Youth & Marijuana Use
Youth begin using marijuana for many reasons, curiosity, peer pressure, and the desire to fit in with social environments. Those who have already begun to smoke cigarettes or use alcohol- or both- are at increased risk for marijuana use as well. And people who have untreated mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD, or have experienced trauma are at an increased risk of using marijuana or other drugs at an early age.
Prevention Strategies
According to the 2015 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, youth with supportive parents, teachers, coaches and other adults are less likely to use marijuana underage. The best actions for parents to take are first, be a good listener. Ask your child their opinion, and understand their pressures. Second, set clear expectations and boundaries. Let them know the consequences of their actions. Engage them in developing these tools together as a team, so they have an active role in directing their lives. Finally, work with your youth to build self-esteem and deal with peer pressure through focusing on your child’s strengths and goals. Never demean or insult your child. Support them with confidence building activities and constructive feedback.
Legal Consequences
More importantly, there are strict legal consequences for using retail marijuana before the age of 21. Minors in possession of retail marijuana could be charged with Minor in Possession (MIP). This could result in misdemeanor and even felony charges. In addition, an MIP charge could be costly, including fines, loss of driver’s license, suspension, and loss of financial aid for higher education.
The Law in Colorado
The legalization of marijuana in Colorado has led some confusion, which is why it is important to understand the law in its entirety. Retail marijuana can only be purchased, in possession of, and/or used by individuals 21 years of age and older, with a valid ID. The consumption of marijuana in any form, vaping, eating, or smoking isn’t allowed in public places, this law is only suited for usage on private property. Also, marijuana is not federally legalized, therefore usage and possession are prohibited on federal land, such as national parks. Marijuana must stay in the State of Colorado, so individuals can be charged with smuggling if they are transporting the marijuana via car, airplane, or mail.
Finally, start the conversation early and revisit it as needed. Just like we educate our youth not to drink and drive, talk to them about driving under the influence of marijuana, if caught you could be charged with a DUI.
For more information on the health effects or laws associated with marijuana and youth prevention, visit www.goodtoknowcolorado.com, an educational resource developed in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Jennifer,
This is a very important topic for parents and youth to discuss. We want our youth to reach their full potential and until their brain has fully developed (which is around 25 years of age), it is best not to use marijuana. Thank you for the resource.
Thank you Jennifer for this informative article. Adults need to make their own informed decisions related to Marijuana use, but youth and their parents need to understand the negative effects of use while their child is still growing and developing. Marijuana use can negatively effect, lungs, learning, memory, physical coordination, mental health and how the reward center in the brain functions. Some of these effects are temporary and some last a lifetime.