Is Your Child Smoking Marijuana

Is Your Child Smoking Marijuana Addiction Drug Use Marijuana Print How to Tell If Your Child Has Been Using Marijuana By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on July 11, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 15, 2020 krisanapong detraphiphat / Getty Images More in Addiction Drug Use Marijuana Cocaine Heroin Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Opioids Prescription Medications Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery Naturally, most parents would prefer not to find out that their children are smoking marijuana while they are young. Even if you have a tolerant attitude toward marijuana or perhaps smoke itâ€"or used to smoke itâ€"yourself, you probably would not want your young children to use it due to the damage it can do to their young, developing brains. Or, you may be like many parents and think that your child will not get involved with drugs or alcohol, because you have discussed the dangers with them, and besides, smoking weed is something that older children do, not your child. Kids Are Using Marijuana at Earlier Ages These Days One problem is children today are beginning to smoke marijuana very early in life. National surveys may indicate that the average age that children first smoke weed is 16, but that means many of them started much earlier for the average to be age 16. In fact, one survey of children in treatment for substance abuse  found that 14 percent of them first smoked marijuana before age 13. Marijuana Is More Available Today Another problem is availability. Research has found that availability plays a large role in youngsters becoming involved with substance abuse whether it is alcohol, inhalants, prescription drugs, or marijuana. Make no mistake about it, marijuana is becoming more and more available to young children, even in elementary and middle school. In response to surveys, a growing percentage of teens report that they know someone who sells drugs or know where they can buy drugs. In fact, some teens report they can get marijuana easier than they can alcohol. Legalization Has Changed Attitudes The growth of the marijuana legalization movement in the United Statesâ€"for both medical and recreational useâ€"has had an effect on how children perceive the use of marijuana. Fewer teens report seeing it as harmful or dangerous. And finally, if you are a parent who does smoke marijuana, or even if you merely express approval of the use of weed around your children, they are much more likely to smoke it themselves compared with children whose parents disapprove of the drug. Given all of these factors, you might want to rethink whether or not your child might be involved in marijuana use, especially if they have shown any of the signs outlined below. How to Tell If Someone Has Been Using Marijuana  If someone is actually high on marijuana, there may be some visible signs that they are under the influence: They may seem unsteady on their feet or appear dizzy.They could have bloodshot eyes.They might laugh inappropriately or seem silly for no reason.They may have difficulty remembering something that just happened.As the effects wear off, they may become sleepy. Evidence of Smoking Behavior Even if they are not visibly high, there are some signs you can look for that linger after they have been smoking: The odor will linger and cling to their clothesDrug paraphernalia such as rolling papers or pipesSudden uncharacteristic use of eye dropsThe use of incense or room deodorizersPro-drug slogans on t-shirts or postersEvidence of smoking, such as lighters, ashes Sudden Behavioral Changes Although these behavioral changes could be related to other typical teenage issues, they also could indicate marijuana use: TirednessHostility or mood swingsSocial withdrawalDepressionDeclining attention to hygiene, groomingDeteriorating relationships Changes in Interests These signs could also indicate other teenage-related problems, they also could be prompted by the use of marijuana: A change in friends or peer groupDeclining grades in schoolIncreased absenteeism or truancyChanges in eating habitsA change in sleep patternsLoss of interest in sports or other activitiesBehavioral problems at schoolBrushes with the law What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Has Been Using Marijuana If you suspect that your child has been using marijuana, you may want to just sit down and talk to them about it. If your child is using marijuana, chances are he or she will deny it and blame any evidence you found on someone else. But, carefully watch their reaction to your conversation with them. If they over-react, that too could be an indication of their involvement with marijuana or other drugs. How about drug testing your child? There are home drug tests available that parents can use to test their children, but be aware that there are some drawbacks when parents decide to test their kids. 10 Pictures of Marijuana to Help Identify Different Forms