Why Teens Shouldn't Use Cannabis

Children, adolescents, and young adults are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of cannabis due to their developing brains.^1 Cannabis can impact a teen’s present life by increasing their risk for dropping out of high school, and it can affect their future because of the impact cannabis has on a developing brain[1]  that can be significant and long lasting.^2,3Preventing your child/teen from using cannabis, whether that means preventing them from ever using or delaying their start until at least the age of 21, greatly minimizes the negative and long-term impact of cannabis on the brain. To equip you, as a parent or someone in a parenting role, to have conversations with your child/teen about cannabis and the importance of not using during the teenage years, let’s explore the risks of cannabis use, consequences of cannabis use, and specific strategies you can implement to encourage your child/teen not to use cannabis.