Your Teen & Marijuana
What parents Need to Know aboaut marijuana. Click here
Nearly 4 out of 10 students, grades 9-12, have tried marijuana.* Even if you don’t think your child is experimenting, it’s important to talk to them about the risks and consequences of marijuana use.
*According to the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey.
Tips for Talking to Your Teen about Marijuana
- Talk to your child about marijuana BEFORE you suspect they are experimenting. Studies show that youth are most likely to initiate marijuana use between the ages of 13 and 15 – and during this time you have the most influence over their behavior. After age 15, teens tend to base their decisions more on peer influence5.
- Before you talk to your teen, make sure you speak their language. Check out our teen room for insight into modern marijuana lingo and paraphernalia, and tips for recognizing the obvious and not-so-obvious signs of teen marijuana use.
- If you think your teen has been using marijuana, ask them about it immediately. Kids say that losing their parents’ respect and trust are the most important reasons not to use drugs.
- Help your teen to understand ALL of the consequences of marijuana use – both physical and legal. In Maine, possession of less than 2.5 ounces of marijuana is a civil violation with a fine ranging from $350-$1000. Possession of more than 2.5 ounces is a misdemeanor or felony, and is punishable with jail time.