Since its opening in 2022, the clinic at Children’s National Hospital in D.C. has primarily treated patients for fentanyl addiction. However, there has been a noticeable decline in fentanyl cases, while referrals for cannabis use among young people are on the rise.
Increasing Cannabis Use in Young Patients
According to Dr. Siva Kaliamurthy, who leads the hospital’s addictions program, the hospital is encountering a growing number of teenagers, some as young as 11 years old, requiring treatment for cannabis use and addiction. “The youngest patients we are seeing are in sixth grade. The typical patients are usually in high school,” he noted.
Doctor Kaliamurthy emphasized that the potency of contemporary cannabis products is a significant concern. Traditional marijuana plants used to have THC levels ranging from 1% to 5%, whereas many current strains contain between 20% and 25% THC. Additionally, some vape pens and cartridges can have THC concentrations as high as 70%.
The Risks of Modern Cannabis Products
This increase in potency raises alarms about the potential risks for young, developing brains. “I think the risk is being downplayed because a lot of what we know about cannabis comes from times when cannabis potency was very, very low compared to what kids are exposed to now,” Kaliamurthy stated. Recent studies conducted in California and Canada indicate that children using cannabis products are at a heightened risk of developing psychosis or bipolar disorder.
Observing Behavioral Changes
Dr. Kaliamurthy noted that cannabis vapes and cartridges are particularly accessible and can be easily concealed by young users. “They don’t have the typical smell associated with cannabis, and these vape pens often resemble everyday items like highlighters or video game devices,” he explained. Parents are encouraged to observe behavioral or spending changes in their children as potential indicators of cannabis use.
Complications from cannabis use, such as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, are also becoming more common. This syndrome results in episodes of vomiting and abdominal pain, often leading to dehydration and hospitalization.
Need for More Treatment Options
Currently, there is a lack of FDA-approved medications for treating cannabis use disorder, a stark contrast to therapies available for other substances like nicotine or opioids. “We are often limited to behavioral interventions. Overall, help is available, but we need to be doing a lot more research around how to effectively support these kids,” Dr. Kaliamurthy concluded.
The ongoing changes in cannabis potency and its impacts on youth underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention and education strategies, especially as the cannabis industry evolves and regulations continue to develop.
