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I want to encourage my kids to delay cannabis use as long as possible. I want to give them facts so they can understand the risks, and why delayed use is important, without them feeling like I'm talking down to them.

Gabe, Parent of a 12- and 17-year-old

For Parents

Today’s weed is not the same as what you may have grown up experimenting with. The way cannabis is grown has changed, and some plants now have higher levels of THC. Potency has continually increased over the past few decades, going from ~4% in 1995 to ~12% in 2014.

Young people are using marijuana in new ways, like dabbing and edibles. Both can have extremely high potency and cause overdose. It can take between 30 minutes and two hours to fully feel the effects of edibles, and since edibles may also have higher concentrations of THC, the risk of cannabis poisoning is greatly increased. Dabbing, or heating marijuana concentrates on a hot surface to inhale for a quick high, is also much riskier since marijuana concentrates contain between 40-80% THC.

Edibles can have very high levels of THC and take up to 90 minutes before the effects are felt, making it difficult to judge how much to consume and increasing the chance of overdose.

Let's Talk Cannabis

THC acts on cannabinoid receptors, which are found throughout the body but mostly in the brain. THC interferes with the normal functioning of the brain areas that are involved in memory, concentration, perception, and movement.

Neuroscience for Kids

Most high school students in California reported that they were not using cannabis.

Let's Talk Cannabis

When smoked or inhaled, cannabis affects your brain and body within 1 to 10 minutes after it is used and effects can last 3 to 4 hours or even longer.

Neuroscience for Kids

Cannabis can be detected in urine, blood and saliva and how long it stays in your system depends on how much, how long, and the method used to consume it.

Neuroscience for Kids
Some Cannabis plants now have higher levels of THC than before.

FAQ

How common is it for kids to use cannabis?

In 2016, most California high school students reported that they were not using cannabis. Only about 15% (less than 1 in 5) reported using cannabis in the past 30 days.

How do I know if my child is using cannabis?

Look for things like mood swings (beyond what is normal for your child), spending less time with friends, skipping school, loss of interest in sports or other favorite activities and changes in grades and sleeping habits. While these are not necessarily signs that your child is using cannabis or other substances, they are general warning signs that your child is struggling with something and needs further support.

What are the different ways to consume cannabis?

Cannabis is most commonly smoked like a cigarette or heated and inhaled. It can also be made into “edibles” like brownies or candies, or brewed like a tea. Edibles can have very high levels of THC and take up to 90 minutes before the effects are felt, making it difficult to judge how much to consume and increasing the chance of overdose.

What is "dabbing"?

Dabs are concentrated doses of cannabis that are made by extracting the psychoactive components (ex: THC) using a solvent. This produces a sticky oil (sometimes called wax, shatter, budder, and butane hash oil). This substance is then heated on a hot surface, usually a nail, and then inhaled through a “dab rig.” Cannabis extracts often test between 60-90% THC, which means it doesn’t take much to overdose. Because this is a relatively new practice, long-term effects of dabbing are not well-known. Until research thoroughly examines the long-term risks of dabbed extracts it’s not possible to know what dangers are associated with prolonged use.

What can I say to get my kids to listen to me?

Research shows that even though parents often think that their kids aren’t interested in what they have to say, kids do care what their parents think and do listen when parents talk. For more information on how to start a conversation with your child, see the handouts and resources on this page.