Are 4/20 celebrations in states where recreational cannabis is legal influencing teens to use the drug? Recreational marijuana is illegal in Oklahoma, making 4/20 Day less widely celebrated. However, this does not stop the influence it has on youth.
These celebrations have long moved past counterculture protests to significant commercial showings of the industry. Marijuana companies in states where recreational weed is legal leverage the day as an opportunity to promote the industry and its products, similar to alcohol companies using The Super Bowl.
Social media makes it possible to reach everyone. Celebrities, influencers, and businesses push their products and brands at events like The Cannabis Cup or Hippie Hill. It’s hard for teens to avoid the influence of these products.
Parents should be aware of this growing influence and have constructive conversations with their kids about marijuana and its associated risks.
“Prevention and education are proven effective at any age,” said Marcel Gemme of Addicted.org. “The primary purpose is to prevent drug and alcohol use altogether, but it at least provides them with the information they need to make responsible choices.”
In Oklahoma, 24% of residents aged 12 and older used marijuana in the past year. Among 12 to 17-year-olds, roughly 13% had used the drug, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Parents’ small conversations with their kids about marijuana make a big impression. The short and frequent discussions can have a tangible impact on their choices about marijuana, alcohol, and other drugs. Consider some of the following tips:
•Short, frequent conversations rather than one big talk help build strong communication and a trusting relationship.
• It is ok to show disapproval of marijuana use. Make your views and rules clear about the drug. Reinforce why they should avoid it.
• Avoid lecturing, threatening, and using scare tactics; it does not help create good communication.
• Be a reliable source of factual information. Listen to their opinions about marijuana, answer their questions, and provide real-life experience; the conversation goes both ways.
• Help them develop skills to avoid and manage peer pressure.
• Always show genuine concern for their wellness, health, and success.
Teens are more likely to avoid marijuana use altogether when they have a strong, trusting relationship with their parents. These conversations play an integral role in this.
The reality is there are adverse effects associated with teen marijuana use. The teen brain is actively developing and continues to develop until age 25, making the risk of addiction much greater.
No one is implying that every teen becomes a hardcore drug user after their first use, although THC has addictive properties. A young developing brain is more susceptible to the effects.
4/20 Day continues to grow as a massive commercial event in many states where recreational marijuana is legal. Parental awareness is essential, and these conversations and a good starting point.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Jody Boulay is a mother of two with a passion for helping others. She currently works as a Community Outreach Coordinator for Addicted.org to help spread awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
