Teen marijuana use can negatively impact overall physical and mental health. Teens may start smoking weed for various reasons, such as peer pressure, self-medicating, or curiosity. Regardless, prolonged use can contribute to long-term cognitive and neurological consequences. Talking with your teen about the dangers of weed is essential to prevent developmental impairments.
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When to Talk About Marijuana Use With Your Teen
Teen marijuana use can start at any age, so having this conversation before potential exposure is important. This discussion should be ongoing and open as they mature so they can make informed decisions. Your teen may be better able to handle impulses if or when they encounter marijuana.
What Is the Prevalence of Teen Marijuana Use?
Determining exactly how many teens smoke weed is impossible, and usage rates vary worldwide. However, some research shows that 7.2% of teens in the US report using the substance.1 Surprisingly, rates have dropped following legislative changes legalizing medical marijuana use.2 As public awareness and acceptance of marijuana use grow, teens may be less likely to experiment with the substance.
Why Do Teens Smoke Weed?
Teens use marijuana for various reasons, and many may view weed as less harmful than alcohol. Some may even consider smoking weed a social behavior, while others feel pressured by peers.3 Additionally, seeing family members smoke marijuana may prompt teens to experiment with the substance.
Below are five reasons why teens may smoke weed:
Curiosity About Marijuana
Teens often encounter marijuana use with peers or the general public. Curiosity around marijuana has grown with increased social media and pop-culture references. If your teen sees other people smoking weed, they may be more inclined to try it.
Peer Pressure to Try Marijuana
Teens may feel pressured to use marijuana (cannabis) because their friends smoke weed. During adolescence, teens develop independence and self-identity. They often search for groups where they feel accepted for their newly established identities. Once they find a peer group, they may fear rejection or missing out on social events if they choose not to smoke.
Relief From Boredom
Boredom may be one of the simplest reasons behind teen marijuana use. Teens without activities to stay busy may lean toward experimenting with weed. Or, perhaps the teen lacks opportunities to connect with others and develop healthy friendships, resulting in boredom. Either way, smoking weed may serve as an entertainment source if teens think they have “nothing better to do.”
Self-Medicating with Marijuana
According to some research, about 49.5% of teens in the US experience a diagnosable mental health condition.4 Unfortunately, parents or caregivers often overlook depression in teens because symptoms manifest differently than in adults.5 Some teens may use marijuana to cope with their conditions rather than seek help.
Escaping Through Marijuana
Teens experience stress about fitting in, grades, college planning, athletic performance, and many other issues. In some cases, marijuana use allows teens to escape these stressors. With easy accessibility and immediate relief, teens can easily see weed as a way to mitigate mental or social strain.
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Effects of Marijuana on the Teenage Brain
The effects of marijuana on teens are numerous. The brain and personality are still developing in adolescence, and marijuana use can negatively impact this process. Some studies suggest that weed alters white and gray matter in the brain, possibly interfering with brain development and functioning. Prolonged teen marijuana use may impair cognitive functioning, memory, and attention.6
Consequences of marijuana use in teens may include:
- Slower thinking processes
- Impaired learning
- Compromised memory
- Increased risk of depression
- Inability to hold attention
- Impaired ability to plan or think ahead
- Issues with coordination
- Increased vulnerability to other substances
Marijuana & Addiction
Marijuana is addictive, and marijuana can be laced with other substances to increase potency. Weed tainted with more addictive drugs may increase the risk of addiction for teens obtaining the substance illegally, making them more susceptible to marijuana abuse and substance use disorders.6
Signs of Teen Marijuana Use
Parents who notice one or two signs of teen marijuana use should not automatically assume their child is abusing substances. However, certain behaviors may suggest marijuana use and help start a conversation about substance misuse.
Signs your teen may be using marijuana include:
- Unusual laughing
- Bloodshot eyes
- Problems with coordination
- Neglect of personal hygiene or appearance
- The smell of marijuana or paraphernalia
- Unexplained changes in motivation or interests
- Altered sleep patterns
- Secretive behavior or evading questions
- Unexplained changes in extracurricular activities or interests
- Impaired cognition or motor skills, sometimes leading to poor school or sports performance
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Charlie Health’s virtual mental health program includes curated peer groups, individual therapy, and family therapy for teens and young adults with serious mental health issues. Insurance accepted. Learn More
Signs of Teen Marijuana Use
Parents who notice one or two signs of teen marijuana use should not automatically assume their child is abusing substances. However, certain behaviors may suggest marijuana use and help start a conversation about substance misuse.
Signs your teen may be using marijuana include:
- Unusual laughing
- Bloodshot eyes
- Problems with coordination
- Neglect of personal hygiene or appearance
- The smell of marijuana or paraphernalia
- Unexplained changes in motivation or interests
- Altered sleep patterns
- Secretive behavior or evading questions
- Unexplained changes in extracurricular activities or interests
- Impaired cognition or motor skills, sometimes leading to poor school or sports performance
How to Talk to Teens About Marijuana Use
Create an open and non-judgemental environment when approaching a conversation about marijuana. Outline the cons of smoking weed while explaining you will not punish your teen for being honest. Remember, communication is a two-way process, and building trust is crucial.
Below are tips for talking about marijuana use with your teens:
1. Choose the Right Time
Avoid bringing up drug use during tense situations or conflicts. Raising the issue may be interpreted as a trap rather than a concern. Be intentional about when you start this conversation, ideally before your teen encounter drugs.
2. Stay Calm
Staying calm sets a positive tone for the conversation and promotes open communication and trust. Your teen may withdraw or get defensive if you immediately become angry. You can better maintain rationality and perspective if you stay composed. Remember to breathe, listen attentively, avoid assumptions, and focus on the real issues.
3. Know the Facts
Teens already have access and are exposed to misinformation about marijuana. Knowing the facts and how to back them up helps avoid further misinformation so your teen can make informed decisions. If you provide education about the possible consequences of marijuana use, your teen may choose to abstain from smoking weed entirely.
4. Listen to Their Perspective
Allow your teen space to express their opinions. Listening to and validating their perspective does not necessarily mean you agree, but acknowledge their experience. Approach the conversation with curiosity. Ask questions, and avoid reacting emotionally. Let your teen feel heard and safe when telling the truth about marijuana use.
5. Encourage Self-Efficacy
Empower your teen to think critically and make decisions based on accurate information. Guide your teen in identifying their values, goals, and the potential conflict between marijuana use and their aspirations. Encourage them to consider the long-term impact of their choices.
6. Avoid Labeling Your Teen
Calling your teen an “addict” or “drug user” will lead to further distance, judgment, and possible resentment from your teen. Name-calling is never helpful and does nothing to address problems.
7. Be Willing To Change Parenting Practices
You may need to make some parenting changes if your teen admits to using marijuana. Reassess your approach and the expectations you place on your child. Remember, you need to be part of the solution as the parent.
8. Don’t Stop at One Conversation
Opening up communication about drug use is an ongoing process. The initial conversation is not a “one and done” event but the start of an ongoing pattern of open and safe communication.
Treatment for Teen Marijuana Use
If you believe your teen is already using marijuana or has an issue with drugs, there is help available. Connect them with a good outpatient therapist specializing in substance use disorder, preferably in teens. An online therapist directory or calling your insurance provider can help narrow down your choices.
Therapy methods for addressing teen marijuana use may include:
- Support groups: Support groups, like Self Management And Recovery Training (SMART), can help teens develop a social network with teens experiencing similar struggles.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for teens can help identify underlying thinking processes and emotions that lead to marijuana use.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT for teens teaches cognitive restructuring and mindfulness to address dysfunctional thought patterns contributing to substance abuse.
- Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP): Intensive outpatient treatment is a more rigorous approach for teens requiring clinical attention.
- Inpatient rehabilitation: Rehab is a viable option for teens struggling with addiction. Rehab is the most intensive and strict approach for marijuana use, usually considered a last resort.
In My Experience
In my experience, teen marijuana use can stem from poor coping skills, peer pressure, and other stressors. Marijuana abuse is treatable, and support options are available if your teen admits to smoking weed. Recovery and education start with a conversation and maintaining open lines of communication.
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
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Eating Disorders and Teenagers
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OCD symptoms are hard enough on fully developed adults—but what about teens who begin to exhibit signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) just as they’re growing into their individualism and sense of self? Unfortunately, that’s the way it is for many, as OCD most commonly develops in teen and adolescent years.
Best Options for Online Therapy for Teens
With so many truly amazing online therapy options for teens, choosing one can be difficult. Some of the most important factors to consider before selecting a company are your budget, who takes your insurance, which ones can answer your questions, and most importantly, who your teen likes the best. Supporting and listening to your teen is crucial for a successful therapy experience.