The Hidden Dangers of Teens and Cannabis

What parents don’t know (and need to)

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When it comes to cannabis, we are living - and parenting - in a new world. With new products, concentrations and widespread acceptance and availability, gone is the pot  of our past. As parents of teens, have we caught up?

This week on the podcast, I talked with renowned neuroscientist, Dr. Danielle Dick, a leading researcher in the field of child and adolescent development, genetics, and substance use. 

Here are 5 key takeaways we NEED to know:

1. From the 1970s to the early 2000s, the concentration of THC in marijuana was about 3%. Today, it is 25%. And gummies? THC is the active ingredient in 80-90%. Marijuana has gone from a fairly mild drug to a highly potent one. 

2. New laws in nearly every state have increased both the ACCEPTANCE and AVAILABILITY of marijuana. The combination of these two factors is historically responsible for increases in use, especially among youth.

3. Since legalization has happened so quickly in this country, research has NOT had time to catch up. Especially on the effect on our children. Dr. Dick calls this a “huge, dangerous experiment.”

4. Studies show that 7-10% of kids report using marijuana on a daily basis. Since it’s much easier to use than alcohol - easier to conceal, to get access to - daily use is on the rise.

5. Research shows that cannabis has an adverse effect on memory and motivation for teens who are using it regularly. These are two of the essential “jobs” our children have in their adolescence. Going to school, learning, caring about relationships and the future…is all critical to their development and well-being. Plus, we know how isolation, low academic performance, and a lack of motivation are closely connected to overall mental health and adult outcomes.

While all of this can (and does) sound overwhelming, remember the power of your parent-child relationship. Together, in frequent conversations and moments of connection, we navigate these tricky waters alongside our teens. Pay attention, keep communicating, and focus on safety not punishment.

Here’s more to read to support your parent-teen relationship. 

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