Teens, Cannabis, and Open Conversations

As we say goodbye to warmer weather and gear up for the holiday season, soon parents may find themselves spending more time in the car with their children as they travel to visit family and friends. Time spent in the car is an invaluable time to have some honest and open chats about real-life issues, including substance use and peer pressure. One issue that we encourage parents to talk about is the potential dangers of using cannabis at an early age. Cannabis use among Missoula youth is becoming more common; however, most youth and parents are unaware of the risks that youth use of cannabis can pose.

Cannabis use, especially continuous use, is associated with memory problems, shorter attention spans, lower motivation, and more, all of which can significantly impact a student’s success in school. Teen cannabis users often exhibit less self-control, increasing the likelihood of unsafe behavior, which can further disrupt their academic performance. Regular marijuana users have less gray matter in the brain regions responsible for impulse control, decision making, and learning. 

Early cannabis use is also a predictor for developing a substance use disorder later in life. It’s also important to note that there has not been significant clinical research to support safe cannabis use before age 25, as the brain continues to develop between ages 18 and 25.

CannWeChat (https://cannwechat.org/), a campaign developed by Healthy Missoula Youth, offers valuable tips, resources, and information on discussing cannabis with your child. When it comes to those conversations, it is crucial to maintain an open dialogue; just because a teen has questions doesn’t mean they are using. Teens will most likely have misconceptions about cannabis use from media or peers, so it’s important to distinguish myths from facts. Respecting their feelings, even if you disagree, is important. Listening openly to their concerns fosters mutual understanding. By showing respect and openness, your teen will feel comfortable approaching you for help if they ever face a challenging situation. 

Let's Talk as They Grow

Ages 12 to 15 are at high risk for using alcohol and drugs as they transition from middle to high school. This period involves more social interaction and less adult supervision, which can lead to risky experimentation. Starting conversations about substance use early can make a lasting impact. 

Ages 15 to 17 often come with new rules surrounding driving. It’s crucial to discuss the risks of impaired driving with newly licensed teenagers. While alcohol continues to pose a significant threat, cannabis should also be part of this conversation. At this stage, adolescents face bigger legal and physical consequences from substance use. Laying out these facts helps them make wiser decisions and understand how real-life consequences can affect their future.

Ages 18 to 25 can be challenging for parents, especially trying to continue these conversations with their children. As they become more independent and often move away from home, newfound freedoms can be enticing. For those aged 18 to 20, remind them that despite being close to the legal age, they are still at risk of legal consequences that can impact their education or career. Once they turn 21, while legal implications decrease, the risks of physical and psychological consequences remain. It is essential to educate them about high-potency THC, and its effects on the developing brain, and the risks of addiction.

For all ages: When discussing substances with your children, it’s crucial to establish clear family rules or positions on drug use. Whether your approach is strict or focuses more on harm reduction, it’s essential to outline the consequences a teen might encounter if caught using – not only from you but also other entities such as schools, extracurricular groups and law enforcement. It’s important to remind them that while recreational marijuana is legal for those over 21, it can still result in long-lasting consequences, such as acquiring a criminal record, losing scholarships, or endangering themselves of others if they use and drive. Some rules could look like:

• Tell an adult where you are going, and let the same adult know when you arrived.

• Establish a curfew or guidelines for activities if an adult is not present.

• No driving while under the influence, and no riding in cars being driven by someone under the influence- instead call and ask for help - safety comes first.

To find out more, head to www.CannWeChat.org!