Joseph C. Maroon: A neurosurgeon explains the dangers of marijuana

Post Gazette

June 27, 2024

A few facts: Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant, which produces over 50 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the potent cannabinoid that gives marijuana its psychedelic effects. Whether smoked, vaped, or eaten, the THC passes into the brain and affects the connections — or synapses — between neurons. THC makes users feel calmer and less stressed, and it may increase their appetite. 

An avalanche of research now confirms that marijuana has serious short-term risks and severe and potentially permanent long-term risks, especially for young users. The 2½-pound human brain with 86 to 100 billion neurons is not fully developed until the mid-20s, which means it remains a major work in progress.

We now know that marijuana actually changes both the chemical makeup and the anatomical structure of the brain during critical developmental stages. A recent study established baseline MRI scans of nearly 800 adolescents (13 to 17) who used marijuana. A follow-up MRI five years later showed actual atrophy — or shrinkage — of the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain that regulates our thoughts, actions, and emotions.

The tragic irony is that while the dopamine released by marijuana can provide short-term relief from anxiety and depression in young people, its long-term effects can actually make their propensity for mental issues far worse. Why? The brain becomes reliant on the “feel good” dopamine provided by the THC and in turn produces even less dopamine itself.

Advocates for marijuana use have clung to the claim that it’s not addictive. Yet the evidence that the brain is altered by THC, that the brain becomes reliant on THC, and that users experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using it all point to an addiction. And calling this addiction “marijuana use disorder” only minimizes its dangers.

In addition to increasing anxiety and depression, addiction to THC has other deleterious effects. It increases suicidal thoughts and eating disorders. It raises the probability of dropping out of school and having impaired social relationships.

The way it fundamentally alters the brain can also lead to psychotic breaks and to disorders such as schizophrenia and paranoia, especially if there are past personal or family issues with mental health.

Read More Here

Coalition RX needs your help to make our lessons more interactive for our students! Please consider donating empty prescription bottles and empty over-the-counter medicine bottles. Keeping them engaged enhances learning and retention. Please consider donating items such as empty bottles, candy for prizes, or old games. Your support makes a big difference!

Our program, Generation Rx, educates middle school students about the crucial aspects of prescription medication. Using empty bottles, we help them understand the differences between various medicines and teach them how to read and interpret labels accurately.

We are in need of:

board games and small individual prize items for kids in our programs. If you have items you'd like to give, just reach out to our staff, or donate financially above.

We appreciate you!

Program Update

Our Executive Director, Carey Pomykata, successfully reached 444 students during June. She managed to achieve this impressive milestone while facilitating sessions on her own across multiple locations!

We've observed high levels of student participation and engagement in the lessons. Remarkably, some students have taken the initiative to assist their peers in retaining information, demonstrating the collaborative spirit fostered by the program!

With the support and collaboration of the communities involved, we genuinely feel that we are making a substantial impact with this new program. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by both the students and Carey highlight the positive influence and success of our educational efforts!

Beth and her husband Ed have two daughters and have recently become grandparents to two wonderful grandsons that are only 4 weeks apart! Spending time with them has made Beth more aware of the challenges today's youth face, especially regarding substance abuse. One major issue is the peer pressure they will encounter through cell phones and social media. Beth believes that fostering strong family bonds is crucial for our children's mental health, and it can help reduce their reliance on phones and social media. Beth and her husband are dedicated to building these bonds with their grandsons to become a significant part of their healthy and happy futures.

In her free time, in addition to babysitting her adorable grandsons, Beth enjoys photography, traveling and spending time with family and friends!

During June, we highlighted a variety of important topics! We focused on the dangers of marijuana, celebrated Pride Month while addressing the mental health crisis within the LGBTQ+ community, and highlighted men's mental health awareness. Stay connected by following us on social media!

Social Media