ITI recently posted an online survey asking a commonly asked question.  Have most high school seniors tried marijuana? The poll numbers indicated 80% of people believed that to be a true statement and 20% said it was false. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)  By the time they graduate high school, about 45 percent of teens have tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime. The good news is that “most” high school seniors have not tried marijuana before graduating high school. The bad news is that current polls have indicated that the number or teens who feel marijuana is harmful is declining.  

Professionals suggest the best way to educate teens about marijuana is to give them the facts about drugs and also to explain that effects of marijuana on a growing and maturing brain can be very different than an adult brain. Some information for parents to share include, marijuana’s effects on the brain, body, and behavior.

Short-term effects (while using or right after using)

Effects that last longer than the short term (a few days) but may not be permanent

Long-term effects (effects of repeated use)

Here is a list of resources for introducing facts and talking to children and teens about effects of marijuana.

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts-parents-need-to-know/letter-to-parents

https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/pdf/marijuana-teens-508.pdf

https://drugfree.org/drug/marijuana/