can smoking weed make autism worse

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well hello there my name is cj and i have autism
i am 14 years of age and im wondering if smoking weed at my age will damage my brain and make my autism wrose
im not really that bad of a autistic its just that im really shy at times

You're 14, you shouldn't be smoking weed, autistic or not.

Let him do what he wants.

On that note, I doubt it, Smoking weed just makes your inhibitions go away and messes up your lungs.

I'm not making him do anything. I'm just a dude on a forum. If he asked advice, I'll give him advice.

It isn't just potentially dangerous for an adolsecent to abuse drugs, it's also illegal, and it could be expensive.

I find it makes some of my behaviors more noticeable (I rock a lot when I'm high, and make even less eye contact) but as far as my anxieties and stuff, it actually helps, as long as I don't smoke too much, be careful of that! I am not endorsing the use of illegal substances by a minor, but I also don't believe in telling anyone else what to do for the most part. If you decide to do this, make sure you have a friend with you, don't smoke too much, at least not until you're used to it, and do it somewhere private. Be safe!

Nope, you're thinking of alcohol. Weed can make you more inhibited/introspective. Everybodies different though.

There is evidence to suggest that weed smoke can have a negative impact on brains that are still growing, as Id imagine is the case with a 14 year old, with the possible link to future schizophrenia heightened.

Your choice though.

There was a story in the news where I live about parents using medical marijuana to treat their autistic kids. What do you think of that?

http://www.ktla.com/news/extras/ktla-sw ... 9760.story

Kinda silly.

BTW as Ive said in a different thread, smoking weed tends to make my autism a bit more pronounced. I still do it though.

I think the evidence is that smoking cannabis can accelerate the recognition of symptoms of schizophrenia in people who are susceptible to it, on the basis of recognized genetic factors in some people with schizophrenia and the probability of unidentified genetic factors in others. The jury is out on whether cannabis use either causes or contributes to the symptoms, or whether cannabis causes any "damage" to the brain. (Alcohol certainly causes damage, to many organs).

Having said that, I would strongly discourage the use of cannabis because of the significant social, financial and legal consequences of using it. There are no benefits that are not better provided by legal pharmaceutical products more safely and cheaply.

I never smoke anything, but this is interesting.

Whatever. Since it was there doctor that suggested it I can't say anything bad about the parents, and from what I read it the article he appears to be doing better (I'm not saying autistic is bad, I'm saying his apparently negative symptoms seem to be going down). Still, I'm still going to be skeptical at the effects of marijuana, this is only one source, for one case, for one type of problem ( anxiety & aggression).

Yes, numerous studies and tests have proven that smoking weed does damage the brain. It has also been found to cause behavior problems, like booze and other drugs do. In addition Marijuana also does permanent damage to the sperm and egg cells of the reproductive tract, and can affect ones sperm levels, as well as the ability to "perform." Like booze, it also impairs thinking and physical ability, so one is not safe behind the wheel, or operating any kind of equipment.

Unfortunately, too many people are willing to overlook the hazards of drugs and booze in order to enjoy the feelings that these things provide. Abusing these things is illegal because people under the influence are a hazard to others. Making them illegal is also done to protect young people who might, in ignorance, other wise use them.

I don't use drugs myself, except for necessary meds, because I don't want to hurt my body and mind with them, and I don't want to be hurt or killed by other drivers who are under the influence of drugs/booze. I also don't appreciate being put at risk by drivers distracted with their electronic gadgets, including phones, or who are distracted by other activities that should only be done when the car is safely parked somewhere. And no, I don't make calls or answer them when the car is rolling. If it is important, they will call back, or they can wait until I can stop somewhere and safely listen to my voice mail, and then return their call. The same goes for text messages. I don't want to get hurt or killed by mine or another's bad choices on the road, and I don't want to hurt or kill someone, either.

If you are thinking of doing this to "fit in", you need to find a better group of people to hang out with. Anyone who would pressure you into doing drugs or booze, and messing up your body, mind, and life, is not your friend. You will have better luck finding real friends if you volunteer with charitable organizations. The other volunteers are bound to be a much nicer crowd. If that's not your bag, you can try sports or join a club.

Please don't mess up your mind, body, and life with drugs and booze. It's not worth it. If you want a legal "buzz" take up exercise. Your body makes endorphins when you exercise. These are a safe, natural "drug" that boosts the mood, and won't mess up your body or your mind, and you will be healthier from all that exercise. And remember, we on the spectrum are all:

A Different Drummer

If a man does not keep pace with his companions,
Perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.
Let him step to the music which he hears,
However measured or far away.

--Henry David Thoreau

Marijuana is one of the safest drugs....it is unlikely to really damage your brain, smoking it can cause respiratory/lung damage and I don't think it makes autism worse but it probably depends on the person and how it effects them. I'd suggest you educate yourself about it more and do what you want its not really any of my business.

The kid is 14, Marijuana is an illegal drug. Kids shouldn't be breaking the law and we shouldn't help them.
Their brain is still developing too which is why they asked the question. There haven't been any studies on this like their haven't been any studies on the affects of alcohol because it's illegal to do drug research on kids, especially about these type of substances.

Weed barely affects me. Just makes me feel like I'm drunk. If fact when I watch other people on weed I think the whole world has turned autistic. They're bluntly honest, have poor coordination and obviously giggly and my God does it stink. That last part has nothing to do with autism...just clarifying that.

For me it gives me seizures and paranoid hallucinations and meltdowns x 10 billion. I think the last time I was shaking for about 12 hours.
So yes, it does make my autism worse. Having all those extra issues to deal with makes my autism worse. The smell of it alone and unlit gives me stomach aches.

Medical marijuana may be different, but this kid wants to use it recreationally (I think). And if it does help you overcome shyness it's just temporary. Shyness is mild social anxiety and it is possible to overcome. It takes a long time but when you train yourself to overcome it when it's gone, it's gone for good. Well, most of it is.

If you inhale it rather than smoke it then it has basically no negative effects on your health. Tobacco and alcohol are far worse TBH.

That said, it does cause bad reactions in some people, so if you react badly you obviously shouldn't keep taking it.

*Lawyer whispers in my ear*

Disclaimer: I don't endorse breaking the law in any way, I provide this information assuming it is legal where you live.

I don't think it can make autism worse but it can definitely make psychosis worse.