Sometimes parents may suspect that their child is already using marijuana. The following are common signs of marijuana use:

• Acting very silly and out of character for no reason
• Using new words and phrases like “sparking up,” “dabbing,” and “shatter”
• Having increased irritability
• Losing interest in and motivation to do usual activities.
• Spending time with peers that use marijuana
• Having trouble remembering things that just happened
• Carrying pipes, lighters, vape pens, or rolling papers
• Coming home with red eyes and/or urges to eat outside of usual mealtimes
• Smelling of marijuana
• Stealing money or having money that cannot be accounted for

Many teenagers believe that marijuana is safer than alcohol or other drugs. When talking about marijuana with your child, it is helpful to know the myths and the facts. For example, teenagers may say, “it is harmless because it is natural,” “it is not addictive,” or “it does not affect my thinking or my grades.” However, research shows that marijuana can cause serious problems with learning, feelings, and health.

Short-term use of marijuana can lead to:

• School difficulties
• Problems with memory and concentration
• Increased anxiety, aggression, or hallucinations
• Car accidents
• Use of other drugs or alcohol
• Worsening of underlying mental health conditions including mood changes
• Interference with prescribed medication

Regular use of marijuana can lead to significant problems including Cannabis Use Disorder. Signs that your child has developed Cannabis Use Disorder include using marijuana more often than intended, having cravings, or when using interferes with other activities. If someone with Cannabis Use Disorder stops using suddenly, they may suffer from withdrawal symptoms that, while not dangerous, can cause irritability, anxiety, and changes in mood, sleep, and appetite. 

Long-term use of marijuana can lead to:

• Cannabis Use Disorder (addiction)
• The same breathing problems as smoking cigarettes (coughing, wheezing, trouble with physical activity, and lung cancer)
• Decreased motivation or interest which can lead to decline in academic or occupational performance
• Lower intelligence
• Mental health problems, such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, anger, irritability, moodiness, and risk of suicide
• Increased cancer risk

Parents can help their children learn about the harmful effects of marijuana use. Talking to your children about marijuana at an early age can help them make better choices and may prevent them from developing a problem with marijuana use later. Begin talking with your child in an honest and open way when they are in late elementary and early middle school. Youth are less likely to try marijuana if they can ask parents for help and know exactly how their parents feel about drug use. 

Tips for preventing drug use:

• Don’t accept use as a rite of passage to adulthood
• Set clear rules against using alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs
• Help your children deal with peer pressure and stress
• Be a good role model – show kids you don’t need to use marijuana to relax or celebrate
• Talk with them early and often about the ways alcohol and marijuana can harm them, ask questions and be a good listener
• Stay involved in their lives
• Know who their friends are, and where they are going

If your child is already using marijuana, try asking questions in an open and curious way as your teen will talk more freely if not feeling judged. Make sure your child knows they can come to you with questions and that your first priority is keeping them safe.

Tips on discussing marijuana with your child: 

• Ask what they have heard about using marijuana. Listen carefully, pay attention, and try not to interrupt. Avoid making negative or angry comments.
• Offer your child facts about the risks and consequences of smoking marijuana.
• Ask your child to give examples of the effects of marijuana. This will help you make sure that your child understands what you talked about.
• If you choose to talk to your child about your own experiences with drugs, be honest about why you used and the pressures that contributed to your use. Be careful not to minimize the dangers of marijuana or other drugs, and be open about any negative experiences you may have had. Given how much stronger marijuana is today, its effect on your child would likely be much different than what you experienced.
• Explain that research tells us that the brain continues to mature into the 20s. While it is developing, there is greater risk of harm from marijuana use.

If you have concerns about your child’s drug use, talk with your child’s pediatrician and ask for a referral to an agency providing adolescent substance-use treatment. Many Seattle Public Schools partner with an agency providing onsite mental health and/or substance use treatment. You may call your neighborhood school’s main office, ask which agency provides onsite services, and to be connected to the clinician.

Call the Washington Recovery Help Line for 24-hour emotional support, referrals and information: 1-866-789-1511