Excessive cannabis use can cause harm to all aspects of a person’s life, from their career and finances to their health and relationships with others. Though the media often portrays it as harmless, cannabis, or – as it’s often referred to – marijuana, has been found to cause a variety of adverse outcomes, including impaired driving, increased risk of stroke and testicular cancer, and brain changes that can affect learning and memory.  Studies show a consistent link between cannabis use and mental illnesses producing psychosis.

As of 2025, recreational cannabis use is legal in 24 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., while medical use is permitted in 39–40 states and several territories (Newsmax, 2025). But a look at what happens when the use of cannabis becomes more extensive suggests that the drug can and does have downsides, including acute injuries and illnesses.  

After nicotine and alcohol, cannabis is the most commonly used addictive drug, and its use among young people is widespread. In 2023, nearly 30% of U.S. 12th graders—29%—reported using cannabis in the past month, a rate that has remained relatively stable in recent years (AAP News, 2023). vaping of cannabis products has gained prominence: 7.4% of adolescents aged 11–18 reported vaping THC in the past month in 2023, up from 5.5% in 2021, with similar upticks in vaping CBD and synthetic cannabinoids (JAMA, 2025; Drugs.com, 2025).

Cannabis concentrates and edibles are an increasing concern. Concentrates can have THC levels as high as 70%. Edibles pose their own unique risks as they are processed differently in the body. This can result in a delayed “high,” prompting the user to ingest more than is suggested on the packaging, which can result in overdose.

In addition, the number of young people who believe regular cannabis use is risky is decreasing, despite a number of studies that show cannabis interferes with learning and memory, which increases the risk of poor grades and dropping out of school. Research also shows that regular cannabis use by teens reduces IQ levels and test scores. Some studies even suggest an association between cannabis use and cases of violence. However, cannabis advocates tend to downplay marijuana’s negative effects on public health and safety. 

A considerable body of evidence highlights the fact that not only should individuals be targeted by interventions and preventative measures, but also populations. Reduction strategies targeted at the individual as well as the population-at-large can prevent cannabis-related harm, have a protective effect on vulnerable populations, and reduce the overall level of cannabis problems.

Cannabis-reduction strategies for individuals

There are many popular cannabis-reduction strategies for individuals who struggle to control their use of marijuana. Evidence-based practices, in particular, are recommended when seeking to reduce cannabis use, including brief interventions, personalized feedback, and the use of text messaging services. 

We include all three evidence-based strategies in our cannabis reduction and education course, Cannabis Wise. 

  • Brief Interventions

In a recent study, researchers found that online cannabis interventions benefit from specific and targeted interventions, also known as brief interventions, to promote cannabis-related behavioral change among youths. These targeted interventions may include structured cannabis-use modules, daily feedback, peer support for increased adherence to the program, user-centered design, and input from key stakeholders such as families and local service providers. 

  • Personalized Feedback

Another study has identified that driving after cannabis use (DACU) is a significant public health concern and represents one of the riskiest cannabis-related behaviors. Years of research have demonstrated that cannabis use impairs a person’s driving ability, but many college students report that they believe cannabis use does not impair their driving abilities. This study found that the use of a mobile phone-based intervention with personalized feedback and text messaging follow-ups increased perceptions of the dangerousness of DACU and caused changed perceptions among college students. 

Cannabis Wise includes personalized feedback throughout the duration of the course to increase student participation and engagement. 

  • Use of Text Messaging Services

A third study found that an automated text-delivered intervention messaging that focused on close peer relations was successful in reducing cannabis use urges to use, memory problems, and relationship problems due to cannabis use. Moreover, data from the sample indicated that participants believed the intervention texts helped them reduce or manage their cannabis use. They also reported that these texts increased their understanding of the negative relational effects associated with ongoing cannabis use.

Community and Family Strategies

  • Parental behavior and beliefs influence youth cannabis use. Teens whose parents never used cannabis are about three times less likely to use it (CDC, 2024).

  • Supportive family environments and no-use rules reduce youth initiation.

  • School environments with consistent discipline and mutual respect correlate with lower cannabis use.

  • Communities that regulate cannabis availability and marketing can lower overall use rates.

The integration of these elements makes Cannabis Wise especially effective. They move beyond information delivery to foster active participation, self-reflection, and skill-building, which are crucial for sustained change. Additionally, because these tools can be delivered digitally, they are well-suited for school systems, community organizations, and remote learning environments—ensuring broader reach and accessibility.

Resources:

AAP News. (2023). Monitoring the Future survey: Teen marijuana use remains stable. Retrieved from https://publications.aap.org/aapnews

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Cannabis and adolescents. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Cannabis and teens. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/cannabis-and-teens.html

Drugs.com. (2025). Teen THC vaping rates continue to rise. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/news

JAMA Network. (2025). Adolescent vaping of cannabis, CBD, and synthetic cannabinoids. JAMA Network Open. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen

Mason, M. J., Zaharakis, N. M., Moore, M., Brown, A., Garcia, C., Seibers, A., & Stephens, C. (2018). Who responds best to text-delivered cannabis use disorder treatment? A randomized clinical trial with young adults. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 32(7), 699–709. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000403

Newsmax. (2025, March 19). Marijuana use tied to increased heart attack and stroke risk. Retrieved from https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/marijuana-weed-heart-attack/2025/03/19/id/1203460

Teeters, J. B., King, S. A., & Hubbard, S. M. (2021). A mobile phone-based brief intervention with personalized feedback and interactive text messaging is associated with changes in driving after cannabis use cognitions in a proof-of-concept pilot trial. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 29(2), 203–209. https://doi.org/10.1037/pha0000442

Beneria, A., Santesteban-Echarri, O., Daigre, C., Tremain, H., Ramos-Quiroga, J. A., McGorry, P. D., & Alvarez-Jimenez, M. (2021). Online interventions for cannabis use among adolescents and young adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Early Intervention in Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1111/eip.13226