By: A’Lece Mathison, Graduate Student Assistant, Dept. of Human Development & Family Studies and CSU Extension, and B.S. Early Childhood Education Show
Since cannabis has been legalized for recreational use in Colorado, parents might have questions about what it is and how to talk about cannabis use with their children. Commonly asked questions and their answers are found below.
Cannabis is a drug created from the dried leaves and flowers of the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. It is commonly called “marijuana”, but can also be referred to by these names (The National Institute on Drug Abuse Blog Team, 2017):
Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC, is a chemical in cannabis. THC is responsible for the drug’s mind-altering effects and feelings of being “high”.
Cannabis can be used in many ways. Common methods people use to consume cannabis are listed below (The Partnership, 2015):
Currently, there are no reports of users overdosing on cannabis on its own (The National Institute on Drug Abuse Blog Team, 2017). However, some people do seek help from hospitals for anxiety, hallucinations, and paranoia. For more information about cannabis and how it is used, check out these links:
For more information about cannabis laws, check out these links:
When cannabis is used, the chemical THC (which causes feelings of being “high”), travels through the bloodstream to the brain. When smoked or “vaped”, feelings of being “high” can happen almost immediately and last for 1 to 3 hours (The National Institute on Drug Abuse Blog Team, 2017). When cannabis is drunk or eaten, the “high” appears later – often between 30 minutes to 1 hour after eating or drinking – and can last for much longer (The National Institute on Drug Abuse Blog Team, 2017). This often leads to youth eating and drinking more edible cannabis than is safe since they may want to feel “high” immediately. When THC reaches the brain through blood flow, it triggers the parts of the brain that are linked to pleasure, which causes feelings of being “high.” When THC causes this pleasure part of the brain to activate, the brain releases another chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is released when a person does things that he or she enjoys or makes him or her feel good, such as exercising. When cannabis is used, THC tells the brain to release dopamine, which makes the user feel not only good, but also that THC should be used again. (The National Institute on Drug Abuse Blog Team, 2017). Cannabis causes effects in other areas of the body, not just the brain. When a user inhales cannabis smoke, the blood vessels in their eyes expand, which can make the eyes look red. The user’s heart rate also speeds up. With regular use, this can have negative effects on heart health (The National Institute on Drug Abuse Blog Team, 2017). For more information about the effects of cannabis on the brain and body, check out these links:
There are many negative effects and risks related to youth cannabis use.
For more information about risks and effects linked to cannabis use, check out these links:
Talking with your adolescent about cannabis may seem hard, but it is a good idea to have open and honest communication with him or her. Below are some tips you can use to start the discussion and keep it going. Starting the Conversation:
Keeping the Conversation Going:
For more information about talking with your child about cannabis use, check out these links:
The National Institute of Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/marijuana
Do you have to be 18 to go to a dispensary in Colorado?You must be 21: It's illegal for people under 21 to buy, have or use retail marijuana. It's a felony for anyone to give or sell to, or share marijuana with, anyone under 21. You must present a valid ID proving you're 21 or older.
Can I bring my child into a dispensary in PA?(d) No one under 18 years of age is permitted to enter a dispensary unless the individual is a patient or accompanied by a parent, guardian or caregiver.
Can I bring my child into a dispensary in California?Anyone younger than 18 isn't permitted inside. Many of the laws that govern alcohol and tobacco consumption also apply to cannabis products.
How many dispensaries can you visit a day Colorado?Like Arizona and Colorado, the number of dispensaries you can visit in one day in Illinois is unlimited; however, there is a limit on how much can be purchased.
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