Cannabis Use in Teens – Support for Parents

Adolescence is a time of curiosity, identity exploration, boundary negotiation, and risk-taking. For many teens, cannabis may become part of that exploration. Teens often first try cannabis because of curiosity, experimentation, or peer influence. For many teens, experimentation is as far as it goes. For others, it may go a bit beyond that, such as infrequent or occasional use. Teens with this kind of relationship to cannabis tend to enjoy it but it doesn’t play a significant role in their life nor do they develop dependence on it. Often, these teens do not experience significant problems related to their use, and if they do, they usually make the decision to stop. 

Some teens, however, develop a more complicated relationship to cannabis. A habit sticks and turns into more frequent and heavy use. They may not stop using cannabis even when it’s causing problems in their life. This is often where we see the risk of harm increase. 

While it’s my hope that this article is helpful to parents navigating any degree of cannabis use among teens, the main focus will be on more problematic use. We’ll talk about what leads teens to use cannabis more regularly, how to tell when it’s becoming problematic, and what the risks are. It’s my hope to offer several strategies to help you communicate with and support your teen around their cannabis use. 

Get Curious About Your Perspective on Cannabis

Every parent has their own experiences and beliefs about cannabis. Before you continue reading, I invite you to reflect on yours. Consider how these feelings and beliefs shape the way you show up and respond to your teen. Learning that your teen has used cannabis may bring up fear, judgment, or panic – all very understandable reactions that often come from a loving and protective place. The other side of the coin is this: sometimes, reactions that feel judgmental, controlling, panicked or punishing can shut down communication, even when intentions are good. Being aware of your stance and what you bring to the conversation can help you respond in ways that fosters connection rather than disconnection – which is the foundation of being able to support your teen moving forward.

What Leads Teens To Use Cannabis Regularly?

Teens are more likely to move towards regular use when they feel that cannabis serves some kind of purpose in their life. Understanding what that purpose is often shines a light on something going on under the surface, which can provide direction on what kind of support they need. Some common reasons teens use cannabis regularly include:

• Believing cannabis helps cope with stress or difficult emotions. Many teens haven’t yet found reliable strategies to manage stress and tolerate difficult emotions. They may find cannabis offers relief or distraction and helps them relax and feel calm.
• Underlying and untreated mental health challenges. Teens struggling with their mental health, such as depression, anxiety, or insomnia, may self-medicate with cannabis if they find it has an effect on their symptoms, even if temporary. This is one of the most common reasons behind teens developing frequent use or dependence. 
• Finding themselves in peer environments where cannabis use is common. The combination of availability, normalization, and experiencing a sense of belonging can contribute to developing more regular use habits.
• Increased access and decreased risk perception. Since its legalization in 2018, cannabis has become significantly more accessible, normalized, and commercialized. Walking home from school, teens may very well pass by more cannabis shops than they do coffee shops. We unfortunately haven’t seen a proportionate increase in public health education about the risks of cannabis use, including for teens. Research shows many teens perceive cannabis to be low risk and unharmful because it’s so normalized.
• Having ADHD, especially if under- or un-treated. The relationship between ADHD and cannabis use is complex and nuanced, so I’ve provided some resources to learn more at the end of this post. But we know that people with ADHD are significantly more likely to use cannabis and to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD). Getting adequate support and treatment for ADHD can help prevent substance use problems down the road. 

Identifying When Use Gets Problematic

It can be hard to tell when experimentation or occasional use shifts into something more concerning. The following signs may indicate that cannabis is interfering with daily functioning:

• increasing frequency and reliance – using most days, “needing it” to relax, sleep, or cope with stress
• a growing preoccupation with getting or using cannabis and irritability when they cannot
• changes in mood 
• decrease in motivation or concentration 
• signs of anxiety or paranoia 
• significant changes in diet, appetite, or weight 
• withdrawing socially or loss of interest in usual activities
• academic decline or skipping school 
• secrecy or conflicts at home 
• financial problems 

Trust your parental intuition. You know your child best and may be attuned to changes in them that raise a flag for you. Ultimately, when cannabis begins to impact your teen’s well-being, relationships, or ability to manage responsibilities, it’s like signaling a need for more support. 

Risk of Harm with Adolescent Cannabis Use

Talking about the risks of harm with cannabis use is both scary and important. We want teens to understand what the risks are and what increases their risk so that they can make informed choices for themselves. 

Risk As Relative 

When speaking with teens about the risks associated with cannabis use, I find it helpful to move away from talking about it as simply “safe” or “dangerous” and instead think of risk as relative. Using cannabis carries different levels of risk depending on factors such as age, frequency, amount used, potency, mental health, family history, and overall coping skills. 

Factors That Increase Risk 

We know that the following factors are associated with greater risk: 

• early use (starting young) 
• frequent use (i.e., daily)
• having a family history of mental illness, psychosis, or addiction
• having mental illness such as anxiety, depression, or trauma history
• being socially isolated or lacking social support
• using high THC potency (%)
• This is an important piece: many harms of cannabis are linked to high THC potency products, which there is much greater access to nowadays. While potency varies regardless of the form the cannabis is in, it’s most common to see the highest potency in concentrates (dabs & oils) and vape cartridges. Edible and flower options have more of a range with lower potency options available. 

It’s important to consider these factors and speak with teens about them. Teens who check one or several of the above factors are at greater risk of experiencing consequences of their use. 

Possible Harms of Cannabis Use

Some of the possible consequences of cannabis use for teens include: 

• Social and relational impacts. Teens may experience social isolation, spend more time alone, distance from friends or family members, and withdraw or quit social activities and extra-curriculars. Associated mood challenges like irritability and emotional volatility can contribute to more conflict in relationships. 
• Mental health challenges. 
  • Regular cannabis use can contribute to more emotional volatility. This can look like increased irritability, mood swings, or signs of anxiety. 
  • Higher risk for mood and anxiety disorders and more severe symptoms. It can worsen existing symptoms, bring about symptoms for the first time, or create a cycle where temporary relief leads to dependence. It can also make it harder for teens to build healthier coping strategies.
  • Cannabis can increase risk for psychosis for some individuals.
    • Cannabis-induced psychosis is a temporary psychotic state. It most often occurs with long-term, daily, and high-THC potency use. Those with a family history of psychotic disorders are more vulnerable to experience an episode.
    • Teens who have a family history of schizophrenia/psychosis are at greater risk of developing chronic psychotic disorders if they use cannabis (risk increases with high frequency, duration, and potency).
• Academic or work challenges. Teens may experience reduced motivation and concentration, affecting school or work. 
• Adverse physical health effects. Teens who use cannabis regularly may experience sleep disturbances, fatigue, dietary and weight changes, and/or respiratory issues (if smoking and/or vaping concentrates). 
  • Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a specific condition that involves episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. We’re seeing more ER visits for CHS, and it is understood to be caused by long-term, high frequency and high potency use.
• Financial loss. Cannabis is expensive. Teens who use it regularly often experience financial loss and/or conflict with family around spending.

Parenting Strategies for Addressing Cannabis Use With Teens 

Notice and attend to your feelings and fears, while trying to not let them take over your parenting.

By noticing and caring for your own feelings, you are able to be more regulated and therefore connected with your child. If you’re struggling, consider booking a parent counselling session. 

Start with connection rather than control.

When a child is doing something risky, it’s a common parental response to try to control the situation or make them stop immediately. This may look like lecturing them on the risks, taking away their cannabis, or punishing them. While this is understandable, it may lead the teen to shut down, get reactive, or get better at hiding their use. Consider the possibility that this is an opportunity to understand something new about your child, what they’re experiencing, and why they’re doing what they’re doing. When they feel understood by you, they can feel more connected to you, and that connection is the first step to helping them. Connection doesn’t mean approval – it means keeping the door open so you have the opportunity to positively influence what happens next. 

Lead with curiosity.

This fosters connection and creates more openness, honesty, and receptiveness between you and your teen. Being curious helps you learn about the underlying challenges or needs of your teen and also helps your teen grow their self-awareness. 

• Depending on what information you already have, you might start generally with open-ended questions like: 
  • “What’s your experience with cannabis been like?”
  • “When do you find yourself wanting to use cannabis?” 
• Express curiosity about their reasons for using.
  • “What do you like about it?”
  • “Do you find it helps you? How so?”
  • “What does getting high feel like for you?” 
  • “Tell me about it, help me understand what it’s like for you.” 
• Try to gather information about their use, without interrogating them. It doesn’t need to be, nor will it be, a one-and-done conversation. Think bite-size pieces. 
  • “Can you tell me a bit about how often you use it?”
  • “How do you use it, edibles, vapes, joints?”
  • “Do you know the potency of what you use?”
  • “When do you like to use it the most?”
• Gently ask about what they think the consequences of their use are. This is most effective when we’ve also asked what they like about it or how it serves them. 
  • “How does it affect you in ways you don’t like so much?” 
  • “What do you not like about it?”
  • “Have you noticed any challenges or changes since you’ve started using it?”

Reflect what you hear and validate (where you can do so authentically).

Say back to them what you’re hearing and how you’re making sense of what they’re saying. Check in with them that you’re getting it right. This helps them feel heard and understood, even if you don’t agree.

• “So it feels like it really helps you sleep, eh? Yeah, not sleeping well is tough, I can understand wanting something to help.”
• “So it gives you some relief from the anxiety. Am I getting that right? The anxiety must feel so uncomfortable or unbearable at times then, eh?”

Be patient and willing to accept where they’re right now.

Fear elicits urgency, it’s understandable. It’s also important to acknowledge and accept that their willingness to be open, share, and consider making changes to their use may take time. Be willing to accept that you cannot make them tell you information. Some things will remain a mystery until they’re ready to open up. Keep the door open for conversation and revisit it. Consistency builds trust. If progress feels slow, try to make note of and celebrate the small steps and accomplishments.

Talk about risk factors and family history.

Remember the approach of “risk as relative” and invite your teen to think about what factors may put them more at risk. That may include sharing what is appropriate about family history and helping them understand how that can increase their risk. Scheduling a family therapy session may be helpful to facilitate these conversations. 

Share information and express your wish for them to be informed so they can make choices for themselves. 

• Communicate your intention behind sharing information:
  • “I want you to be able to make choices based on all the information.”
  • “I accept I can’t make choices for you, only you can do that; and, it’s also my responsibility as your parent to ensure you have information to make informed choices for yourself.”
• Share credible, balanced information (see resources below). Avoid “fear mongering” such as using exaggerated, alarming, or one-sided messages. Teens may be likely to tune out or dismiss information presented in this way. 
• Share with them in a non-judgmental way what you’re witnessing in terms of consequences of their use. Invite their perspective. 
  • “It seems like your anxiety has been a lot higher lately… I can’t help but wonder if cannabis is making the anxiety worse. What do you think about that?”
  • “I’ve noticed it’s been a long time since you’ve gotten together with your friends. I see you isolating yourself more, and also smoking more, and I wonder if there might be a link there. What do you think?” 

Set clear, realistic boundaries.

Limits and boundaries are needed, without question. While every family, teen, and situation is unique, here are some things to consider: 

• Be clear and specific. Focus on safety-first limits.
  • “We have zero tolerance for you driving while using cannabis. If you’ve used it, call us and we’ll figure out a way to get you home safely. If you drive under the influence, you may lose your license and we will take away car privileges.” 
• Communicate and follow through on predictable, proportional consequences. 
• Think about if the expectation is realistic for where your teen is at right now. Talk openly and ask them if they believe they can meet you there. Setting an unattainable boundary or disproportionate consequences can result in more secrecy. Be willing to negotiate some boundaries to make them realistic; they can always be re-adjusted down the road. 
• Communicate the why behind the boundaries you set. More generally, you might say:
  • “I get that you don’t like this, and I care about you too much to not have any limits around this.”
  • “These consequences are not intended to punish or shame you. I want to help you grow into someone who can make decisions that keep you safe. Your brain is still learning how to slow things down, think ahead, and weigh risks. These boundaries are meant to support that and keep you safe, not to hurt you.”

Talk openly about harm reduction and small, attainable goals they can work towards.

This might look like supporting them to gradually reduce the potency of their cannabis, reduce frequency, delay their use (i.e., to later in the day) or limit use to certain settings/times. Ask them what goals they think are reasonable, suggest ideas of your own, and be willing to compromise. 

Highlight and celebrate all the other parts of your teen.

It might feel like every conversation and thought about your child revolves around their cannabis use. It’s important to focus on all the other wonderful aspects of your child and their true self. Encourage involvement in activities they enjoy, connection with supportive friends, and celebrate their efforts and their accomplishments. 

Help them build alternative coping skills and strategies.

If your teen is using cannabis to cope, they’re going to need help building alternative coping strategies to replace the current one. Teen therapy can be a great place for teens to learn alternative coping skills. Parents can support by encouraging healthy habits, self-care, supportive social connection, and sharing stress management or emotion regulation strategies. 

Seek support for yourself.

You don’t have to handle this alone. Caregiver fatigue is common among parents supporting a teen with substance use and mental health challenges. There is support available for you as a parent. 

A Final Note

Navigating teen cannabis use often feels overwhelming for both the teen and their parents. There’s no such thing as perfect parenting and rupture and repair is an inevitable part of the journey. What matters most is trying to stay connected to your teen, lead with curiosity, and offer guidance, information and boundaries. If you’re concerned about your teen or you believe they could benefit from a space to explore their experience and build healthier coping strategies, we’re here for you and your family. We invite you to reach out to book a consultation for teen therapy, parent support, or family therapy. 

Helpful Resources

The Blunt Truth: Useful Tips About Safer Ways to Use Cannabis (Created for Youth by Youth) 

https://www.camh.ca/-/media/images/all-other-images/research-lrcug-for-youth/lrcug_for_youth-eng-pdf.pdf

Cannabis: What Parents/Guardians and Caregivers Need to Know || Centre for Addiction and Mental Health || https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/cannabis-parent-infosheet-pdf.pdf

Canada’s Low Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines || Centre for Addiction and Mental Health || https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/lrcug_professional-pdf.pdf

Recommendations to Reduce Risk of Psychosis When Using Cannabis || https://eidajpaupnx.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/4_Public-Brochure-231212-LRCUG-PSYCH-EN-print.pdf

Talk Pot With Youth || A Cannabis Communication Guide for Youth Allies https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2019-03/CCSA-Cannabis-Communication-Guide-2018-en_0.pdf

Cannabis and Mental Health || YouthRex || https://youthrex.com/cannabis-and-mental-health/

Is Cannabis Safe To Use? Facts for Youth Aged 13-17 Years || Government of Canada || https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/drugs-health-products/is-cannabis-safe-use-facts-youth.html

Cannabis Harm Reduction || Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy || https://cssdp.org/resources/

Pine River Institute || https://pineriverinstitute.com/