“Washington States First Legal Marijuana Shops Set to Open Amid Chaos”
That was the lead story on the NBC News website Tuesday, and a slew of other national media outlets, too. With the state of Washington now the second state to legalize marijuana, the controversy over the drug continues to grow. In November 2012, Washington and Colorado stunned much of the world by voting to legalize marijuana for adults over 21, and to create state-licensed systems for growing, selling and taxing the pot. Now, comes the question what should we tell our kids about marijuana?
If you did not already know, marijuana is the second most popular drug in America. Up to 63 percent of teenagers admit using it during high school, and some teens smoke it on a daily basis. There has long been controversy over whether-or-not marijuana is a “gateway drug,” one that leads to further and more serious abuse of other substances. While this debate is ongoing, it is known that a high percentage of people who use more serious drugs, such as cocaine or heroin, started by using marijuana. What the science is saying is that the marijuana does lead to some degree of physical as well as psychological dependence.
With the legalization of the drug in two states, and most likely with more states to follow, it is important that parents talk to their kids about the dangers of marijuana. Make it clear that marijuana is a dangerous and addictive drug and its use can impede functioning and possibly lead to more serious future consequences. Parents, particularly those who experimented with marijuana in their teens may have a tendency to minimize the drug’s dangers. If you have used pot and you have shared this with your kids, tell them why you stopped! Encourage them not to experiment with it and tell them why. Marijuana, in some people, can cause hallucinations and can precipitate severe anxiety to the point of paranoid mental states. Sometimes marijuana can also provoke the emergence of underlying psychotic disorders that may require hospitalization.
Look for the signs of marijuana use in your teenager. These include bloodshot eyes, short-term memory impairment, apathy or lack of motivation, acting silly or “drunk”, impaired body coordination, and the smell of sweet, acrid smoke on hair and clothing.
If you suspect marijuana usage by your child consult your family doctor, or substance abuse counselor or another mental health practitioner. There are also a number of groups that deal specifically with recovery from marijuana use. Most importantly talk to your child. That is always the best place to start.
DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.
