Talking to your teenager about cannabis

Still, the teenage years are marked by the desire for new experiences. So how can we, as parents, help our teens make informed choices and reduce the risks associated with cannabis use?

How many teens are using cannabis?

Teens are at an age when they want to experiment with new sensations and when anything forbidden becomes enticing. They are looking for their identity and independence, but most of all, they want to feel included in a group. This is when the influence of friends sometimes outweighs that of family and this helps explain why young people are drawn to experimenting with cannabis.

Know that cannabis use in adolescence is often occasional, transient, and exploratory. Despite some stereotypes, the majority of youth do not use cannabis. In fact, only 30% of 15-17 year olds use cannabis at least once a year. Moreover, the percentage of high school students who use drugs has been steadily decreasing over the past 20 years.  Among secondary school students, 92% of junior high students and 67% of senior high students do not use cannabis.

How can you reduce the risks of cannabis use?

Despite its legalization, cannabis use is not 100% safe. Since the brain is still developing during adolescence, refraining from using cannabis is the best way to reduce the risks. However, if your teen is using, here are 8 tips you could offer:

1. Timing: Cannabis alters the senses and decreases concentration and coordination. It should therefore be used after daily activities (e.g., after work or school).
2.  Find your own limits: cannabis affects everyone differently and affects can also vary depending on the context. To limit its intensity, choose products with a low level of THC (less than 10%).
3. Limit your consumption: do not consume regularly (e.g. several times a week) and or in one-time large quantities, as this can affect your health and performance at school or at work.
4. Opt for quality products: choose legal products with a low THC content (less than 10%) in order to reduce risks and adverse side effects.
5. Be careful with your lungs: don't hold cannabis smoke in your lungs (taking a big puff and holding it for as long as possible doesn't increase the high).
6. Don't mix tobacco with cannabis: nicotine is highly addictive.
7. Be careful with mixtures: the combination of alcohol and cannabis multiplies the effect of both substances. Mixing can make you sick, vomit, or dizzy.
8.  Go easy with edibles: the effects of edible cannabis take longer to kick in (up to 2 hours) and last longer (up to 8 hours). Therefore, you should start with low doses and wait until you feel the effects before using again.

How to talk to your adolescent about cannabis?

If you are worried about your child or just want to talk about it with them, you are doing the right thing. 

 Not sure where to start? Here are some quick tips:

First, prepare for your discussion! Pick a good time, listen, take the time to actively hear what your teen is saying. Show genuine interest in his opinions! Ask them about their experiences and be understanding and open-minded. Build trust so that he is less defensive and find common ground. Postpone the discussion if necessary. Share your opinions and knowledge with them if they ask. Collaborate with them rather than telling them what to do. Let them know you are available. Get help if needed.  And finally, trust yourself!

To learn more about cannabis and its associated risks click here.

Resources for parents

Do you speak cannabis? – Gouvernement du Québec

Regulation of Cannabis in Québec

References (in French)

Association Canadienne de Santé Publique, Cannabases
Gouvernement du Québec, Le cannabis
Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Dossier Cannabis et santé
Santé Montréal, Lumière sur le cannabis : Parler avec les ados
Institut de la statistique du Québec, Enquête québécoise sur la santé des jeunes du secondaire, 2016-2017