cannabis prevention for parents & mentors. How can we keep youth healthy

cannabis can negatively impact a teen's health.

Parents, Guardians & Mentors:

This page provides facts and resources to help you talk and listen to your teens about cannabis.  Start the conversation today! The California Department of Public Health has created a helpful series of Fact Sheets and FAQs to navigate this dialogue. Check out the content below to learn more information. If you are concerned about a youth or want to find healthy support for a youth struggling with cannabis, please visit Solano County Behavioral Health for resources or contact us at info@vibesolano.com  

Youth and CannabisResponsible UseParents and Mentors

 
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IMPACT ON HEALTH

Cannabis can negatively impact youth in many ways:

  • Like cigarettes, smoking cannabis is harmful to the lungs.
  • Using cannabis regularly during your teen years and your early 20s may lead to physical changes in the brain.
  • Decline in school performance and athletic performance.
Source: (CDPH, 2017; CDC, 2017)

TAKING ACTION

Join us! If you’re interested in getting involved in youth substance abuse prevention efforts, please contact any of our partners below to discuss additional resources and ways to get involved in your community. If you want to get involved in shaping local policy as it relates to youth, these are the ways to start.

CANNABIS CONSEQUENCES

1 in 4 Solano County 11th graders reports having used cannabis 4 or more times. 1 in 5 Solano County 11th graders reports using cannabis in the last 30 days.teens

 

TALKING TO YOUR TEEN

Parents and mentors can make a big difference when it comes to youth using cannabis (marijuana, weed, pot). You can help prevent underage use by starting the conversation with teens in your life to make sure they know the facts and consequences.

#FineNotFine FAQs

How should I talk to youth about cannabis?

Talk openly and provide guidance about the risks of using cannabis. Stay positive and focus on how using cannabis can get in the way of youth achieving their goals. Set shared guidelines and expectations for healthy behaviors. Be aware of your own attitudes and behaviors.

Is it possible to overdose on cannabis?

A fatal overdose is unlikely. However, smoking or eating high concentrations of THC can affect your judgment, perception, and coordination, and may lead to poisoning, overdose, injuries and accidents.

How do I store cannabis safely?

Store all cannabis products in a locked area. Make sure children cannot see or reach the locked area. Keep cannabis in the child-resistant packaging from the store. Cannabis affects children more strongly than adults. Children are at higher risk for cannabis poisoning, especially from edibles. If you think a child may have ingested cannabis, call the Poison Control Center at (1-800-222- 1222). If you think a child needs immediate medical help, call 911.

Will cannabis affect my driving?

Yes. Cannabis can negatively affect the skills you need to drive safely, including reaction time, coordination and concentration. Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and increases your risk of getting into a car crash. If you are under the influence of cannabis while operating a car, boat, or other vehicle, a law enforcement officer can pull you over and conduct a sobriety test.

If I am pregnant, can I use cannabis to relieve nausea?

No. Using any form of cannabis is not recommended for women who are pregnant or who plan to be pregnant soon. If you already use cannabis for medicinal purposes, ask your doctor for an alternative treatment shown to be safe during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about any questions you have about cannabis.

What happens if I am under 21 and caught carrying or using cannabis?

If you are under 21 and caught in possession of cannabis you will be required to complete drug education or counseling and community service (unless you have a current qualifying physician’s recommendation or a valid county-issued medical marijuana identification card). You could also face additional penalties (fines and jail time) depending on where you are, whether it is your second offence and other factors.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Marijuana: The Basics (CDPH) Cannabis Parent Update (CPI) Marijuana and Your Kid’s Brain (Ventura) Marijuana Use and Pregnancy (CDC) What Parents Needs to Know About Marijuana Use in Teens (CDC) What Parents and Mentors Need to Know About Cannabis (CDPH)

FURTHER INFORMATION

Stay tuned to this page for ongoing content updates relating to all things Cannabis. Contact us at: info@vibesolano.com for more information.