Until the 80s – parents worried about alcohol, but is a marijuana concern now?
The world is changing rapidly with Canada and parts of the US and Europe legalizing weed. And the majority of the public believes it should be legal, should it increase concern from parents? Everyone agrees, like alcohol, marijuana shouldn’t be used until the early 20s. Part of the reason is both have an impact on the brain development, and the more use, the more change could happen.
There has been a slight yet significant decline in marijuana use was seen for eighth, ninth, and 12th graders, which is very positive. In a general health way, Gen Z is drifting away from alcohol and moving slightly more to weed. Alcohol is more damaging to the brain and general development than marijuana. Overall, it is a healthy trend and California sober is becoming a thing among all ages. But if you have concern, here are signs you kid my be using marijuana.
Look At Eyes/Face
People who have been smoking marijuana often have a difficult time hiding the fact they are stoned. THC helps turn eyes red and squinty and, depending on the magnitude of their buzz, their faces can sometimes more closely resemble a cartoon character. Experienced consumers learn how to hide state. They use eye drops to eliminate the redness, and they’ve learned how much weed they can smoke without getting so blasted that they fall apart at the seams. But teenagers still have a lot to learn about getting high before getting to this level. Changes in their laughter (they are easily amused while alone in their room) could also be an indication.
This is only a sign, allergies, colds, or over screen use can make for red eyes and happiness or drinking can be a reason for increased laughter. If you have a concern, pay attention to routine and behaviors.
Check Laundry For Odors
While smoking is still popular, it tends to be for an older audience. If you notice your kidsclothing smells like weed, this might also be a sign that they are using. Vapes and edibles, do not have the signature odor, making them difficult to detect. Spillage from a vape or unknown gummies can be a clue.
Look for vaping equipment and other smoking devices. It also never hurts to see what’s in their trash. In the mind of a teen, you’d never dig through their garbage to see what the are doing.
Notice Eating Habits
Kids are physical growing, and their metabolisms can go to warp speed. It is the usual reason kids always seem to be in the refrigerator looking for something to eat. They may have had dinner an hour ago, yet they are somehow hungry again. Still, a side effects of marijuana is the munchies, so paying attention to eating habits can sometimes be a tell. If they are making an extra sandwich from time to time, that’s probably nothing to worry about.
But if they start coming out of the kitchen with bizarre culinary creations (we always mixed peanut butter and marshmallow fluff), that may be a clue that they are consuming.. The best way to find out for sure is to just call them out on it. When they sit down with a bowl of ice cream topped with Fruity Pebbles, just say, “What, are you high?” What happens next, the squirming, the paranoid behavior might be all the evidence you need.
The most effective method is to have an open, honest and calm conversation. Teens are smart (although they don’t always act like it), so explaining to them how their actions could have repercussions is not beyond their comprehension. We believe showing teens that we are “on their side” is a better approach to parenting than flipping out.
Everyone makes mistakes, and no one is perfect when it comes to following the rules. Help them understand your aversion to marijuana use is really just about ensuring that they have the best opportunities in life.
It is the time for indulgence…but too much may cause issues…cannabis help with bloating, nausea and more
Cookies, appetizers, eggnog, the holiday is filled iwth treats BEFORE the feast. Families, friends and more will gather together for turkey, beef, carbs and more. But for some, the overindulge comes at a price, stomach issues. A 2022 survey found over 50% experience gastric issues during Christmas. In addition, for some fatty and sugary foods slow digestion, which can lead to bloating. While traditional remedies exist, some are turning to a plant older than Santa as a potential solution for holiday-related digestive discomfort. Cannabis can help iwth holiday stomach issues.
Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating digestive processes. Cannabinoids can help improve poor digestive motility, a common feature of gastrointestinal disorders that can contribute to bloating. By interacting with ECS receptors, cannabis may help regulate the movement of food through the digestive system, potentially alleviating the feeling of fullness and discomfort associated with overeating during holiday meals.
One of the most notable benefits of cannabis for digestive issues is its potential to alleviate abdominal pain and bloating. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of certain cannabinoids may provide relief from the discomfort caused by excessive food intake. Many users report a significant reduction in abdominal pain and bloating when using cannabis, which could be particularly beneficial after a large Christmas dinner.
The holidays can be a stressful time, and stress is known to exacerbate digestive issues. Cannabis possesses considerable stress-relieving properties that can be highly beneficial for those coping with digestive discomfort. By promoting relaxation, cannabis may help ease tension in the digestive tract, potentially reducing bloating and other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.
While cannabis is often associated with increased appetite (the “munchies”), its effects on eating habits can be more nuanced. Some strains of cannabis may help regulate appetite, potentially preventing overindulgence during holiday feasts. Additionally, for those who experience a loss of appetite due to digestive discomfort, cannabis may help stimulate hunger and promote better nutrient absorption.
He is known for working hard and this new tradition is helps him relax. Why not give Santa this special treat at Christmas?
A new holiday tradition is taking root in regions where cannabis is legal: leaving cannabis-infused treats for Santa Claus. This twist on the classic milk and cookies is gaining popularity among adults who want to add a festive and relaxing touch to their Christmas celebrations. As cannabis legalization spreads, more people are incorporating it into their holiday rituals. Instead of the traditional glass of milk and plate of cookies, some households are opting to leave Santa a special treat that might help him unwind during his busy night of gift-giving.
The tradition may have originated with the feast of St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop known for his generosity. Children would leave food and drink for St. Nicholas and his attendants on December 6, and in exchange, they would receive gifts. Over time, this tradition evolved into leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus. The new playful adaptation of a beloved custom reflects changing attitudes towards cannabis and its increasing acceptance in mainstream culture. In fact, BDSA, a leading analytics firm which covers cannabis, shared over 50% of people who use marijuana has had an edible. In fast, even the AARP has embraced medical marijuana since so many of their members are using it for a variety of issues.
Cannabis-infused edibles, particularly cookies, are a popular choice for this new tradition. These treats not only provide a tasty snack for Santa but also offer a potential moment of relaxation during his hectic Christmas Eve journey. However, it’s crucial to remember that these treats are strictly for adult consumption and should be kept safely out of reach of children and pets.
For those interested in trying this new tradition, here’s a recipe for Cannabis Christmas Sugar Cookies Santa (and other adults) might enjoy:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper
In a large bowl, cream together the cannabutter and brown sugar until light and fluffy
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, hemp hearts, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms
Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie
If desired, sprinkle the cookies with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
This new tradition of leaving cannabis treats for Santa adds a modern twist to holiday celebrations in areas where it’s legal. Make sure they are accessible to adults only. Have a merry holiday.
Before Santa Claus, there was cannabis…the history of cannabis and Christmas.
Today’s Christmas is a spectacular affair with music, gifts, lights, and weeks of buildup. The history of the holiday has involved thanks to Coco-cola, the Catholic church and the retail industry. But in the beginning, cannabis has a history with Christmas. T’was teh time before Christmas and all through the lands, marijuana was accepted and part of the plan.
Long before Christianity, various cultures celebrated winter festivals around the time of the winter solstice. In ancient Rome, Saturnalia was a popular holiday honoring the god Saturn, initially observed on December 17th but later extended to last up to a week, ending on December 23rd. This festival involved role reversals between masters and slaves, feasting, and general merrymaking. Another significant Roman festival was Sol Invictus, dedicated to the “Unconquered Sun.” Emperor Aurelian established December 25th as the feast of Sol Invictus in 274 CE, coinciding with the winter solstice in the Roman calendar.
Cannabis played a significant role in ancient pagan winter celebrations, particularly during the winter solstice and Yuletide festivities. These traditions, which predate Christmas, incorporated cannabis in various ways. It was part of a nine-herb blend to smudge homes and stables. This practice was believed to ward off evil spirits and calm the gods during the 12 Raw Nights”(December 25 to January 6 – today, the 12 days of Christmas), when the Wild Hunt was said to occur. It was also seen as one of the sacred plants used to symbolize the return of green life after winter. Evergreens and other plants were brought into homes to represent rebirth and the coming of spring.
And some ancient pagans used cannabis to enhance their spiritual experiences during winter solstice celebrations. The psychoactive properties of the plant helped deepen connections with nature and the changing seasons.
Some scholars believe early Christians adopted the date of December 25th to make their faith more appealing to pagans. However, this theory is contested. The first recorded celebration of Christmas on December 25th appears in the Philocalian Calendar from 354 CE. Interestingly, the Donatists, a group of Christians opposed to any pagan compromise, seem to have been among the first to celebrate Christ’s birth on this date around 312 CE.
Cannabis contributed to creating a green, jolly, and festive atmosphere during the darkest days of the year. Its use in rituals and celebrations helped mark the transition from darkness to light as the days began to grow longer after the solstice. Today, in over 50% of the population, marijuana will again help bring a little chill and joy to the season.