Parents should be aware of the influence the 4/20 celebration has on young people

The 4/20 celebration is another opportunity for companies to promote the marijuana industry and its products, much like beer and liquor companies do with St. Patrick’s Day.

This means that teens and young adults are highly affected by cannabis experience. Parents of teens, in particular, should be aware of this effect. Marijuana has a huge negative impact on a teenager’s life.

The adolescent brain is actively developing and continues to develop until about the age of 25. Fortunately, there are constructive ways to talk to kids about drug use while also equipping them to notice the signs. As parents, a little awareness goes a long way and may keep your teen from using marijuana.

said Marcel Gem, owner and founder of the company Addicted.org.

In Minnesota, a marijuana legalization bill recently authorized additional Minnesota Senate committees. However, legalizing the drug does not slow down its use. Statistically, 8.15% of 12-17 year olds in the state report use drugs in the past month. More than 80% of these teens reported using marijuana in the past month.

The early conversations parents have with their teens are crucial. Short, frequent discussions can have a measurable impact on a teen’s decisions about marijuana.

• Parents should talk a lot and build an open and trusting relationship. Lots of small talk is more effective than one big talk.
• Parents should also clarify their views and rules about marijuana. Discuss beliefs and opinions. Be upfront and express a clear message, but don’t lecture or threaten.
• Ask them 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 just as important as what they say.
• Provide factual information about the risks and dangers and be prepared to share personal experiences.

The most common reasons teens try marijuana are pressure from peers and others, self-medication, and escapism.

Unfortunately, the consequences can be life-changing. Negative effects can include difficulty thinking and problem solving, memory and learning issues, decreased coordination, difficulty maintaining attention, and problems in school and social life. More seriously It increases the risk of mental health problems and addiction.

Signs of marijuana use can be easy to spot. Some of the signs include red eyes, poor muscle coordination, increased appetite, reaction delays, anxiety, panic, and a distinct odor left on clothing and the body.

Age is just as important to marijuana use as it is to alcohol use. For teens, there are a lot of reasons to be concerned. It makes a difference how young a person is when they start using marijuana, that is, in terms of developing addictions to other substances later in life.

As 4/20 celebrations become more commercialized and move away from being a countercultural protest, exposure of teens and young adults increases.

Also, as marijuana becomes legal in more states, its availability to teens is likely to increase. Parents should remain aware of the impact and be prepared to have ongoing conversations about marijuana.

Judy Boulay is a mother of two with a passion for helping others. She is currently the Community Outreach Coordinator for Addicted.org.