Understanding Marijuana Use In Teenagers: A Parent’s Guide

As a parent, discovering that your teenager may be using marijuana can be alarming. Understanding the signs, effects, and how to address the situation is crucial in supporting your child through this challenging phase. The following information will guide you through recognizing marijuana use, having open conversations, and finding effective strategies to help your teenager.
What Are Signs of Marijuana Use in Teenagers

Often common indicators are also similar to regular teenage behaviors where youth are becoming more independent as they find their identity. So it is important to keep your communication open with teens. Other common signs may include:

1. Changes in Behavior: Look for shifts in mood, such as increased irritability, anxiety, paranoia or withdrawal from family and friends.

2. Physical Symptoms: These may include bloodshot eyes, a persistent cough, runny nose, or unusual odors on clothing or in their room. Cannabis has a huge variety of smells. A skunk or vinegar type smell is common, but there are many strains that don’t possess it. Because the cannabis plant produces a large variety of terpenes, cannabis can smell like citrus fruit, you could be smelling limonene, which is also made by actual citrus fruit.

3. Academic Decline: A drop in grades, lack of interest in school activities, or frequent absences can signal substance use.

4. Changes in Friendships: New friends who may be more withdrawn or hanging out with new friends and not wanting to interact with family.

5. Hiding or Lying: If your teen becomes secretive about their activities or whereabouts, it may indicate substance use.

Teenage Marijuana Use Statistics

Understanding the prevalence of marijuana use among teenagers can help parents gauge the seriousness of the issue. According to recent surveys:

1. Approximately 35% of high school students report having used marijuana at least once.

2. Regular use among teens has increased, with around 6% classified as daily users.

3. Studies show that early marijuana use is linked to a higher likelihood of developing substance use disorders later in life.

4. Marijuana use in vape pens or wax dabs is on the rise and the most popular method of use. Vape pens and dabs often contain highly concentrated forms of marijuana, which can have significantly higher levels of THS compared to the traditional flower. The use of vape pens allow for more discreet use of consuming as it produces less oder than smoking and can make it easier to use without detection. Vaping can lead to respiratory issues and other problems. The rapid delivery of THC from vaping into the bloodstream can result in heightened anxiety or paranoia.

How to Talk to My Teenager About Marijuana

Approaching the topic of marijuana can be daunting, but open communication is essential. Here are some tips:

1. Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a calm, private setting to discuss your concerns without distractions. Start with open dialogue asking general questions about their life, school, friends, etc.

2. Listen Actively: Encourage your teenager to share their thoughts and feelings. Show them you are listening by summarizing their points and validating their feelings.

3. Be Honest and Nonjudgmental: Share your concerns without accusing or blaming. Use "I" statements (e.g., "I’ve noticed you seem different lately") to express your feelings.

4. Provide Information: Share factual, age-appropriate information about marijuana, its effects, and the risks associated with use.

What Are Effects of Marijuana on Teenagers- Additional Information can be found at https://graymattersutah.org/

Marijuana can have several negative effects on the developing brain of a teenager, including:

1. Cognitive Impairment: Marijuana use can lead to issues with memory, attention, and learning, which can affect academic performance. Teenagers brains are still actively growing and changing. Bringing substances into the mix can be detrimental to the developing brain.

2. Physical Effects: Vaping can lead to respiratory issues and lung irritation. The rapid delivery of THC from vaping and dabs into the bloodstream can result in heightened anxiety or paranoia.

2. Mental Health Risks: Studies show a correlation between marijuana use and increased anxiety, depression, paranoia and risk of psychosis.

3. Motivation Issues: Regular use can lead to a lack of motivation, commonly referred to as "amotivational syndrome," where teens show decreased interest in activities they once enjoyed.

What To Do If My Teenager Is Using Marijuana And How To Stop Marijuana Use

If you suspect your teenager is using marijuana, here are ways to support them.

1. Stay Calm: Reacting with anger or panic can shut down communication. Approach the situation with understanding and support. This is not the time to jump into interrogation mode. This is a conversation that will take time. Don’t rush things.

2. Encourage Open Dialogue: Keep communication lines open to discuss their feelings and challenges.

3. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish rules regarding substance use and communicate the consequences of breaking those rules. Be consistent in your parenting, but remember that it is your relationship with your child that comes before rules, so things may need to change as you move forward.

4. Seek Professional Help: Consider consulting a counselor or therapist who specializes in adolescent substance use for guidance. Therapy and support groups can provide them with coping strategies and a safe space to share their experiences.

5. Promote Healthy Activities: Encourage participation in sports, hobbies, or clubs that foster a sense of belonging and purpose..

6. Educate About Alternatives: Help them explore alternatives to marijuana for relaxation and stress relief, such as mindfulness, exercise, or art.

Parenting Strategies for Dealing with Teenage Drug Use

Effective parenting strategies can make a significant difference in addressing substance use: Here are some things to help.

1. Recognize There May Be Deeper Issues: Often when substance come into play it can be due to underlying issues the teen has. Maybe they are feeling depressed. They could have been in a scary or traumatizing situation and don’t know how to process or talk about it. Have they recently been through a huge change? Has the child moved cities, changed schools, lost an important relationship, or are parents are going through a divorce? These can all be triggers to a youth seeking substances to cope with overwhelming feelings or thoughts.

2. Build Trust: Foster a trusting relationship where your teenager feels safe discussing their choices and challenges. Spend more time with your child doing things they enjoy. Do things one on one to build rapport and improve your relationship.

3. Model Healthy Behavior: Demonstrate healthy coping mechanisms and decision-making in your own life.

4. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on trends in drug use and the latest research on marijuana.

Marijuana and Mental Health in Teens

The link between marijuana use and mental health issues is significant. Regular use can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or trigger new ones. Research indicates that adolescents who use marijuana are at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. It’s crucial to address both substance use and any underlying mental health issues simultaneously.

If you worry your child may be experimenting with substances we can help. Please check out our Family Member Resources.