Kids and Marijuana - What Parents Need to Know

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug used in the United States. Marijuana is commonly used by rolling it into a cigarette or by smoking it through some type of pipe. By mixing it into various foods marijuana can also be eaten. The Monitoring the Future Survey, which is conducted yearly, includes students in grades 8th, 10th and 12th. In 2003 the survey showed that 17.5% of 8th graders have tried Marijuana at least once and by 10th grade 36.4% have tried it. Among12th grade students the number who tried marijuana at least once jumps to 45%.

Youth will start using marijuana for many different reasons. Among the more common reasons include the desire to be one of the group or out of curiosity. Other reasons may arise out of anxiety, depression, anger or boredom. Many aspects of a child's environment (home, school, neighborhood) will determine whether a child will try marijuana. Use of marijuana by family members also play a strong role in whether a child will start to use. Remember that those in the household are models for children to follow, whether good or bad.

Marijuana has varying effects on your child's health both immediate and over time. Marijuana effects short-term memory and those using it may have problems doing even the simplest tasks. Marijuana also effects perceptions and reaction times. For this simple fact, someone high on marijuana should never operate a motor vehicle. Under the influence, students may find it hard to study and learn. Timing, movements and coordination can be effected thus throwing an athletes performance off. Some studies show that long-term effects of marijuana could play a role in cancer and problems with the immune and respiratory systems.

How do you know if your child has been using marijuana? Signs that someone is high on marijuana can include:

• Trouble walking or dizziness
  
• Silly or giggly for no reason
  
• Red, bloodshot eyes
  
• Hard time remembering things that just happened
  
• After early effect fade, user becomes very sleepy

Other things to look for include:

• Rolling papers and pipes
  
• Odor on clothes
  
• Use of airfreshners or incense
  
• Use of eye drops
  
• Clothing, posters, jewelry etc, promoting drug use

The biggest influence in a child's life, believe it or not, is you, the parent! Youth do look to their parents for guidance in solving problems and making decisions. Talk to your children about the dangers of using marijuana and other drugs. Take part in your child's life, even after they enter high school. Get involved with their school, their activities and know who your child's friends are.

To get involved in prevention efforts in your area or if you need more information about drug prevention, please call Seven Counties Services Regional Prevention Center at (502) 589-8600.

Most information for this article was gathered from Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know and the 2003 Monitoring the Future Survey