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.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

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.

RELATED: Marijuana Legalization Discourages Teenage Use, Study Finds

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.

RELATED: Teens Are Trying Marijuana Before Alcohol and Tobacco

Have An Open Conversation

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.