Cannabis Info for Parents

The additives, tools and high temperatures used for vaping weed may expose you to toxic substances, which may cause serious lung injury.

Learn more about the health risks of vaping nicotine at UnhypedVT.com

Smoke from cannabis contains many of the same toxins and chemicals found in tobacco smoke and inhaling it can increase risk of developing lung problems.

The additives, tools and high temperatures used for vaping cannabis may expose your teen to toxic substances, which may cause serious lung injury.

Using cannabis to cope with anxiety or stress may actually make your teen feel worse, especially if they are using higher THC doses.

Using cannabis regularly before you are 25 can affect your amygdala, the part of your brain that helps you control emotions like anxiety and stress. Changes to this part of the brain may make those emotions harder to handle on their own later on.

Using cannabis can impair your teen's judgement, coordination, reaction time and attention.

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and increases risk of getting into a crash.

Their brain is still developing through age 25. Using cannabis during this time may impact memory, problem-solving skills and attention.

If your teen uses cannabis frequently and in high THC doses, they may be at increased risk of developing dependence on cannabis. As their tolerance changes, higher doses of THC may be needed to feel the same effects. This could lead to physical dependence or habitual use.

If your teen needs help, VT Helplink is available 24 hours a day, every day. Call or text "LINK" to 802-565-5465 or visit VTHelplink.org.

Some people who use cannabis frequently and at high THC doses experience severe stomach pain, persistent nausea and uncontrolled vomiting. This is medically known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).

If your teen is experiencing these symptoms, seek help from a doctor.

Open and honest conversations with your teen about the risks cannabis use makes them less likely to experiment. It may feel awkward, but your kids are actually waiting to hear from you.

• Start calm, stay calm: Get yourself centered before approaching your teen. If you’re upset, try doing some yoga, going for a walk or just taking a few deep breaths before engaging with them.
• Be Casual: Instead of having “the talk,” look for opportunities to work your concerns into everyday conversations. Find settings that offer privacy but don’t feel too constricting or distracting, like talking while walking the dog or going for a drive.
• Stay Positive: Look for ways to praise what your teen is doing right. Express concern—rather than judgment—where needed. For example, instead of saying you’re “disappointed,” let them know you’re “worried.” Praise the good in them, playing to their sense of self-respect.
• Listen Actively: Ask questions that encourage your teen to elaborate and show you’re hearing by repeating back what they said. Don’t cut the conversation short—make sure they’ve expressed everything they need to.
• Keep it Fact-Based: Instead of horror stories, stick to discussing real-life consequences and the good reasons to cannabis. Try brainstorming ideas for situations with them, like turning down cannabis, or how to contact you in a risky situation.
• Share Your Experience: Show them you understand and have been there. Let your teen know that if they are ever in the same situation, you are here for them.

Learn more at ParentUpVT.org

• Show support: Strong family connections that provide high levels of love and assistance help keep your teen safe. If you have more than one child, find ways to spend time with each of them individually. Create quality time together by setting up family traditions like game nights, outings and meetings.
• Stay Flexible: The next time your teen lashes out at you, try responding with love rather than anger, such as, “I’m sorry you’re feeling that way right now. I love you, but it’s not okay to act this way.” Learn to be flexible when setting boundaries and to take the long view. Behavior trends will always come and go.
• Practice Resilience: Your resilience is your capacity to thrive in the face of adversity. You can build resilience by tapping into your strengths as a parent. Build on that strength by using the resources available to you here in Vermont. That can help you give your teen and your family the support they need.

Learn more at ParentUpVT.org

Even when it seems like they’re ignoring you, teens still use their parents as models for their behavior. If you expect them to behave in certain ways, you should hold yourself to the same standard. They learn how to be adults from you.

If you choose to use cannabis, don't use it when you are with your teen and store it safely and securely out of sight and reach of your teen.

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