You might be reading this as a parent in Pennsylvania who can’t quite pin down what’s changed in your adult child. Maybe they still show up to family events, but they seem dulled or perhaps even distant. They could seem overly anxious, unmotivated, or stoically sad, and you’ve noticed that they’re using cannabis frequently—whether medicinally or recreationally—in the background.
You may be starting to feel like they started to use marijuana to cope, but now it’s a crutch. What if they get caught with it? What if they drive on it?
The thing is, the Keystone State hasn’t fully legalized marijuana, even though state leaders keep floating proposals and debating next steps. If you already worry about how cannabis fits into your loved one’s life, you may feel even more anxious about widespread legalization. But the truth is, whether cannabis comes from a dispensary, a vape shop, or a friend, it can still cause real problems, and help doesn’t depend on legalization.
You don’t need to wait for lawmakers to decide anything to start addressing what you see right now. If cannabis feels like it’s taking more than it gives, you and your loved one can get support through St. Joseph Institute’s intensive outpatient care in Wexford, Pennsylvania.
Medicinal Marijuana vs. Recreational Marijuana
You may hear people talk about medical marijuana and recreational marijuana as if they’re totally different substances. In reality, they come from the same plant, but the state regulates who can buy them and why. The legal categories can feel confusing, especially when both types show up in everyday life.
Here are easy ways to understand medical marijuana:
- Usually requires approval from a healthcare professional and enrollment in a state program.
- If a state legalizes cannabis in any form, it’s responsible for regulating the products, not the FDA, which can potentially lead to vague dosages and less-than-adequate guidance (also the case for illegal and recreational cannabis).
- Many people may use it to cope with chronic pain, nausea, sleep issues, or mental health symptoms.
- Some states cap THC levels more strictly in adult-use products, while others allow higher potency in medical settings.
Here are easy ways to understand recreational marijuana:
- Recreational or adult-use cannabis allows anyone over 21 to purchase products without a medical card in states where it’s legal.
- People might use recreational cannabis for many reasons beyond the high, such as to lower stress, increase creativity, or substitute alcohol and other drugs.
- In Pennsylvania, adult-use cannabis remains illegal, though neighboring states can offer access.
- Like its medicinal counterpart, recreational marijuana, whether legal or illegal, can vary drastically in potency, form, and price.
What You Need to Know About Cannabis Use Disorder
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) develops when a person can’t stop using marijuana even if it creates negative emotions, health issues, relationship troubles, or prevents someone from completing daily responsibilities.
Luckily, research suggests that only about 3 in 10 cannabis users develop CUD over time, but that risk increases if use starts early or products become more potent, especially for teens and young adults whose brains are still developing.
CUD signs that you might notice can include:
- Your loved one is using cannabis more often: What starts as occasional use may quietly turn into a daily habit.
- Your child tries to quit but can’t: Even if they cut back, they seem to be unable to fully cut it out.
- They start pulling away from responsibilities or relationships: They may start to underperform at work, school, or they may become more distant.
- They’re not as sharp: Compromised memory, focus, and motivation.
- Their personality or disposition changes: Mood swings, irritability, issues falling asleep, or restlessness when they try to quit.
Clinicians diagnose CUD using criteria from the American Psychiatric Association, and treatment often focuses on behavioral approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which St. Joseph Institute offers.
Why Full Legalization May Be Concerning
If high-THC edibles, vapes, and concentrates show up in homes and easily accessible shops and online spaces for residents of Pennsylvania, cannabis-related risks could increase for both kids and adults. For example:
- Young children may accidentally ingest THC products, since edible cannabis products can look like candy.
- Legalization may help normalize heavy cannabis use, which can lead to negative symptoms like intense nausea, vomiting cycles, heart issues, increased anxiety, and even psychosis.
- Today’s products often contain far higher THC levels than cannabis from decades ago, which can amplify harm when use becomes frequent or unchecked.
Find Support for Marijuana Dependence in Pennsylvania
Medical and recreational cannabis have legal differences, but both can lead to problematic use. If you’re noticing that you or your loved one is experiencing declining motivation, mood changes, health concerns, or social consequences due to their use, it doesn’t really matter if recreational cannabis is legal or not—you may need support.
St. Joseph Institute offers compassionate, outpatient support near State College, PA. We’ll help you understand why cannabis became necessary in the first place and help you build healthier coping mechanisms for stress, challenging emotions, and strained relationships. Contact us when you’re ready, and we’ll help you move forward with confidence and without cannabis.
