Parents Who Smoke Pot on Legalizing Marijuana

Marijuana Use and Parental Influence

When it comes to marijuana use, the influence of parents on their adolescents is a significant factor to consider. Research shows that teens and young adults are more likely to take up marijuana if their parents use it. The impact of parental marijuana use on adolescents is a topic of debate and concern. Additionally, there can be misconceptions about the legal age of marijuana use, which further complicates the issue.

Impact of Parental Marijuana Use on Adolescents

The behavior of parents who smoke pot can have a direct influence on their adolescents' attitudes towards marijuana. Adolescents may perceive their parents' marijuana use as an endorsement or a social norm, potentially increasing their curiosity and experimentation with the substance. It is important for parents to have open and honest discussions with their children about the potential risks and consequences of marijuana use.

Misconceptions About Legal Age of Marijuana Use

Misunderstandings regarding the legal age of marijuana use can contribute to the complexity of the issue. In regions where adult non-medical marijuana use has been legalized, such as Washington State, one-third of parents incorrectly believed the legal age to be 18 [2]. This misinformation can lead to confusion and may inadvertently influence parental attitudes towards marijuana use by their adolescents.

It is crucial for parents to be well-informed about the legal age requirements in their respective regions to ensure they are providing accurate guidance to their children. Clear communication about legal boundaries can help parents set appropriate expectations and reinforce responsible decision-making when it comes to marijuana use.

Understanding the impact of parental marijuana use on adolescents and addressing misconceptions about the legal age of marijuana use are essential steps in navigating the complexities surrounding marijuana legalization. By fostering open dialogue and providing accurate information, parents can play a vital role in shaping their adolescents' attitudes towards marijuana use. For more information on marijuana use in teens and its potential effects, refer to our article on marijuana use in teens.

Parental Attitudes and Behavior Post-Legalization

The legalization of marijuana has brought about significant changes in parental attitudes and behaviors. Parents' views on marijuana use, particularly in relation to their children, have evolved, and concerns about teen marijuana use have surfaced.

Changes in Parental Views on Marijuana

Following the legalization of non-medical marijuana, parents in states like Washington have reported shifts in their communities and increased exposure to marijuana. This exposure has prompted parents to reevaluate their own views on marijuana and its potential implications for their children.

Many parents have expressed concerns about the normalization of marijuana use and its impact on youth perceptions. They worry that the increased acceptance of marijuana in society, combined with greater accessibility, could influence their children's attitudes and potentially increase the likelihood of adolescent marijuana use.

Despite personal views on adult marijuana use or personal usage, parents generally agree that they do not want their children to use marijuana [3]. Parents cited various reasons for discouraging youth marijuana use, such as financial consequences, health problems, impaired future prospects, and the potential for marijuana to act as a gateway drug. Their united stance against adolescent marijuana use highlights their commitment to protecting their children.

Concerns About Teen Marijuana Use

Parents have expressed concerns about the potential risks and consequences associated with teen marijuana use. They emphasize the need to monitor their children's environment more carefully, especially regarding other adults spending time around their children. The increased exposure to marijuana in various contexts, including public spaces, schools, and friends' houses, has raised worries about their children's potential exposure to marijuana.

The availability of different forms of marijuana, including edibles, topical creams, candies, and beverages, has also become a concern for parents. They are surprised by the variety of edible marijuana products and the challenges they pose in protecting children. Parents emphasize the need to educate their children about the risks associated with these products and to be vigilant about children's exposure to marijuana in different settings.

To address concerns about teen marijuana use, parents are actively engaging in discussions with their children about the risks and consequences of marijuana. They strive to create open lines of communication and provide guidance to help their children make informed decisions.

Understanding parental attitudes and behaviors post-legalization is essential for developing effective strategies to prevent and address teen marijuana use. By staying informed and actively engaging with their children, parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's perceptions of marijuana and promoting healthy decision-making.

Effects of Parental Substance Use on Children

When it comes to parental substance use, particularly illicit drugs, it can have significant effects on children's well-being and the parent-child relationship. It's important to understand the risks associated with parental illicit drug use and how it can influence the parent-child dynamic.

Risks of Parental Illicit Drug Use

Studies have shown that children of illicit drug users are more likely to develop antisocial behaviors, including drug use behavior. Parental substance use presents substantial risks to children's physical, psychological, and social development. It can impact their overall health, educational attainment, and future prospects.

The association between parental substance use and negative outcomes for children can be attributed to various factors. For example, children may be exposed to unsafe environments, neglect, or abuse due to their parents' drug use. Additionally, parental substance use can lead to financial instability and inconsistent caregiving, affecting children's sense of stability and security.

Influence on Parent-Child Relationships

Parental substance use is associated with lower levels of parental support and higher levels of parent-child conflict. Substance use can interfere with a parent's ability to provide consistent emotional support, guidance, and supervision. This can strain the parent-child relationship and contribute to a lack of trust and communication.

Studies have also shown that the overall quality of parental discipline provided in families of substance abusers was poorer compared to a control group [4]. Parental smoking and drug use have interactive relationships with parental personality and behavioral attributes, which can affect parenting behaviors such as affection and rules for children. Protective personality characteristics can be offset by substance use risks, resulting in less adequate child rearing.

The negative impact of parental substance use on the parent-child relationship can have long-lasting effects on children's emotional well-being and development. It is crucial for parents who smoke pot, or engage in any form of substance use, to be aware of the potential consequences and seek appropriate support and treatment if needed.

To learn more about the risks of marijuana use in teens, visit our article on marijuana use in teens. Additionally, parental substance use can also have implications for college students, as it may affect parental monitoring and communication. Discover more about the relationship between marijuana use and college dropouts in our article on marijuana use and college dropouts.

By understanding the effects of parental substance use on children, it becomes evident why it is crucial to address and mitigate these risks. Supporting parents in seeking help and providing resources for prevention and intervention can contribute to healthier family dynamics and promote the well-being of both parents and children.

Marijuana Use Among College Students

As college students navigate their academic journey, the influence of parental attitudes and behavior regarding marijuana can play a significant role in their own marijuana use. In this section, we will explore the importance of parental monitoring and communication, as well as the impact of parental influence on college students' marijuana use.

Parental Monitoring and Communication

Research has shown that parental monitoring plays a crucial role in determining college students' marijuana use. Both before college and after matriculation, parental monitoring has been associated with less marijuana use during college and fewer increases in marijuana use [5]. When parents actively monitor their child's activities and maintain open lines of communication, it can serve as a protective factor against marijuana use.

Communication between parents and college students regarding marijuana is also essential. Studies have indicated that parent communication about marijuana with college students is associated with increased odds of the student remaining abstinent [5]. However, the type of communication matters. Risk communication, which involves discussing the potential dangers and negative consequences of marijuana use, has been found to be effective. On the other hand, permissive communication, which is more approving or lenient towards marijuana use, has been associated with more frequent use, more negative consequences, and greater odds of non-abstinence among college students.

Impact of Parental Influence on College Students

The influence of parents on college students' marijuana use extends beyond the transition to college. Parental monitoring, communication, and attitudes continue to shape the choices made by college students. Greater parental monitoring, both before college and after matriculation, has been associated with less marijuana use during college and fewer increases in marijuana use [5].

It is worth noting that the relationship between parental influence and college students' marijuana use is complex and multifaceted. The quality of communication, the level of parental monitoring, and the overall parenting style all contribute to the outcomes. While open and honest communication about the risks and consequences of marijuana use can be beneficial, permissive communication may inadvertently lead to more frequent marijuana use among college students.

By understanding the importance of parental monitoring and communication, parents can actively engage in conversations with their college-aged children about marijuana. By maintaining an open dialogue, expressing concerns, and providing accurate information, parents can help guide their children towards informed decisions regarding marijuana use. This ongoing parental involvement can contribute to healthier choices and potentially reduce the risks associated with marijuana use among college students.

As we delve further into the topic of marijuana use, it is crucial to consider the potential risks and consequences of adolescent marijuana use, including the long-term effects on brain development and the potential for addiction and health risks. These topics will be explored in the next section.

Secondhand Marijuana Smoke Exposure

When it comes to marijuana use, it's important to consider the risks associated with secondhand marijuana smoke, especially when it comes to protecting children. Secondhand marijuana smoke can be harmful, particularly to children, and it is safest to avoid smoking or vaporizing cannabis in the presence of children at home or in a car.

Risks of Secondhand Marijuana Smoke

Similar to tobacco smoke, secondhand marijuana smoke can enter the system of individuals nearby, including children. The absorption of cannabinoids, the chemicals responsible for the "high," can occur depending on factors such as proximity to the smoker, number of people smoking, duration of exposure, and ventilation in the space.

While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of secondhand marijuana smoke, studies suggest that exposure to this smoke can potentially have negative health implications. Children exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke may experience impaired cognitive function, decreased lung function, and an increased risk of respiratory infections [7].

Protecting Children from Exposure

In light of the potential risks associated with secondhand marijuana smoke, it is crucial to establish rules and laws to safeguard individuals, especially children, from exposure. Just because marijuana is legal does not mean it is entirely safe. It is important to approach marijuana use, including smoking, with caution and consideration for those around you, particularly children.

To protect children from secondhand marijuana smoke, it is advisable to avoid smoking or vaporizing cannabis in their presence. If you are a parent who uses marijuana, it is essential to create a smoke-free environment for your children. This may involve smoking outside or in designated areas away from children. Furthermore, it is important to have open and honest conversations with children about the potential risks associated with marijuana use and secondhand smoke.

For breastfeeding mothers who use cannabis, it is important to note that cannabis can pass into breast milk and can be stored in a baby's fat cells and brain for weeks. If unable to stop using cannabis completely while breastfeeding, it is advised to use it less frequently and in lower amounts to minimize exposure to the baby [6].

By understanding the risks associated with secondhand marijuana smoke and taking necessary precautions, parents can ensure the well-being of their children and create a safe and healthy environment. It is crucial to prioritize the health and safety of children, even in the context of legalized marijuana use.

Risks and Consequences of Adolescent Marijuana Use

When it comes to adolescent marijuana use, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and consequences. The developing brain of adolescents is particularly vulnerable to the effects of marijuana use, which can have long-term implications on their overall well-being. In this section, we will explore two significant aspects: the long-term effects on brain development and the potential for addiction and health risks.

Long-term Effects on Brain Development

Research suggests that exposure to marijuana among youth and young adults, whose brains are still developing, may have permanent effects on executive function, memory, and IQ. This raises concerns about the long-term impact on children's brain development.

Adolescents who begin using marijuana are approximately 2 to 4 times as likely to have symptoms of cannabis dependence within 2 years after first use compared to those who begin in adulthood. Early and regular marijuana use predicts an increased risk of marijuana addiction, which, in turn, predicts an increased risk of the use of other illicit drugs.

Furthermore, marijuana use by adolescents is associated with significant declines in IQ, particularly if use starts in adolescence or young adulthood. The impairments in brain connectivity associated with exposure to marijuana in adolescence are consistent with preclinical findings indicating that the cannabinoid system plays a prominent role in synapse formation during brain development.

Potential for Addiction and Health Risks

Regular marijuana use is associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and psychoses, especially among individuals with a preexisting genetic vulnerability. Heavier marijuana use, greater drug potency, and exposure at a younger age can all negatively affect the disease trajectory, exacerbating the course of illness in patients with schizophrenia.

Cannabis use in children is associated with serious long-term sequelae, including impaired neuropsychological functioning, decreased intelligence quotient (IQ), increased risk of developing psychosis, neuropsychiatric dysfunction, and adverse effects on brain development. Chronic cannabis use in children is particularly detrimental due to the crucial period of brain development during childhood [9].

It is crucial for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to educate adolescents about the potential risks associated with marijuana use. By understanding the long-term effects on brain development and the potential for addiction and health risks, individuals can make informed decisions regarding their own well-being and overall health. Encouraging open and honest conversations about the consequences of marijuana use can help adolescents navigate the complex landscape of substance use and make choices that promote their long-term well-being.

References

[1]: https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1XW2CC/‍

[2]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5035605/

‍[3]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8034260/

‍[4]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1461416/

‍[5]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5098901/

‍[6]: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/health-effects/parents.html

‍[7]: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/secondhand-marijuana-smoke-and-kids-2018060514012