“Generación Cannabis” is a new documentary series produced by RTVE and EITB, in collaboration with Shine Iberia, tackling one of today’s most significant yet often overlooked public health issues: cannabis use among teenagers and young adults. The series launched at the FesTVal in Vitoria 2025, offering a rigorous, socially-conscious and therapeutic perspective.
Taking part in the presentation was Dr. José María Fábregas, founder of our clinic and a psychiatrist specialising in addiction treatment. He contributed his clinical perspective on the consequences of adolescent cannabis use, alongside key strategies for prevention and therapeutic approaches.
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A Normalised Phenomenon… With Devastating Effects
Generación Cannabis starts from a clear premise: to challenge the mistaken belief that cannabis is a “soft” or harmless drug. Through real testimonies from young people, families and professionals, the series reveals how early use can seriously damage mental health, academic achievement and emotional wellbeing.
During his talk, Dr. Fábregas contextualised this phenomenon with data and clinical experience:
“Cannabis directly affects the brain’s maturation circuitry. Using it at an early age can trigger psychotic episodes, emotional disconnection, academic failure and a high likelihood of progressing to multiple substance use.”
He also highlighted how current culture often downplays the risks:
“The difference between starting to use at 10 years old compared to 25 is enormous, and yet we’re still not addressing this problem with the seriousness it deserves, neither within families nor across many institutions.”
Worrying Statistics That Can’t Be Ignored
The figures surrounding this issue are alarming:
- 22% of teenagers aged 14 to 18 use cannabis.
- 70% believe it’s less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco.
- Use multiplies the risk of developing psychosis by five.
- Up to 50% of cases could be prevented with early intervention.
The series also points out how the concentration of THC (cannabis’s psychoactive compound) has increased alarmingly in recent decades, raising the risk of severe psychiatric effects. It also warns about new synthetic varieties like Spice or K2, whose effects are even more aggressive and unpredictable.
A Call for Awareness Through Information
Through interviews, real testimonies and analysis from mental health experts, Generación Cannabis provides a deep and necessary look at how this substance impacts thousands of young people and their families. The series doesn’t just highlight the problem – it also suggests potential solutions through education, prevention and therapeutic support.
Generación Cannabis will be available on RTVE Play, as part of the “Generación…” project – a collection of documentaries focusing on challenges facing today’s youth, which also includes Generación Click, Generación Porno and Genderless.
Here at Clínicas CITA, we strongly support initiatives like this that champion prevention, education and rigorous information as fundamental pillars in addressing addiction.
We bring over 45 years of experience in specialised addiction treatment and mental health care. Our programmes work on a multidisciplinary, individualised basis with continuous professional support, offering each person the opportunity to rebuild their life from a new starting point.
“Cannabis isn’t a harmless substance. Sustained use at early ages seriously compromises emotional, social and cognitive development. Only with a courageous approach and proper intervention can we prevent thousands of young people from losing their future before it’s even begun.”
— Dr. José María Fábregas
Autor: Comunicación Clínicas CITA
