About This Lesson
Cannabis is one of the most controversial recreational substances. While federal and state governments wrestle with how and whether to legalize its use, data suggests that cannabis use among teens comes with lasting consequences. Discuss marijuana with your kids and work with your family to open the lines of communication.
Cannabis can be used in many ways, but “vaping,” or smoking a liquid marijuana extract, has become popular with kids and teens. More research is needed to determine the long-term health impact of cannabis use, but this is what we know about how cannabis affects the developing brain:
- Decision making, concentration and memory can be affected even days after using cannabis.
- Long-term cannabis use has been linked to mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
- Cannabis can become addictive—about 10% of people who use cannabis develop marijuana use disorder, which is defined by drug use that impacts normal activities like attending school, socializing and sports.
This printable family resource contains facts about cannabis, ways to engage kids in conversations about cannabis, and resources for parents and caregivers to have conversations with their kids about cannabis.
