As of: March 17, 2024, 8:00 a.m
By: Andreas Beez
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Cannabis is becoming legal – to the dismay of many doctors.
Here, a top psychiatrist explains how dangerous seemingly harmless weed smoking can be for children and young people and how parents can recognize consumption.
If the federal government's plans go according to their plans, adults should soon be able to buy cannabis legally.
But this legislative initiative is causing worry lines for many parents.
They fear that their underage children's inhibitions will be lowered if adults are allowed to smoke weed.
This emerges from a forsa survey commissioned by the health insurance company KKH.
A current expert analysis by Professor Petra Beschorner shows that the dangers of smoking weed are often underestimated, especially in children and adolescents.
In an interview with the editorial team of the Münchner Merkur/tz media group and 24vita.de, the cannabis expert and renowned psychiatrist gives answers to five important questions about cannabis consumption.
Cannabis expert: Professor Petra Beschoner is a specialist in psychiatry, psychotherapy and psychosomatic medicine.
The top doctor runs the Bad Saulgau acute clinic.
© Bad Saulgau Acute Clinic
What psychological warning signs should (non-)consumers pay attention to?
And how can parents tell if their children are smoking weed?
Professor Dr. med. Petra Beschone from the Bad Saulgau acute clinic:
“Warning signs such as persistent difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness or coordination problems should not be ignored by those affected or their relatives.
In addition, anxiety, depressive thoughts or sudden mood swings are further indications that the psyche is already suffering from consumption.
Neglected everyday obligations - be it at work, at school or in private life - are often the most noticeable to outsiders and are a serious sign of problematic development.
I recommend that users who have the feeling that they can no longer do without the substance, who are worried about possible dependence or whose suffering is increasing, seek help from counseling centers or their family doctor.”
Harmless smoking of weed becomes an incalculable lottery game, especially for children and young people.
Prof. Dr.
Petra Beschoner, psychiatrist and head of the Bad Saulgau acute clinic, a specialist clinic for psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy.
How does the consumption of cannabis affect the psyche?
“Habitual consumption of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short, is detrimental to executive functions, i.e. behavior, control and self-regulation.
In addition, the ability to concentrate and remember things suffers, which is reflected in the learning behavior of young people.
Negative effects can also be seen in psychomotor speed, reduced attention span and reduced ability to plan.
In some cases, chronic abuse even leads to paranoid and hallucinatory psychoses.
Those affected feel persecuted and hear and see things that are not there.
If consumption becomes an addiction, it has a negative impact on the nervous system, the mental state and ultimately the social life of the consumer.
Some studies also indicate that the active ingredient content of cannabis products has been increasing for years and varies depending on the variety and growing region.
This turns supposedly harmless 'smoking weed' into an incalculable lottery game, especially for children and young people.
What are the long-term consequences of long-term cannabis use?
“As a result of chronic and regular consumption, the likelihood of developing depression or anxiety disorders increases.
The risk of developing psychosis is increased, especially if consumption begins in childhood and adolescence.
The use of cannabis can even have a long-term impact on family planning.
In men it can lead to ejaculation disorders, reduced sperm count and impotence.
In women, egg maturation may be impaired and the cognitive development of the embryo may be negatively affected during pregnancy.”
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When and why can treatment with cannabis make sense in medicine?
“Medical treatment with cannabis can make sense when other treatment options have been exhausted and serious illnesses exist.
For example, it can be used for chronic pain or during chemotherapy in cancer patients with severe loss of appetite and nausea.
Medical use can be justified if the positive effects of cannabis outweigh the dangers.”
You can find even more exciting health topics in the free 24vita newsletter, which you can subscribe to right here.
How should parents react if they are worried that their children are smoking weed regularly?
“Parents who notice that their children are regularly using cannabis are often very concerned.
For the health of your offspring, it is important to take a clear position.
An open conversation is usually the right choice.
Parents should communicate clearly how they are feeling about the situation and talk about possible anger or disappointment and the worries they are worried about.
At the same time, however, it is important not to make accusations, as this will encourage conflict rather than a change in behavior.
On the way to a life without cannabis, parents should also recognize even small progress as success, because it is encouraging.
I advise mothers and fathers who feel overwhelmed by the situation and cannot reach their child to contact an addiction counseling center.
Accepting help from professionals is not a sign of weakness, but rather shows that the child’s health is a top priority.”
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.