Marijuana: Anti-depressant for Teens?

My work over the last 16 years has included many hours of therapy with teenagers. They are one of my favorite groups to work with. Their lives are always changing. Stressed one day, depressed the next, elated the next; frequently depending on what relationship is on or off that week. There is one thing that I have come to learn from these kids. If they are chronically depressed, marijuana works. Simply asked why the smoke pot, the answer is always the same: "it helps" "I feel better after I smoke weed." Most are not willing to give it up when confronted with treatment and the possible effects marijuana has on their minds and bodies. There is no downside for them when they know that they can smoke pot and feel better. I try to give them all the stats so that they make an informed decision: today's marijuana is 10 times more potent than ten years ago, marijuana is a gateway drug for other drug use, use of marijuana can actually trigger anxiety, panic and even psychosis. This usually falls of deaf ears. The ongoing legalized marijuana for medical purposes debate got me thinking about this very issue and how kids report pot's "medicinal value." Encouraging them to try a legal drug from their doctor can be a challenge but it is certainly worth a try. My suggestion to parents is usually giving the teen a chance to stop on their own with counseling and if they are unable to stop then admitting them to a long term program usually 30-55 days. Don't be misled, marijuana can be addictive and the teen may not be able to stop on their own. When he or she is so depressed the kid will find someway to change how they feel whether its legal or illegal. Unfortunately marijuana can be an attractive option when given the choice by their peers.