As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for your young adult —to see them succeed in college, launch a promising career, and fulfill the dreams they’ve worked so hard for. But what happens when the very path to success is threatened by marijuana use, and your young adult insists they have it under control? This is a dilemma many parents of 18 to 25-year-olds face, as they watch their child struggle with substance use disorder, particularly cannabis use disorder. Despite being educated and from “good upbringings,” many young adults believe they can stop on their own, unaware of the serious dangers that today’s marijuana poses to their minds and futures.
The Reality of Marijuana Today: More Potent Than Ever
One of the key challenges for parents and young adults alike is understanding just how different today’s marijuana is from what it was a generation ago. Many parents may not realize that the marijuana their child is consuming has drastically higher THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) levels than in the past. THC is the psychoactive component in marijuana, and modern strains can contain concentrations upwards of 20-30%, compared to the much lower levels of 4% from a few decades ago. According to Yale School of Medicine, there now exists “a staggering array of other cannabis products with an even higher THC content like dabs, oils, and edibles are readily available—some as high as 90%.” This increase in potency means that today’s marijuana has a much stronger and more immediate impact on the brain, leading to quicker development of tolerance and dependence.
Frequent use of high-potency THC can hijack a young adult’s mind, making it difficult for them to think clearly, make good decisions, or recognize the negative impact it’s having on their life. The brain’s prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation, is still developing in young adults well into their mid-20s. Regular marijuana use can impair this crucial brain development, affecting memory, learning, and cognitive function, often with long-lasting consequences. Additionally, we are seeing additional issues develop with chronic use. The state of Colorado, the second state to legalize marijuana, details potential affects from heavy use, meaning daily or nearly daily: temporary psychosis, schizophrenia, respiratory effects such as irritation/cough/wheezing, higher vulnerability to cancer since the cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco are in marijuana smoke, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (uncontrollable vomiting), increased risk of stroke.
"I Can Quit Anytime" – The Illusion of Control
One of the most common beliefs among young adults is that they can quit marijuana whenever they choose. They often view it as a recreational habit that they can stop once they decide to focus on school or their future careers. Unfortunately, the reality is much more complex. Daily or near-daily use of marijuana creates tolerance, meaning the user needs more of the substance to achieve the same effect. This can quickly spiral into dependence, where the body and mind have adapted to regular THC use and quitting becomes incredibly difficult without professional help.
For many young adults, marijuana use may have started as a way to relax, fit in socially, or cope with academic stress. However, over time, it can become a crutch that undermines their ambitions. The illusion of control can make it hard for them to admit they need help, especially when marijuana is widely accepted and even legal in many places. This normalization leads them to believe their use isn’t a serious issue, even as it starts to impact their academic performance, career goals, and relationships.
A Parents' Struggle: To Intervene or Not?
Parents often find themselves in a heartbreaking quandary. On the one hand, they want to intervene to protect their young adult’s future and well-being. On the other hand, they worry that pulling their young adult out of school or pushing them into treatment could derail their education and sabotage their future. All of this, aware that because their adult child is over 18 yrs, the recommendation could backfire and result in an argument, resistance, or a potential outburst that distances them. This conflict leaves parents feeling paralyzed—afraid that acting too soon could damage their child’s prospects, but also fearful that doing nothing could allow the marijuana use disorder to escalate, potentially causing long-term harm.
It’s important for parents to understand that intervening is not sabotage—it’s an act of love and protection. Continuing down the path of heavy marijuana use can seriously jeopardize a young adult’s ability to thrive in school and in life. In fact, without intervention, the long-term effects of cannabis use disorder may lead to a withdrawal from schooling due to failing grades, lack of focus, or emotional instability. Early intervention could be the key to saving their mind, life, and future.
Recognizing Cannabis Use Disorder: What to Look For
It can be hard to spot when marijuana use crosses the line into a disorder, especially when it’s used openly by many young people. However, there are signs that parents can watch for, including:
• Increased tolerance: Needing to use more cannabis to feel the same effects.
• Dependence: Difficulty cutting back or quitting, even when they want to.
• Neglect of responsibilities: Falling behind in schoolwork or missing important obligations.
• Changes in mood or behavior: Irritability, anger rumination, paranoia, or lack of motivation.
• Physical symptoms of withdrawal: Sleep disturbances, anxiety, or cravings when not using.
If your young adult is showing these signs, it’s time to have a serious conversation and consider seeking professional help. Cannabis dependence may not be as widely recognized as alcohol or opioid addiction, but it can be just as damaging, especially to a developing brain.
Why Professional Treatment Matters
One of the biggest challenges parents face is convincing their young adults that they need help. Because marijuana is often seen as “harmless” compared to other substances, especially with today’s marketing and legalization movement, young adults may resist the idea of treatment, believing they can handle it on their own. However, the psychological and physical dependence on cannabis is real, and quitting without guidance can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, insomnia, and intense cravings.
According to Yale Medicine, 30% of current cannabis users meet the criteria for addiction. Treatment can help young adults work through these challenges, offering structured support in understanding the root causes of their use, developing healthier coping mechanisms, and managing withdrawal symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), counseling, and support groups can all play a crucial role in helping young adults regain control of their lives and stay on track for their goals.
The Parent's Role in Recovery
As a parent, your involvement is key to helping your young adult recover. It’s important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding, rather than judgment or anger. Open, honest communication is vital. Let your child know that you recognize their potential, and that seeking help is not a failure, but a step toward ensuring they achieve the future they’ve always dreamed of.
If you’re unsure about how to approach the situation, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of your adult child’s marijuana use, consider reaching out to a professional for guidance. Substance use counselors and family therapists can provide you with the tools you need to support your child through this difficult time.
Act with Love and Support
If you’re a parent of a young adult struggling with cannabis use disorder, it’s natural to feel conflicted. You want to see your child succeed, but you may also recognize the harm that substance use is doing to their future. Remember, intervening doesn’t mean sabotaging their goals—it means protecting them from the damaging effects of marijuana and giving them the best chance to thrive. Seeking professional help can make all the difference, helping your child reclaim control over their life, health, and future.
If you’re feeling lost, know that you’re not alone. Many families are navigating this exact situation, and there is support available. By acting with love, understanding, and a commitment to your child’s well-being, you can help them overcome this challenge and ensure they have the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Contacting local addiction treatment centers for an assessment appointment is a great place to start to get help for young adults in need of assistance. Insurance carriers or Medicaid/Medicare providers may also be called, see contact information on the back of your card or on your policy.
