TALKING WITH 

YOUR CHILD ABOUT 

MARIJUANA:

Keeping Your Kids Safe

TAKE ACTION

It’s never too early to talk with your children about 

the risks of marijuana use. Research suggests that 

one of the most influential factors for children is a 

strong, open relationship with a parent.7 Though 

it may not seem like it, children really hear your 

concerns, and it’s important that you discuss the 

risks of using marijuana with them.

Use these tips to talk with your child: 

• Plan to have many short talks;

• Choose informal times to have 

conversations, such as in the car or 

during dinner;

• Continue talking as they get older;

• Clearly state what you expect regarding 

drug use;

• Create family rules together, such as 

expectations when hanging out with 

friends; and

• Let them know you are always there for 

them. 

Talk with your children about having an “exit 

plan” if they are offered marijuana. Peer 

pressure can be powerful among youths, and 

having a plan to avoid drug use can help 

children make better choices. Talk with your 

children about what they would do if faced 

with a decision about drugs, such as texting 

a code word to a family member. Be sure to 

practice the exit plan in a safe environment.

7 National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. (2004). Young children 

develop in an environment of relationships. Working Paper No. 1.

www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov

SMA-18-5081
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE TRYING MARIJUANA

Marijuana is a mind-altering drug made from 

the dried hemp plant Cannabis sativa. It can be 

consumed in a variety of ways—including through 

edibles, oils, vaping, and smoking. 

An estimated 1.2 million youths aged 12 to 17 

tried marijuana for the first time in 2017—that’s 

approximately 3,300 kids each day.1 In fact, about 

half of youths aged 12 to 17 said that it would be 

easy to get marijuana if they wanted some.

It’s important to talk with your children from 

a young age to ensure they understand what 

marijuana is and why they shouldn’t try it. 

THE RISKS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Parents should know the risks of marijuana use 

and start talking with their children about them 

early on. Marijuana use in any form is not safe for 

a child’s brain development.

Risks include, but are not limited to:

• Issues with attention, concentration, 

problem solving, learning, and memory, 

which could cause poor academic or future 

job performance;

1

 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). Key 

substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from 

the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. 

SMA 18-5068, NSDUH Series H-53). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral 

Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 

Administration. 

• Lack of balance and coordination, which 

could increase injury risk when playing sports 

or driving; 

• Poor judgment and decision making2, such 

as having unprotected sex or impaired driving; 

and/or

• Poor school performance, which could also 

affect academic or future job performance.3

2

 Crane, N. A., Schuster R. M., Mermelstein R. J., Gonzalez R. (2015). 

Neuropsychological sex differences associated with age of initiated use among 

young adult Cannabis users. J. Clin. Exp. Neuropsychol. 3 Lynskey, M. Hall, W. (2000). The effects of adolescent cannabis use on educational attainment: a review. Addiction;95: 1621-30.

IS MARIJUANA ADDICTIVE?

Marijuana use can impact your children despite 

it being known as a “natural” substance. Using 

marijuana can lead to a substance use disorder. 

Research shows that trying marijuana from a 

young age increases the likelihood of problems 

with marijuana use later in life.4

Additionally, nearly one in three people who use 

marijuana may have some degree of marijuana 

use disorder.5 One in six people who start using 

marijuana as teenagers will become addicted.6

4

 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The 

Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and 

Recommendations for Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. 

5

 Hasin, D. S., Saha, T. D., Kerridge, B. T., et al. (2015). Prevalence of Marijuana 

Use Disorders in the United States Between 2001–2002 and 2012–2013. JAMA 

Psychiatry, 72(12):1,235–1,242. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.1858.

6 Hall, W. Degenhardt, L. (2009). Adverse health effects of non-medical cannabis 

use. Lancet;374:1383-91.