Marijuana: Talking to Your Kids and Communicating the Risks

Why do young people use marijuana? Children and teens start using it for many reasons. Curiosity and the desire to fit into a social group are common ones. Some have a network of friends who use drugs and urge them to do the same (peer pressure). Those who have already begun to smoke cigarettes and/or use alcohol are at heightened risk for marijuana use as well. And children and teens who have untreated mental disorders (e.g., ADHD, conduct disorder, anxiety) or who were physically or sexually abused are at heightened risk of using marijuana and other drugs at an early age.

For some, drug use beins as a means of coping - to deal with anxiety, anger, depression, boredom and so forth. But in fact, being high can be a way of simply avoiding the problems and challenges of growing up.  Research also suggest that family members' use of alcohol and drugs plays a strong role in whether children/teens start using drug - making parents, grandparents, and older brother and sister models for children to follow.

So indeed, all aspects of a teens environment — home, school, neighborhood — can help determine whether they will try drugs.

How can I prevent my child from using marijuana? There is no magic bullet for preventing teen drug use. But research indicates that parents have a big influence on their teens, even when it doesn't show! So talk openly with your children and stay actively engaged in their lives.  Set ground rules, and stick to them. Talk about expecations your family has about drug use, and the expectation you have of your kids' friends, and their drug use.  Stay involved! Ask questions. Be willing to have the hard conversations.

The Novato Blue Ribbon Coalition for Youth mission is to positivley impact the well-being of youth through community action, policy advocacy and education.  This shall be accomplished by: 1) Reducing alcohol and marijuana use, and 2) Reducing the incidences of bullying.

For more information, please contact Nikki Buckstead at 415-798-5329 or nikki@novatoblueribbon.org