Why young people are particularly vulnerable

The brain continues to develop until around the age of 25 – the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and limbic system mature through childhood and adolescence. The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in this development: endocannabinoids control neuronal migration, synaptic pruning processes and myelination. THC intervenes directly in this developmental process – what is reversible in adults can have lasting effects in the adolescent brain.

Neuroscientific mechanisms

Synaptic pruning: During the teenage years, excess synaptic connections are selectively eliminated (pruning) – controlled by endocannabinoids. THC disrupts this process and can lead to incorrect pruning patterns, especially in the prefrontal cortex.

Loss of hippocampal volume: THC inhibits neurogenesis in the hippocampus – particularly harmful in adolescents with active growth. MRI studies show lower hippocampal volume in early users.

Dopaminergic system: Chronic THC in the adolescent brain leads to stronger CB1 downregulation in the mesolimbic system than in adults – which can explain lack of motivation and increased risk of addiction.

Study situation: Cannabis and adolescent brain development

Risk of psychosis: The most important findings

The increased risk of psychosis due to cannabis is the most clinically significant finding – and is greatest among adolescents:

– Di Forti 2019 (Lancet): Daily high-potency cannabis use → 4.8× higher risk of psychosis
– Adolescents with a family history of schizophrenia have an extremely high risk of cannabis use
– The risk is not just correlation – dose-response relationship and biological plausibility evidence (CB1 overactivation in dopaminergic pathways) support causality

IQ loss: real risk or confounder?

The Meier study (PNAS 2012) has been widely discussed. Criticism: social factors could explain IQ loss. Counterargument: Dunedin study controls for socioeconomic status; adopted siblings show similar patterns; -8 IQ points is clinically functionally significant.

More recent studies (Jackson et al. 2016) put this into perspective: when controlling for pre-cannabis IQ, the effect is smaller, but not zero.

What applies to young consumers

The legal situation in Germany sets the age of consent at 18 years. The following applies to adolescents and young adults:
– No cannabis under the age of 18 – this consensus is undisputed in all disciplines
– Between 18-21: lower THC limit in cannabis social clubs (max. 10 g/month, max. 10 % THC) – enshrined in law
– Between 21-25: Risks are lower than for teenagers, but daily high-potency cannabis is still problematic

FAQ: Cannabis and young people

Summary

Cannabis and adolescents is the most important cannabis risk chapter. The adolescent brain up to the age of 25 is particularly vulnerable due to ECS-driven maturation processes. Early use (<18 years) is associated with IQ loss (Dunedin study: -8 points), increased risk of psychosis (4.8× with high potency) and long-term cognitive deficits. Absolute age of consent 18, reduced THC limit up to 21 legally enshrined in Germany. Related: Cannabis and psychosis risk and cannabis dependence as associated risks of early use.

The creation of “The Model Book”

Immerse yourself in the exciting world of modeling, accompanied by Stephan Czaja, the author of “The Model Book.” Learn first-hand about his path into the international modeling scene and his experiences with renowned clients such as Prada, Dior and Balenciaga.

In this video, Stephan Czaja reveals how he wrote “The Model Book” – with a pinch of humor and warmth. Find out how he sat in a cozy café and polished off several cappuccinos while writing his book. His personal anecdotes give the book a unique touch and show his dedication and passion for the subject.

• The Model Book – English
• The Model Book – Spanish
• The Model Book – German
• The Model Book – Italian

You can find more videos on YouTube x CM Models.

What can you expect in “The Model Book”?

“The Model Book” is a comprehensive guide that offers valuable information on over 200 pages. Stephan Czaja explains how you can start your modeling career. The book covers everything from the first castings and applications to creating an impressive model portfolio, Polaroids, running and audition videos and life in a modeling agency. You’ll also learn how social media like Instagram is influencing the fashion world and how you can use it to your advantage.

With eight years of experience in the industry, Stephan Czaja brings a wealth of knowledge with him. He has not only taken part in fashion shows, but has also visited fashion capitals and worked with partner agencies. His real-life experiences and stories have been incorporated into “The Model Book” and offer valuable insights.

What can you expect in the video?

Let Stephan Czaja guide you through “The Model Book” as he introduces the key sections and topics. From the importance of a strong start to the possibilities of a free podcast to valuable advice for aspiring models, this video is a treasure trove of information.

The road to international success

One of the ultimate goals of many aspiring models is to work in renowned fashion cities such as Paris, London, Milan and others. In “The Model Book”, Stephan Czaja shares valuable tips on how you can make this dream come true. He explains what happens after you apply to an agency, how to build confidence and ultimately get the chance to work in exciting fashion capitals.

How modeling agencies work together

You might also be interested in this! Stephan Czaja talks about his experiences in the international modeling business and gives us a look behind the scenes of cooperation between model agencies. A deep look into the exciting world of modeling to understand how aspiring models can make their way.

• How modeling agencies work together

Find a good modeling agency? 3 tips

What to do if you have the dream of becoming a model? Model Agency One (MAO) offers the solution. Here you will find the best model agencies worldwide, whether in New York, Los Angeles, Paris or Tokyo.

• Find a good modeling agency? 3 tips

“The Model Book”: Now in German, English, Spanish & Co.

In “The Model Book” you will not only find a guide, but also a source of inspiration for your modeling dreams. Stephan Czaja’s dedication and passion for the modeling industry shines through in every chapter of the book and in this video. Whether you’re just beginning your modeling journey or looking to take your career to the next level, “The Model Book” is the key to your success in the exciting world of modeling. Let Stephan Czaja guide you along the way and get started!

• The Model Book – English
• The Model Book – Spanish
• The Model Book – German
• The Model Book – Italian

Tip! Listen to the book for free in the Model Podcast on Spotify, Deezer & Co.

• Model Podcast

Facts and Success Story

The international fashion label H&M (Hennes & Mauritz) was founded in 1947 by Erling Persson. Meanwhile the group owns a total of 4,000 stores in over 60 different countries worldwide. In addition to fashion, the range includes accessories, make-up, shoes and even home accessories.  The brand’s first store opened in Sweden with the aim of offering affordable women’s fashion. Erling Persson’s concept was successful and after a short time the business expanded into Scandinavia, followed by Europe, America and Asia.  Eleven years later, the designer bought out Mauritz Widforss, a fishing outfitter. This is where the present name of the model label Hennes and Mauritz came from. For many years H&M has been one of the most popular fashion stores in Europe. Since 2004, the brand has been offering collections in cooperation with world-famous designers, including Karl Lagerfeld and Versace. Celebrities also get the chance to cooperate with the company. Newcomer singer Mabel brought out her first collection with H&M this year.

Sale actions & Coupons

The fashion group offers discounts throughout the year. Especially after the summer and winter time, H&M completely sorts and restructures. For members of the brand, there is a 10% discount on the first order, discounts all year round and free shipping to their homes.

• Shop Sales at H&M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR2pFTdxZq8

H&M brands

Sub-brands of H&M are among others ”Divided” for youth, women and men fashion, ”L.O.G.G. The sub-brands of H&M are among others: ”Divided” for youth, women’s and men’s fashion, ”L.O.G.G.”, which offers leisure fashion, ”&denim” a jeans brand for women and men, the plus-size collection ”H&M”, the pregnancy fashion ”MAMA”, an underwear collection ”Basics”, the sustainable collection ”Conscious”, the high-quality collection ”Premium” and the beauty collection ”by H&M”.

The company Hennes & Mauritz also bought up other well-known fashion labels in recent years. We introduce them to you with the most important information!

monki

• Since 2008, the women’s clothing brand has joined the H&M Group with clothing and accessories
• Monki was founded in 2005 and one year later they opened three stores in Stockholm
• Now there are branches in China, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the Netherlands, among others

Cheap Monday

• The brand was originally established in Sweden in 2000.
• H&M bought the label from its owner six years later
• Cheap Monday has stores in Copenhagen, London, Stockholm, Beijing, Shenyang and other cities

weekday

• The brand Weekday has been in existence since 2008 and is known as a hip brand for young adults
• H&M acquired the Weekday brand in 2006 and integrated it into the H&M Group
• Stores of the brand are represented in Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Japan, Austria and the Netherlands

& Other Stories

• & Other Storie was introduced into the H&M Group in March 2013
• Stores can be found in Copenhagen, London, Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt am Main, Mannheim, Munich, Milan, Rome, Barcelona, Stockholm, Brussels, Ghent, Amsterdam and Antwerp, among others
• The brand offers women’s clothing, shoes, cosmetics and decorative items

Arket

• Arket offers, among other things, men’s and women’s clothing and accessories
• The first store was opened in London
• The first store was opened in London
• So far, another 15 stores have opened in six Western European countries, each with a café

Afound

• In June 2018, H&M opened stores under the name Afound in Stockholm and Malmö, where high-priced designer brands were sold at lower prices
• Followed by other stores in Gothenburg and Kristianstad, the fashion label grew

/Nyden

• 2017 H&M launched the /Nyden fashion brand with affordable luxury fashion
• In some countries /Nylon was sold via the online store of H&M

COS

• The fashion concept with fashion for women, men and children was launched by H&M in 2007
• The first store was opened in London in the same year

https://www.instagram.com/p/CF1Qnyfhw_q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Assortment: Men, Women & Children

The fashion group’s product range extends from menswear to toddler fashion. The chain also offers a separate line for young people. However, the company has long since ceased to limit itself to just fashion, offering shoes and accessories such as jewelry or handbags, swimwear and beauty articles.

Trademark & Target group

The trademark of the Swedish fashion label H&M is not only the affordable price but also the chic and neutral style of the clothes. However, there are also eye-catching prints next to the variety of basic clothes. The concept of H&M: There is something for everyone. So they offer the “Conscious Collection” for environmentally conscious buyers or the “Premium Quality” fashion for more demanding customers. The fashion group always orients itself to current trends, also from the high fashion sector.

H&M Conscious

H&M: Cooperations Designer

Over the years, the fashion label cooperated with many well-known fashion designers. Together with Karl Lagerfeld or Kenzo, inexpensive fashion was created, from t-shirts and sweatshirts to pants and accessories.

• 2004: H&M x Karl Lagerfeld
• 2005: H&M x Stella McCartney
• 2006: H&M x Viktor & Rolf
• 2007: H&M x Roberto Cavalli
• 2008: H&M x Comme des Garçons
• 2009: H&M x Jimmy Choo
• 2010: H&M x Lanvin
• 2011: H&M x Versace
• 2012: H&M x Marni
• 2012: H&M x Maison Martin Margiela
• 2013: H&M x Isabel Marant
• 2014: H&M x Alexander Wang
• 2015: H&M x Balmain
• 2016: H&M x Kenzo
• 2017: H&M x Erdem
• 2018: H&M x Moschino
• 2019: H&M x Giambattista Valli
• 2020: H&M x Sandra Mansour

Campaign: Mabel x H&M

In 2020 New-Comer singer Mabel brought out her first collection with H&M. The collection includes dresses, bags, jackets, pants and many other accessories.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp9gz-wDtOo

Campaign: Giuliva Heritage x H&M

Giuliva Heritage designed together with H&M many beautiful basic parts, suitable for the autumn!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6LYxDRsx7I

H&M: Cooperation Stars

Fashion brand H&M also does not miss out on well-known faces for its collections. Over the years, stars like Madonna or Zara Larsson have become the faces of the new collections.

• 2007 (spring): H&M x MADONNA
• 2007 (summer): H&M x Kylie Minogue
• 2008 – 2012: Fashion Against Aids (Rihanna, Tyga, Katy Perry, Timberland and many more)
• 2012: H&M x Anna Dello Russo
• 2013 (spring): H&M x Cro
• 2013 (summer): H&M x Béyonce
• 2015: H&M x Katy Perry
• 2011: H&M x Zara Larsson
• 2018: H&M x Dagi Bee
• 2019: H&M x Lena-Meyer-Landrut
• 2019: H&M x Richard Ellen
• 2020: H&M x Giuliva Heritage
• 2020: H&M x Mabel

H&M Fall Collection 2020: Must-Haves

Autumn is here! To go with it, H&M offers the must-haves for the autumn. Cozy wool sweaters, long coats and dark jeans: That’s what you need this year.

• wool coat in grey, beige, black & cream
• pullover with wrap-back part in purple & black
• pants made of imitation leather in black
• knit dress in black, beige & light grey
• Longblazer in green, mauve & beige/brown
• Boots in black
• shorter coat made of teddy fur in white, beige, brown & grey

Tip 1: Always be ready

The best children’s photos are successful if the children don’t notice anything about taking them. As soon as a lens “captures” them, the shots become stiff, polite rather than natural. It is better to have a suitable camera always ready and rather take a few more random photos. These can be viewed and reworked later.

Tip 2: Observe the light

Children run towards or away from the sun, play under a cloudy meadow or jump to a door in front of a dark background at the moment they are released. It doesn’t matter! The photographer can observe his child and take advantage of such movements in the direction of light. But he can also accept that the movement in imperfect lighting results in a particularly natural photo. Kids photography means a lot of opportunities and later

Tip 3: To be instead of shine – no forced smiling

Children appear almost puppet-like in photographs in which they are visibly invited to smile. A natural laugh, a look at a discovery or even a thoughtful facial expression, however, seems much more beautiful, above all childlike free. The following also applies to the hits of these peculiarities: the photographer takes many photos from the stomach, i.e. whenever a scene looks optimal from a distance, and evaluates the photos later. With the memory cards of digital cameras, collecting photos and sorting them out later is no longer a problem.

Tip 4: Have your picture taken instead of always running after the perfect photo

Especially on excursions with other families or on children’s birthday parties, parents would like to “take home” the most beautiful children’s photos. But there are many other things to organize, and the shared attention would be avenged by less than optimal recordings. On such occasions, an outsider, perhaps a relative with camera experience, would do better to hold the camera. Perhaps he misses an opportunity that seems perfect to parents or grandparents. But because outsiders are more relaxed with scenarios, such random snapshots produce very beautiful, natural children’s shots.

Video tutorial: 10 tips on children’s photography

In this video by Tony & Chelsea Northrup, photographers themself, explains what you should consider during your first photo shoot. In these video tips you will learn a lot about the light situation and kids and their very own quirks. Have fun learning to take pictures!

Conclusion: Using the right moment and not forcing pictures with children

Taking pictures of children means first and foremost taking advantage of as many opportunities as possible for a shutter release. Afterwards, thehe images collected on the memory card can be sorted out at your leisure. Neither does the light have to be perfectly illuminated for children’s photos nor does the child have to smile into the camera like a angel. The aim of this type of photography is pure life in the most natural situations possible.

Recommended camera by the editorial staff: Sony Alpha 7M

The quality of your camera decides what you can get from your picture. From professional photographers to amateur photographers, the decision about the right camera should not be made lightly. That’s why we got two recommendations from a renowned professional photographer. The perfect beginner model is available from 1000 Euro, the Sony Alpha 7M2. For somewhat higher demands and for perfect video recordings, we recommend the Sony Alpha 7M3.

• full format digital camera
• 24.2 megapixels
• 7.6cm (3 inch) touch display
• Exmor R CMOS full frame sensor
• XGA OLED viewfinder
• 2 Card slots
• incl. SEL-2870 Lens black

Video Tutorial: Tips from a professional – taking pictures with a reflex camera

You want to photograph your grandchildren, children or siblings? The special thing about this video is that in less than four minutes you will learn how to use and take pictures with a reflex camera. An online photo course in a few minutes gives you a good contact and view into the world of photography.

Fashion Week and model castings

As we did in winter with the big Curvy Model casting, we are also accompanying the Berlin model agency CM Models at their Fashion Week castings this summer. If you’ve always wanted to work for the big designers, you need one of the big and renowned model agencies as your management. CM Models works with many big names, some of their reference clients include PRADA but also DIOR as well as many German fashion clients around C&A, Peek and Cloppenburg but also ABOUT YOU and Zalando. That’s why this year we are once again accompanying young talents on their first model casting with a magazine and as a vlog.

Become a model + recommend models

If you have been dreaming of becoming a model for a long time or know someone who should definitely try their hand at modeling, then we recommend the casting on 04.07 in Berlin-Mitte. All information about the casting can be found here:

• Model Castings Berlin / 04.07.