Pubdate: Wed, 05 Dec 2018
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Copyright: 2018 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc
Contact:  http://www.philly.com/inquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340
Author: Aneri Pattani

DOES SMOKING MARIJUANA CAUSE TEEN BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS OR VICE VERSA?

As dozens of states move toward legalizing marijuana -- for both
medical and recreational purposes -- scientists and parents have asked
what the impact might be on children. Will more teens use pot? Will
doing so cause behavioral problems? Will they develop a substance-use
disorder?

According to a new study published last month in the journal Addiction: 
yes, probably not, and maybe.

The study, led by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University
of Pennsylvania, found that marijuana use among teens does not lead to
conduct problems. In fact, it's the other way around. Adolescents with
conduct problems, like cheating, skipping class, and stealing, are
more likely to gravitate toward marijuana use.

"Parents ought to be somewhat reassured that cannabis use doesn't lead
to the type of mental health problems related to conduct issues," said
Dan Romer, a co-author on the study and research director of the
Annenberg Center.

The study used data from the Philadelphia Trajectory Study, which
followed nearly 400 adolescents over eight years, testing them
annually from 2004 to 2010, and then again in 2012 for a final
follow-up. At each point in time, the teens were asked about their
cannabis use and conduct problems. Responses about cannabis use were
validated with urine tests.

While self-reported data always present some concerns over validity,
researchers said following the kids over many years decreased the
likelihood of erroneous conclusions. Instead of focusing on any data
point, they examined trends over time. "It gives you a very sensitive
measure of change," Romer said.

They found that peers can significantly influence each other's
marijuana use. But it's not that those who use weed seek out others
who do. Instead, they make others in their original friend group more
likely to try pot.

"What it's telling us is that when marijuana becomes more available,
there will inevitably be a spread through peer networks," Romer said.

More American teens use marijuana than smoke cigarettes, according to
the CDC.

Pennsylvania and New Jersey are among more than 30 states that have
legalized medical marijuana. Ten states have legalized recreational
use, too.

While the researchers didn't explore why students with conduct
problems were more likely to use marijuana, they suggest it could be a
way of self-medicating. Pot may help youths cope with "disapproval of
their behavior problems" from parents and teachers, the authors wrote.

It's by no means a trend exclusive to marijuana. People with untreated
mental illness often turn to various drugs, sometimes leading to
substance-use disorders. One federally funded study found about 20
percent of people with a history of substance-use disorder suffer from
a mood disorder and 18 percent from an anxiety disorder. Looking at
marijuana use specifically, researchers have found youths with more
chronic or severe forms of depression are more likely to develop
cannabis use disorder.

While often unrecognized and undertreated, cannabis-use disorder
affects nearly six million Americans, according to an analysis by the
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. It can cause
physical dependence and decreased motivation, and interfere with daily
activities.

"Any young person should be aware of that," Romer said. While it may
not cause behavioral issues, "this is not a harmless drug."

The study authors estimate about a quarter of teens who use cannabis
will develop a mild cannabis-use disorder, about the same proportion
of teen drinkers who develop an alcohol-use disorder. In the paper,
they suggest providing "healthier alternative coping strategies and
support" to decrease the risk for addiction, especially for kids with
conduct problems.

Currently, schools and the legal system use a punishment framework,
Romer said. But by focusing on therapy, "we would probably be able to
prevent kids with these problems from going onward and escalating," he
said.

Romer also suggested parents monitor their children's cannabis use and
emphasize moderation. While smoking pot may not lead to conduct
problems, there are other risks to consider, he said.

Studies show cannabis use can cause memory loss, though some research
suggests the effects can be reversed by quitting pot. Marijuana use
can also trigger the onset of schizophrenia earlier in those who are
genetically predisposed to the illness.

"All of that needs to be put into the picture as we legalize," Romer
said.
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MAP posted-by: Matt