Talking to teens about marijuana and delta-8

As of early 2024, recreational marijuana use was legal for adults 21 years and older in 24 states, and Washington, D.C. But recreational marijuana use is still illegal in all states for youth under 21; despite the fact that 45.9% of 12th graders think marijuana should be completely legal. In addition, about half of 10th graders (47.5%) and 72.7% of 12th graders report marijuana is fairly easy or very easy to find.

Marijuana can be smoked like a cigarette, in cigar wrappers, or in bongs (pipes or water pipes). It can also be mixed into foods like brownies or gummies (called edibles) and can be infused into drinks. In these different forms, it can be hard to know how much one is consuming, which can make it easy to overuse. It also gets absorbed more slowly when eaten, also making it easier to overuse because you may not feel the effects for 30-60 minutes.

Marijuana has a number of effects, including:

• Increased heart rate.
• Bloodshot eyes.
• Dry mouth and throat.Altered sense of time.
• Reduced short-term memory, concentration, coordination, and motivation.

Young people, who are still developing, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of marijuana on the brain, including, thinking, learning, and memory.

What about delta-8?

There is now also delta-8 and delta-9. Delta-9 is what is typically found in high doses in marijuana. Delta-8 is sometimes called, “marijuana-lite.” Delta-8 is legal in most states because it is made from a substance used for farming. This means there is little oversight so it can contain impurities and can be very dangerous for users. Restrictions on purchase also vary by state, so sometimes it doesn’t have the same age restrictions as marijuana; it can also be bought online. Delta-8 can have many of the same side effects as marijuana, often to a lesser degree. Because delta-8 is legal, in states where marijuana is not legal, rates of delta-8 are higher; it can be a legal alternative for young people looking to try marijuana. 

• Teenagers use drugs recreationally for the same reasons adults do: to relieve stress, relax and have fun.
• To be part of the group ("everybody's doing it").
• Because being high usually feels good.

Combined with the fact that only about one-third of 12th graders disapprove or strongly disapprove of using marijuana once or twice, it’s easy to understand why teens say, “I would like to try pot just once to see what it is like,” “Everyone tries drugs sometimes”, “Smoking marijuana is OK sometimes.” and “Marijuana is natural, it can’t hurt me.”

Recognize that your child is being exposed to drugs and talk to him or her about the risks. Drug use is lower among kids who learn about the risks at home. The number one risk kids associate with drug use is “My parents would feel really bad if they found out I was using drugs.”

Here are tips for talking with teenagers about marijuana:

• Establish a clear family position on marijuana use.
• Be prepared. Teens may have a lot of incorrect information they got from other kids and from the media. It’s okay to say you don’t know the answer, but be sure to find it and follow up with your teen.
• Teens may see a lot of information about marijuana, including edibles, being legal. They will see advertisements in the media, and stores selling THC and cannabis in different forms. Talk about what this means for your family and your community. 
• Listen carefully to their concerns and feelings, and respect their views.
• Let your teen know it's okay to act independently from the group. Be aware of how you use and talk about marijuana in front of your kids. They learn by watching you.
• Discuss the difference between legal and illegal use of marijuana. Using marijuana prescribed for medical reasons is legal. But recreational use of marijuana is illegal for youth under 21. 
• If someone in your family uses marijuana for medical reasons, be sure to help your teen understand how that use is different from recreational use.
• Seek professional help if you suspect your teen has a problem with marijuana.

For more ideas and information, see the related resources below.

Telling your teenager to “just say no” won't be enough to prevent them from trying marijuana or delta-8 at a party when all their friends are getting high. Friends may be smoking, vaping, or eating foods infused with THC. Practice how to say no in different situations with your teen. Give your teenager options for saying no and let him choose which he feels the most comfortable using.

Here are alternatives to just saying no:

• Say, “I just don’t want to.”
• Suggest another activity like playing basketball or going to a movie. Or change the subject.
• Avoid situations where there might be drugs. Or hang out with friends who don’t use drugs.
• Say, “My mom won’t let me go," “My dad would kill me if he ever caught me using pot,” or “My coach has strict rules about marijuana and I’m really trying to make varsity this year.”

Remind your teen that it's OK to not try marijuana (in any form) at a party, even if it seems like everybody else is doing it.

Here are some warning signs that your teen has a problem with marijuana use:

• Problems with school.
• Difficulty with memory or concentration, including difficulty remembering things that just happened.
• Bloodshot eyes.
• Getting high on a regular basis or avoiding others to get high. Lying about marijuana use.
• Giving up activities she used to enjoy such as sports or hanging out with friends.
• Wearing clothes with drugs pictured on them or reading magazines advocating drug use.
• Getting into trouble with the law.
• Feeling run down, depressed or suicidal.
• Missing school, poor school performance or suspension from school for a drug-related incident.

If you suspect your teen has a problem with drugs, contact your physician, school counselor, or an independent drug counselor. Also follow up on the resources listed below to get help for your teen and your family.