Weed cookies: Why youths are playing with a ticking time bomb
By David Nthua, April 25, 2026Weed cookies may look like ordinary snacks, but health experts warn they can carry serious risks that many young people underestimate.
These are edible products infused with cannabis, usually containing THC, the chemical that causes a “high”.
Because they resemble normal biscuits or sweets, they can appear harmless when they are not.
Unlike bhang smoking, where effects may be felt faster, weed cookies can take longer to kick in because they must first pass through the digestive system.
That delay can mislead users into taking more, thinking nothing is happening, only for the effects to hit harder later.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says edibles carry a greater risk of overconsumption and poisoning because THC amounts may be difficult to measure or may be stronger than expected.
Hidden danger
Many youths are embracing weed cookies because they are easier to hide, easier to carry and do not produce the obvious smell linked to smoking.
Some also view them as a trendy or “cleaner” way to use cannabis. Social circles, curiosity, peer pressure and online influence can also make them seem normal.
Medical evidence, however, points to real concerns, especially for teenagers and young adults whose brains are still developing.
The CDC says cannabis can directly affect parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning, attention, decision-making, coordination and reaction time.
In simple terms, THC interferes with the brain’s communication system. It binds to cannabinoid receptors that help regulate mood, judgment, reward and learning.
When that system is disrupted, a person may struggle to assess risk properly, control impulses or think clearly. That is one reason some users make poor decisions while intoxicated.
Research has also linked adolescent cannabis use to slower gains in thinking and memory skills over time.
A recent large study involving more than 11,000 young people found that teens who used cannabis showed slower progress in attention, memory and cognitive development compared with non-users.
Long-term cost
Short-term side effects can include anxiety, panic, confusion, dizziness, faster heart rate, poor coordination and paranoia.
In higher doses, some users may experience hallucinations or severe distress that requires medical care.
Frequent use may also raise the risk of dependence. The CDC notes that some people develop cannabis use disorder, where they find it difficult to stop despite negative effects on school, relationships or daily life.
The bigger issue is perception. When a risky drug is packaged like a snack, danger can be mistaken for fun.
That is why experts say weed cookies are not just another trend. For many youths, they may be a ticking time bomb disguised as a treat.