Marijuana News: Teens Using Concentrated Forms Of Pot More Likely To Use Stronger Drugs, Says New Study

A new study suggests teens using a more concentrated form of marijuana are more susceptible to other drugs.

The study was published Monday by the medical journal, Pediatrics. The research group reached out to nearly 50,000 adolescents in Arizona to ask about their marijuana habits. Among those who had admitted to using marijuana in some form, 72% admitted to experimenting or using stronger drugs.

“I don’t know that parents know about this stuff,” said Madeline Meier, an assistant professor of psychology at Arizona State University and the lead author of the study. “If I weren’t a marijuana researcher, I don’t know if I saw [a vape with marijuana] that I would know what it was. Parents should educate themselves about what these forms of cannabis look like.”

The study surveyed 47,142 Arizona students across 8th, 10th, and 12th grade in 2018 and asked if they used marijuana or marijuana concentrate. It continued into questions about other drug use, all aimed to reveal possibly rebellious behavior reflected in poor academic performance.

The study found that 33% of teens had used marijuana in some form and 24% admitted to using more concentrated versions. These concentrated versions of marijuana are commonly referred to as dabs, wax, shatter or crumble.

This study also comes on the heels of growing concerns with vaping as the habit has been linked to rising lung disease among teens and young adults. Vaping has also served as a means to use marijuana, as it does not leave smoke or a scent behind.

“Use of concentrates might be a predictor of more intensive cannabis use and the propensity to try more dangerous drugs,” said Ryan Vandrey, a Johns Hopkins University associate professor.