Silver Cross Psychiatrist Says Marijuana has its Place in Medical Treatments, but There are Risks

While medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal for adults in Illinois, it still carries risks that users – and parents – should be aware of, warned Dr. Imran Shakir, a clinical psychiatrist who works with children and adolescents at Silver Oaks Behavioral Hospital, affiliated with and on the campus of Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. And with school back in session, it’s the perfect time to remind your children of the dangers of this drug.

“The active ingredient in marijuana is THC, a psychoactive. And all psychoactive substances carry risks, as well as benefits,” said Dr. Shakir, who also is Chief Medical Officer for Silver Oaks.

Marijuana use has increased dramatically since it was legalized in Illinois for recreational use in 2020. Many shops sell it, he said, and flavored edibles come in attractive packaging for kids.

Illinois residents must be 21 years and above to possess or use marijuana products without a prescription. But Dr. Shakir said the temptation is strong for those underage.

“Our youth are social creatures. That’s where they are in their development,” added Dr. Shakir. “Acceptance is very important to them. It’s the age-old issue of peer pressure. There’s this perception of, ‘Hey, they’re using it, while can’t I?’”

The answer, Dr. Shakir said, is why underage youth shouldn’t use marijuana.

“Cannabinoids modify brain function. And there is a short time in a person’s development when the brain is naturally adapting to growth, shedding functions that were needed as a child, and adding those that will be needed as adults. Any disruption to this system at this point in development can lead to cognitive deficits that we can sometimes see in brain scans.”

Dr. Shakir said health officials are doing a better job these days of warning youth about the risks associated with using marijuana.

“But parents need to be involved in this as well,” he added. “They should look for signs their child may be using: suddenly laughing at inappropriate times or smiling all the time. Red eyes, glassy eyes. Cognitive changes that may be affecting them socially and at all. A new crowd of friends. Maybe you notice money is missing, because they’re getting desperate to buy.

“Early on, you need to tell them that someday, maybe tomorrow, someone is going to offer them marijuana at a party, in a hallway, wherever. And you have to make them aware of the risks involved and hope they make the right choice.”

If parents find their child is using marijuana, Dr. Shakir said the response is just as important as the education.

“I always tell parents to make sure their children know it’s OK to come to you when they’ve screwed up somehow. Let them know you can deal with it positively, not as a punishment,” he explained. “It’s about education. It’s about support. It’s about finding out why they are using it in the first place.”

Rising Use, More Health Issues

Education at a young age is important, Dr. Shakir said, as emotional issues associated with marijuana use are rising.

When Colorado legalized marijuana, health officials there began to see an increase in cases of psychosis, including paranoia, and auditory and visual hallucinations.

“We are seeing increases in emergency cases of psychosis since it was legalized in Illinois as well. And that’s not only because of the increased availability of marijuana, but its potency, which has increased two or three times since smoking became popular in the 1960s and ‘70s,” he said. “We are doing a very good job of making sure the strains that are grown for medicinal purposes are the appropriate strength for the health issues, whether glaucoma, cancer or anxiety.”

Physical health also is a concern, Dr. Shakir said, because inhaling draws smoke into the lungs, and that’s never a good thing.

“We are seeing increased cases of bronchitis that can be linked to marijuana smoking. And while this can be eliminated by using edibles, most people using marijuana are smoking it.”

Influence is Influence

And don’t think being under the influence of marijuana is safer than using alcohol while driving, he said.

“There is certainly a higher risk you’re going to get into an accident. The data already supports that. Being under the influence affects your perception and your reaction time. Never a good thing.”

There are benefits of medical marijuana use for qualified patients, which has been legal in Illinois since 2014. Dr. Shakir said he supports the use of prescribed medical marijuana, especially in comparison to other treatments.

“For pain management, especially long-term, medical marijuana carries far fewer risks of dependence and withdrawal issues than opioids. And the same is true of marijuana over anxiety medications.”

To learn more about marijuana consumption myths, listen to Dr. Shakir’s full IMatter Health Podcast.