Talking to teens about marijuana

Marijuana can be smoked like a cigarette, in cigar wrappers, or in bongs (pipes or water pipes). It can also be mixed into foods like brownies or gummies (called edibles) and can be infused into drinks.

You might hear people talk about Delta-8 and Delta-9. Delta-9 is what is typically found in high doses in marijuana. Delta-8 is sometimes called, “marijuana-lite.” While Delta-8 is legal in most states because it is made from a substance used for farming, there is little oversight so it can contain impurities and be very dangerous for the user. Restrictions vary by state so sometimes it doesn’t have the same age restrictions as marijuana, and it can be bought online. Delta-8 can have many of the same side effects as marijuana, often to a lesser degree, but not always.  

Marijuana has a number of physical effects, including:

• Increased heart rate.

• Bloodshot eyes.

• Dry mouth and throat.

• Altered sense of time.

• Reduced short-term memory, concentration, coordination, and motivation.

As of 2022, recreational marijuana use was legal for adults 21 years and older  in 19 states, and Washington, D.C. But recreational marijuana use is still illegal in all states for youth under 21. Still, about half of 10th graders and 78 percent of 12th graders report marijuana is fairly easy or very easy to find.

• Teenagers use drugs recreationally for the same reasons adults do: to relieve stress, relax and have fun.

• To be part of the group ("everybody's doing it").

• Because being high usually feels good.

Teens often say, “I would like to try pot just once to see what it is like,” “Everyone tries drugs sometimes”, “Smoking marijuana is OK sometimes.” and “Marijuana is natural, it can’t hurt me.”

Recognize that your child is being exposed to drugs and talk to him or her about the risks. Drug use is lower among kids who learn about the risks at home. The number one risk kids associate with drug use is “My parents would feel really bad if they found out I was using drugs.”

Here are tips for talking with teenagers about drugs:

• Establish a clear family position on drug use.

• Be prepared. Teens may have a lot of incorrect information they got from other kids and from the media. It’s okay to say you don’t know the answer, but be sure to find it and follow up with your teen.

• Teens may see a lot of information about marijuana, including as edibles, being legal. They will see advertisements in the media and in stores. 

• Listen carefully to their concerns and feelings, and respect their views.

• Let your teen know it's okay to act independently from the group. Be aware of how you use and talk about drugs in front of your kids. They learn by watching you.

• Discuss the difference between legal and illegal use of marijuana. Using marijuana prescribed for medical reasons is legal. But recreational use of marijuana is illegal for youth under 21. 

• If someone in your family uses marijuana for medical reasons, be sure to help your teen understand how that use is different from recreational use.

• Seek professional help if you suspect your teen has a severe problem with marijuana.

For more ideas and information, see the related resources below.

Telling your teenager to “just say no” won't be enough to prevent them from trying pot at a party when all their friends are getting high. Friends may be smoking, vaping, or eating foods infused with THC. Practice how to say no in different situations with your teen. Give your teenager options for saying no and let him choose which he feels the most comfortable using.

Here are alternatives to just saying no:

• Say, “I just don’t want to.”

• Suggest another activity like playing basketball or going to a movie. Or change the subject.

• Avoid situations where there might be drugs. Or hang out with friends who don’t use drugs.

• Say, “My mom won’t let me go," “My dad would kill me if he ever caught me using pot,” or “My coach has strict rules about marijuana and I’m really trying to make varsity this year.”

Remind your teen that it's OK to not try marijuana (in any form) at a party, even if it seems like everybody else is doing it. 

Here are some warning signs that your teen has a problem with marijuana use:

• Problems with school.

• Difficulty with memory or concentration, including difficulty remembering things that just happened.

• Bloodshot eyes.

• Getting high on a regular basis or avoiding others to get high. Lying about marijuana use.

• Giving up activities she used to enjoy such as sports or hanging out with friends.

• Wearing clothes with drugs pictured on them or reading magazines advocating drug use.

• Getting into trouble with the law.

• Feeling run down, depressed or suicidal.

• Missing school, poor school performance or suspension from school for a drug-related incident.

If you suspect your teen has a problem with drugs, contact your physician, school counselor, or an independent drug counselor. Also follow up on the resources listed below to get help for your teen and your family.