American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Encourages Parents to Talk with Teens about Marijuana

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry addressed the potential harmful effects that can occur when teenagers experiment or use marijuana on a regular basis in this  recent article. Some of the short-term effects include problems with memory and ability to focus, mental health issues and risky behaviors such as driving under the influence of marijuana or sexual activity. The long-term effects resulting from regular marijuana use include cannabis use disorder and cannabis-induced psychosis.

The article notes that, “Youth are less likely to try marijuana if they can ask parents for help and know how exactly their parents feel about drug use.” For over three decades PDFNJ has been promoting this essential prevention strategy in our media campaigns, our community outreach efforts and most especially with our 15 Minute Child Break Presentation.  

With the school year now underway and Red Ribbon Week coming up in October, I encourage schools, faith-based organizations and community agencies to take full advantage of this FREE presentation. In addition to providing information on marijuana, the program covers underage drinkng, vaping/e-cigarettes, opioids and prescription medications and provides parents, coaches, teachers and other adult caregivers with effective preventive strategies to communicate with their kids about substance misuse and abuse. You can schedule an in-person or virtual presentation and/or receive a pre-recorded version of the program in English and Spanish. I can think of no better way to get this message from the academy out to the parents who need assistance on this important health issue for their adolescents.