Legal marijuana is big business. And as it grows, cannabis is sold and marketed to a broader audience. Cannabis companies use 4/20 celebrations as an opportunity to promote the industry and its products, much like alcohol companies do on St. Patrick’s Day.
There is a strong influence on young people as 4/20 Day has moved past being a counterculture day to protest. Most media covers it as a consumer interest story.
Like any other product, it will require new consumers.
Parents should be aware of this influence, just as how young people are influenced to try alcohol. It is a good idea to have constructive conversations about marijuana use and become familiar with the signs of cannabis use. All of this may help prevent drug use altogether.
“Age matters for marijuana users. No one is saying that every marijuana user goes on to use hard drugs,” said Marcel Gemme, of Addicted.org. “However, THC has addictive properties that young developing brains are more susceptible to.”
In Massachusetts, 11% of 12- to 17-year-olds reported using drugs in the last month. Among those teens, 86% reported using marijuana, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
The teen brain is actively developing and continues to develop until about age 25. Marijuana use during that time can harm a developing brain.
Parents’ short and frequent discussions with their kids have a real tangible impact on their decisions to use marijuana. Consider some of the following pointers:
- Parents should talk often and build an open and trusting relationship. Lots of little talks are more effective than one big talk.
- Parents should also make their views and rules about marijuana clear. Discuss beliefs and opinions. Be honest and express a clear message, yet do not lecture or make threats.
- Ask children questions about what they know about marijuana, listen to their opinions, and answer their questions. The conversation goes both ways.
- Lead by example; what parents do is as important as what they say.
- Provide facts about the risks and dangers and be prepared to share personal experiences.
The adverse effects of teenage cannabis use include difficulty thinking and problem-solving, problems with memory and learning, reduced coordination, difficulty maintaining attention, and issues with school and social life.
More severely, it increases the risk of mental health issues and addiction.
The signs of marijuana use can be pretty obvious. They can include red or bloodshot eyes, poor muscle coordination, increased appetite, delayed reaction times, panic, anxiety and a distinctive smell when it is smoked.
There are many reasons why teens and young adults begin using marijuana. Generally, they include pressure from peers and others, self-medicating and escapism. In other circumstances, it could be because of endorsements from popular culture, low perception of harm and curiosity.
The cannabis industry has gotten directly involved in 4/20 events, and it’s an opportunity for businesses and celebrities to push their products and brands. It is something for parents to be aware of, and now is as good a time as any to have constructive conversations about marijuana.
H/T: www.metrowestdailynews.com
