An Honest Talk About Cannabis

By Jesus Rojas, Youth Community Journalist, and collaborators

This article was written by students in our youth community journalism program at the Youth Community Journalism Institute.

We live in a time where opinions differ on absolutely everything. You’ve probably heard that smoking marijuana is normal, everyone does it, and nothing will happen. You’ve also probably seen people using it as if it were the most common thing in the world, or even laughing about it on social media, in songs, or in TV shows.

And without much difficulty, the doubt arises: Is it really that harmless? Am I exaggerating if I worry? Am I left behind if I don’t want to try?

First, the basics: no, clearly not everyone smokes.

There’s a widespread idea that all young people smoke, that if you don’t smoke, you’re the odd one out or the one who doesn’t know anything, that you’re missing out. But the truth is, most young people don’t use cannabis regularly. You may have seen it in certain settings, but that doesn’t mean it’s the most common or the healthiest thing to do.

And if you don’t want to do it, that’s perfectly fine. You don’t need to explain or justify your decision. Taking care of yourself is also a way of valuing yourself.

Your brain is still growing (and that matters).

The human brain doesn’t fully mature until around age 25. And THC, the component of cannabis that creates the “high” or “effect,” can interfere with that development. It can affect memory, concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making. We’re not saying it happens to everyone, or that it’s immediate, but the risk is there.

And most importantly, the younger you start using, the greater the risk. It’s like slowing the growth of something that hasn’t yet fully formed.

What people smoke today isn’t the same as it used to be.

You may have heard people say, “People used to smoke it too, and nothing happened.” But there’s a key detail: Cannabis today is much more potent than it was 20 or 30 years ago. Today, there are products like vapes, dabs, or concentrated oils, which can have THC levels much higher than those of a regular joint.

And not only that, many of these devices don’t generate “vapor” as such, but rather chemical-laden aerosols that can affect your lungs, throat, and respiratory system. Some studies even point to risks of severe irritation, breathing problems, and even an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

“Natural” isn’t always safe.

Something we often hear or say is that cannabis comes from a plant, is “natural,” and therefore harmless since it’s not artificial. But natural isn’t always synonymous with healthy. Many quantities and types of natural substances can make you sick or harm you.

And something similar happens with cannabis. Especially in its stronger or synthetic forms, it can cause effects that aren’t always as pleasant as you might think. Many people experience anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, or a feeling of disconnection from reality. And if you have a family or personal history of mental health issues, that risk increases.

Can it lead to dependence? Yes, obviously, although many say no.

It’s common to hear that marijuana “isn’t addictive” like tobacco or alcohol. And although technically it doesn’t cause as obvious a physical addiction as those other substances, it can certainly create a psychological or emotional dependence.

What does this mean? That, without realizing it, you can start using it to relax, to escape stress, to sleep, to “unwind,” until you feel the need for it. And when that happens, quitting isn’t so easy.

According to current studies, approximately 1 in 6 young people who start using cannabis develop some type of dependence. Not all, of course. But one in six is ​​certainly not a small number.

What if you’re already using?

No one is going to judge you here. If you already smoke, if you’re using vapes, or if you’ve ever tried it, the important thing is that you don’t punish yourself, but also don’t ignore what you feel. Ask yourself: Do I do it because I want to or because I don’t know how to say no? Do I feel like I need it? Am I OK with this, or do I just not like it as much anymore?

If you ever feel bad after using, if you find it hard to quit, or if you notice it’s affecting important things (like your studies, your mood, your relationships, your energy), asking for help is a totally valid option. Talking to someone you trust, such as a professional, someone who will listen, can make a difference. And no, you’re not alone.

In short, making informed decisions is taking care of yourself.

It’s not about telling you what to do. It’s about giving you real, unvarnished information so you can decide for yourself, using your own judgment, freely and without being swayed by pressure or myths. Whatever your decision, let it be yours. And let it be based on what you really want for yourself, not on what others expect or do.

Currently, and for many years now, we see different scenarios related to this issue every day in schools, streets, workplaces, and parks. It’s become increasingly common, for example, to say “look at him, he’s crazy” when we see someone on the street acting as if they’re hallucinating or fighting imaginary people, but we never do anything to try to help them. 

That’s why, as an organization, we want to provide this information to raise awareness about this issue, which isn’t talked about enough. In addition, we want to support, help, and share in any way we can, because we, as young people, want a healthy world.

In late August and early September, we conducted an online survey about high school students’ opinions on cannabis.

The results were excellent, with more than 200 responses, which made several things clear.

Without a doubt, many students feel that others their age use cannabis.

They don’t want problems with their families or the law, which keeps them away from anything negative, according to the vast majority of responses.

The vast majority stay busy with work and sports. This keeps them focused and free from distractions or other negative forms of entertainment.

But for us as an organization, the real takeaway is:

Taking care of yourself isn’t overdoing it. It’s loving yourself.

For more information, visit becannabisaware.org.

Jesus Rojas is 16 years old and a high school student.

Read the story in Spanish.