuana mental health dangers.
The State’s Response
Senator Lisa Reynolds, who chairs the health committee and works as a paediatrician, knows the state can’t just treat its way out of this mess. The focus needs to be on stopping Oregon youth cannabis risk before it starts.
“We need to stop minting new people who have addictions,” she said.
The state is working on a substance use plan for next year. Rivers wants to create a one-stop shop that gives schools and communities access to proper data, training, and support programmes.
What the Research Shows
Multiple studies now prove teenage marijuana mental health dangers are real. The National Academy of Sciences found that heavy marijuana use, long exposure, and starting young all increase the risk of psychotic episodes.
But the Oregon youth cannabis risk goes beyond psychosis. Cannabis use changes developing brains, especially in teenagers. Dr Rettew says the psychiatric risks are “quite vast” and the evidence is “overwhelming.”
Products That Fool Parents
Part of the teenage marijuana mental health dangers comes from products that look innocent. Cannabis gummies look like sweets. Vapes come in fruit flavours. Many products are promoted as medicine, making parents think they’re safe.
The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission found that many hemp products exceed legal THC limits and lack proper labelling. Age verification is often inadequate. The commission plans to launch a product register in 2026 to track safety compliance.
Oregon Youth and Cannabis Risks
Oregon’s abundant cannabis harvests keep retail prices low, making the Oregon youth cannabis risk worse. When products are cheap and easy to get, more young people try them.
The solution isn’t just about banning things. It’s about honest education, proper parental guidance, and policies that put teenage marijuana mental health dangers ahead of industry profits.
Dr Rettew summarises the situation: there exists an enormous disparity between cannabis’s actual risk and public perception of that risk. Until this changes, more young Oregonians will experience consequences affecting their mental health.
Prevention today prevents problems tomorrow – this philosophy must guide Oregon’s approach to protecting its youth from cannabis-related harm.
Source: OPB
