From ParentIN: Talking THC With Your Kids
Other than alcohol, cannabis is the most widely used drug among youth today and is more potent than ever before. The chances of our kids encountering cannabis or seeing it promoted in the community and their social media feeds has increased. We know that the teen brain is much more susceptible to problems from THC use than the fully developed adult brain. The goal for adults supporting teens is to help kids delay substance use for as long as possible while their brains are still developing (through early to mid 20s).
Here are a few talking points to get you started:
“It is natural to feel curious and have questions about cannabis. We all need to do some work to better understand the risks of what is available today.”
“There are health effects and risks unique to youth. Developing brains are at higher risk for developing problem use.”
“THC potency is high today – especially oils and concentrates. So the risk of becoming addicted is stronger.”
“Most teens are NOT using. 78% of kids in high school in Vermont reported they had not used marijuana in the last 30 days.” (from 2023 VT Youth Risk Behavior Survey)
The time to talk with our kids about cannabis is now!
Check out the resources below to help you have an informed conversation about cannabis:
"How to Talk About Marijuana" Kit from Partnership to End Addiction
Talk They Hear You App - has lots of great tools for having conversations with teens about substance use and and building skills
ParentUp Vermont - Vermont resource with free tips on how to talk with tweens and teens about substance use and local resources to get help.
More resources available on our Resource Hub.
