It's time for the cannabis talk

Starting the conversation with teens can help prevent early cannabis misuse

What's the big deal?

Cannabis hits teens where it hurts

Cannabis today is stronger than ever and can have harsh effects on developing brains. THC disrupts several processes in the brain, impacting how teens develop important life skills.

THC can damage certain receptors in the brain, making it harder for teens to manage stress, fear, and other feelings. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Because THC messes with neurotransmitters, teens who use weed may feel down or unmotivated more often. 3, 7, 8, 9, 10

The THC in cannabis can impair cognitive functions. That means it can be harder for teens to concentrate, understand, or remember things. 1, 11, 12, 13, 14

Using cannabis before the brain is fully developed can disrupt teens’ judgment calls. This can lead to poor planning, impulsive choices, and risky behavior.15, 16, 17, 18, 19

While the brain is still fine-tuning motor functions, THC can cause structural changes that throw off teens’ balance, reaction time, and certain reflexes. 3, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

THC can damage certain receptors 
in the brain, making it harder for 
teens to manage stress, fear, and 
other feelings. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Because THC messes with neurotransmitters, teens who use 
weed may feel down or unmotivated 
more often. 3, 7, 8, 9, 10

THC can damage certain receptors 
in the brain, making it harder for 
teens to manage stress, fear, and 
other feelings. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Using weed before the brain is fully developed can disrupt teens’ judgment calls. This can lead to poor planning, impulsive choices, and risky behavior.15, 16, 17, 18, 19

While the brain is still fine-tuning motor functions, THC can cause structural changes that throw off teens’ balance, reaction time, and certain reflexes. 3, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

Where do you come in?

Talking about cannabis makes a difference

Being a judgment-free source for information can help teens understand the risks of cannabis. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

Countering misinformation

Social media and friends don’t always get it right. When you talk about cannabis, you know teens are getting real facts.

Setting expectations

Teens look up to you and follow your lead. What you say guides their own choices, even
if they don’t show it.

Creating safe spaces

Normalizing talking about cannabis lets teens know it’s okay to come to you with problems or questions.

How do you start the conversation?

Tips for talking with teens about cannabis

Talk early and often

Normalize talking about cannabis before teens consider experimenting. That could be as young as 10 years old.

Keep it casual

Formal lectures can be intimidating for teens. Find low-stress moments, like in the car, to chat about the risks.

Stick to science

Exaggerations and scare tactics won’t help. Base your conversation on science, like how underage use can impact the growing brain.

Talk with, not at

Keep the conversation two-way by listening to, acknowledging, and encouraging thoughts and questions—without judgment.

Be honest

To help teens understand your perspective, be clear about where you stand on cannabis and the reasons you’re talking about it.

Be patient

It may take a couple of tries to get through to teens, and that’s okay. If you keep the dialogue going, they’ll listen.