Teens and Marijuana: What You Need to Know

More and more states have legalized marijuana for recreational use. With increased legalization comes changing social norms about marijuana. And, these changing beliefs are affecting young people's perceptions about cannabis as well. So, what does this mean for teens? And, what can we as parents do about this?   Dr. Sara Polley, medical director at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s national substance use and mental health treatment center for adolescents and young adults, joins Marti and Erin to discuss teens and marijuana use. She discusses the impact of legalization on teens, the effects of marijuana on mental health, and what families need to know. She also debunks some common myths about marijuana use. Dr. Polley highlights warning signs that your child may be using marijuana or other substances, and shares tips for talking to kids about cannabis and substance use.   HOW HAS LEGALIZATION CHANGED TEEN USE AND PERCEPTIONS OF MARIJUANA? What was the most surprising insight you had from this episode? How might you debunk some common myths about marijuana for your teen child? In what ways will your change the way you talk to your kids about cannabis or other substances after hearing Dr. Polley's information on teens and marijuana?   WANT TO LEARN MORE MARIJUANA, ADDICTION, AND TEENS? ❉ HOPE FOR FAMILIES FACING ADDICTION: EXPERT ADVICE FROM HAZELDEN BETTY FORD FOUNDATION. Did you know that 1 in 10 people over the age of 12 years struggles with a substance use disorder? With such a high incidence, it is likely that most people have a friend or family member who is struggling with substance use or abuse. So, how does addiction affect families? And is there hope for families facing addiction? Kate Roselle of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s adolescent and young adult continuum of care joins Mom Enough for a compelling discussion on families facing addiction.   ❉ RECOGNIZING AND RESPONDING TO SIGNS OF POSSIBLE SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN YOUR ADOLESCENT OR YOUNG ADULT: GUIDANCE FROM THE HAZELDEN BETTY FORD FOUNDATION. As parents, most of us would rather not even think about the possibility that our son or daughter could develop an addiction to alcohol or other substances. But putting our head in the sand and ignoring signs of possible substance abuse only increases the risks. Tune into this episode for the information you need to recognize signs of substance abuse, seek an evaluation by an experienced professional, and, if needed, get appropriate treatment and family support.   ❉ PROMOTING WELLNESS, PREVENTING SUBSTANCE MISUSE: WISDOM FROM FCD PREVENTION WORKS. Are your kids pleading to go to parties because “everyone else goes”? And how accurate are your kids’ perceptions that “everyone else” is doing this? Are you looking to support your child in making healthy choices around alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs? Deirdre Flynn from FCD Prevention Works, part of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, joins Marti & Erin to share critical information to help you support your children in making healthy choices.