With the legalization of marijuana, many parents are worried about their teenaged children and how they will respond when tempted by members of their peer group.

There is much discussion about this important topic and how legalization of marijuana may affect teens. Though the sale of marijuana is prohibited to anyone younger than 21 years of age, the general legalization may have some teens thinking marijuana use just isn’t all that bad. Here are some facts to discuss with them.

  • The human brain does not stop growing until age 25 and can be greatly affected by marijuana before this time.
  • Many teens believe that marijuana is completely safe, which is false.
  • Studies have shown that marijuana usage can impair brain function even when cannabis has left the body.
  • The greatest risk is for youth who smoke at age 12 or younger. The younger the child who uses marijuana, the greater risk for long-term damage to their growing brain.
  • One in 5 teens aged 15 to 19 have used cannabis during the past year.
  • Cannabis is more popular with males than females.
  • Vaping cannabis is not considered safe for youth. When cannabis oils are vaped, THC is delivered directly to the lungs, passed through the bloodstream and then to the brain, which provides the high effect. It takes 30 minutes to feel the full effects, six hours for effects to subside and residual effects may last up to 24 hours.
  • Eating or drinking cannabis may take 30 minutes to two hours to take effect.
Risks Associated with Teen Cannabis Use
Poorer academic performance - This is because the working memory is impacted by usage. Continued usage can lower reasoning skills and memory performance, which translates into lower high school graduation rates.

Psychosis - Resulting in psychotic episodes, which may last a few hours or a few days. Heavy usage may result in development of a psychotic disorder.

Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) - This may result in conflict at home, a reduction of good grades, or a change of social circle of friends. Approximately 3<>percentage<> of older male students have CUD.

It’s Time to Talk
Studies have shown that teens using cannabis daily or weekly may have to compensate by working harder at school than those who don’t use cannabis. The best thing for parents to do is to explain to their child that usage of any substance while they are in their teens or younger can significantly increase the risk of health problems and negatively affect their education and social and family life.

Be open with your children. Try to have a close relationship so they will feel comfortable and open about what they and their friends are doing.