The Facts of Marijuana
You are probably aware of the recent marijuana legalization in Washington State and have likely noticed a few buildings popping up in Grays Harbor in addition to those with a green cross on the sign.
These new locations will be selling “recreational” cannabis products to those 21 and over. With legalization follows the problem of availabilty. Though your underage child cannot walk into the store and purchase the substance, they are more likely to know someone who has access to the product.
Decreased Concern
People's perceptions have changed now that marijuana usage is legal. Fewer people believe marijuana use is a big deal, even if it is being used by minors. The facts, however, are still the same. No matter what your views on marijuana are, the substance is unhealthy for developing minds. As the parent, it is important to know about this trending drug and how to discuss it with your child.
Names for Marijuana
On the street, marijuana has a variety of names. The following is a list of current terminology for you to listen for: Bud, Blunt, Chronic, Dope, Ganja, Grass, Green, Hash, Herb, Joint, Loud, Mary Jane, MJ, Pot, Reefer, Sinsemilla, Skunk, Smoke, Trees, Weed.
How it is Used
With legalization, the number of ways this plant-based product can be absorbed is increasing. Drugfree.org provides some great information about this:
Many users roll loose marijuana into a cigarette called a “joint.” Marijuana can also be smoked in a pipe or water pipe (called a “bong”) or vaporized using a “vape” pen. A single intake of smoke from a joint or pipe is called a hit. Marijuana can also be mixed into food or brewed as tea and ingested. It has also appeared in cigars called “blunts.”
In states where marijuana has become legalized, more and more marijuana “edibles” are seen in retail establishments where marijuana is sold, including baked goods and candy that closely or even exactly resemble well-known foods (example: brownies, chocolate, cookies, pizza or gummy bears). It may also come in a “wax” form that resembles lip balm that can be eaten or smoked.
What's the Big Deal?
Although this substance is "natural", it is still dangerous to developing minds. Side effects of this drug are increased anxiety and depression and future loss of memory capabilities. For those who have preexisting mental health concerns, the substance can exacerbate the issue until it becomes a full-blown problem. Abuse of this substance can cripple emotional maturity if a teen relies on the drug to deal with life's problems.
What to Do
Stay connected - know your child and pay attention to changes of behavior or attitude. Look for signs of continued anxiety, depression, or stress as this may be a red flag that your child is in need of attention. Ask questions and be aware of any drug issues or problems going on with the kids in your child's school. Know who your child's friends are. As the parent, you make the rules and set the example for your child to follow. If you have never talked to your child about substance abuse or marijuana before, now is the time to bring it up.
