Marijuana

​Marijuana is the most widely used drug among today’s youth. At BHS, nearly half of senior students report ever having tried marijuana, and 1 in 4 teens who try it are likely to become heavy users. That trend is on the rise -- the legalization of marijuana for those 21 and older leads teens (and some adults!) to believe it’s not that harmful. However, studies also show marijuana use can negatively impact the teen brain at a crucial time in its development. This can lead to a range of social, learning, and mental health issues, impairing judgment and leading to risky behavior (including driving while stoned).

Knowing the important facts can make family conversations more meaningful. These very short videos featuring Dr. Margie Skeer, Associate Professor at Tufts Public Health and Community Medicine, are excellent primers to get you started.
Important Facts Approval 
​The Dangers of Marijuana Teens Approval 
 What Parents Need to Know Cannabis Approval 
The Effects of Marijuana Edibles on Teens Approval 

LATEST ON MARIJUANA USE IN BROOKLINE
Brookline’s 2023 Marijuana Landscape Assessment gathered and synthesized quantitative and qualitative data to understand the influence and impacts of marijuana, with a focus on youth. The goals were to understand and define the relative impacts of marijuana and other substances and identify priority areas, address health disparities, and establish intervention strategies.  You can read the executive summary and see the full report here.
​
The Culture of Marijuana Use Among Brookline Teens -- What’s Out There & What Parents Need to Know 
Now that marijuana is legal for 21+ and increasingly more accessible, it is important for parents to understand the potency and variety of THC-infused products that Brookline teens might be tempted to try. BHS Peer Leaders made an excellent original 10-minute student video  illuminating “Marijuana Products & Paraphernalia,” part of a presentation called  The Culture of Marijuana Use Among Brookline Teens -- What’s Out There & What Parents Need to Know. ​
“Marijuana Road Show: Products and Paraphernalia” Educational Forum 
BHS Prevention/Intervention Team’s community awareness presentation examined the culture of illicit marijuana use among teens, showing the variety and strength of marijuana-infused products on the market. BHS Peer Leaders shared an original 10-minute video that addressed the new marijuana laws, showed some different types of marijuana products and paraphernalia, and introduced possible mental health consequences of marijuana use on the teen brain. Click here for The Bottom Line follow-up. Participants left with a useful handout as well – “Why Not Pot? Ten Talking Points for Discussing Marijuana with Our Kids.” 

Additional Reading & Resources