Does the harm depend on the age at which use starts?
Yes, the age at which use starts plays a major role. The BIÖG’s page on long-term risks states that the longer and more often someone uses cannabis, and the younger they are, the more dangerous it becomes for their health. Drugcom adds that an early start to use has lasting effects on cognitive performance. This article explains why this is so and what you can take from it for yourself or your environment.
Why age matters so much
The adolescent brain is in an important phase of development. The BIÖG describes that consumption can influence this development. According to the BIÖG, constant “flooding” of the brain with THC disrupts maturation processes in the brain. Whether the brain can be permanently changed by cannabis use is, according to the BIÖG, still being researched.
That is why age is not a side issue. The article Until when is the brain still developing? describes this development in more detail.
What an early start does
Drugcom describes a clear connection: an early start to use has lasting effects on cognitive performance. This affects thinking, learning and remembering. Anyone who starts early may carry weaknesses that later show up at school, in training and at work.
The article What are the consequences of starting to use cannabis early? covers the consequences in more detail.
The role of frequency and amount
Age does not act alone. The BIÖG page also names frequency: according to the page, the risk of becoming dependent rises if someone uses cannabis once or several times a week. Anyone who uses regularly should therefore take their use seriously, even if it initially seems occasional.
According to the BIÖG page, the health risk grows with each of these three factors: the younger, the longer and the more often someone uses cannabis, the greater the risk. For use in adolescence, the BIÖG also names an increased risk of depression or suicidal thoughts in adulthood. An early start is linked there with brain changes that could increase the risk of schizophrenia. More on the individual risks is in the article What are the health consequences of cannabis overall?
Memory and school qualifications
The BIÖG page names a concrete risk for qualifications. In the worst case, the school or vocational qualification is at risk because memory works far worse. During school years, this can have far-reaching consequences. Anyone who notices grades falling should seek conversation early.
More on this connection is in the article How does cannabis affect memory and school qualifications?
Recognising warning signs early
The BIÖG names suddenly poorer performance at school or in training as a typical sign of addiction. It also names giving up interests and hobbies, changes in the circle of friends, withdrawal, and excuses to conceal use. Such changes do not automatically prove use. They do deserve attention, however. The article How does an early start affect the future? takes up the consequences for the further course of life.
What parents and young people can do
Parents should seek conversation without starting with reproaches. A calm exchange about effects, risks and their own questions is a good start. The article How do parents raise the topic of cannabis properly? shows how this can succeed.
Young people can protect themselves by seeking information and not letting themselves be pressured. Anyone who is unsure can inform themselves at a counselling service or through an online offer, without others needing to find out.
The legal framework for young people
Youth protection under the Cannabis Act (KCanG) sets limits that young people should know. The article What does the KCanG regulate on youth protection? gives an overview of the most important rules.
Prevention that starts early
The most important prevention is an early look at habits. Anyone who knows that age, duration and frequency influence the risk can make decisions more consciously. Conversations within the family and at school, clear arrangements and early counselling are possible steps.
When the start has already happened
An early start is no reason to give everything up. Anyone who notices that use has been going on for some time can intervene now. What matters is to act early and not to entrench the habit further. The article What can you do if stopping repeatedly fails? helps if attempts do not succeed straight away.
Helpful are a diary of use, open conversations with trusted people and counselling that responds to young people. Anyone who notices that school or training is suffering should not put off going to counselling for long.
What you can do now
- Watch for changes in grades, interests and circle of friends.
- Speak early with a trusted person if you are worried.
- Inform yourself about the brain and the consequences of an early start.
- Use a counselling service if use increases.
For a first telephone conversation you can reach the Sucht & Drogen Hotline on 01806 313031. In case of acute danger, dial the emergency number 112.
Frequently asked questions
Is an early start to cannabis use particularly harmful?
Yes, the age at which use starts plays a major role. According to the BIÖG, the risk grows the longer and more often someone uses, and the younger the person is. Drugcom describes lasting impairment of cognitive performance after an early start. The young brain is in an important phase of development. Parents and young people can act early by taking warning signs seriously.