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Cannabis: What Parents/Guardians and Caregivers Need to Know

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November 8, 2022

This information on recreational cannabis is for parents/guardians and caregivers of youth in grades 6 to 12. It provides information about cannabis, risks, signs of a problem, how to help your child, and where to get more information and support.

Bottom Line 

  • Although most youth in Ontario do not use cannabis, even occasional use has risks.
  • For youth who use cannabis often and over time, it can be addictive, can affect brain development and may increase the risk for mental health problems.
  • Cannabis will still be illegal for anyone under the age of 19 in Ontario, even after legalization.
  • Youth are especially vulnerable to the effects of cannabis since brain development is not complete until about the age of 25.
  • Parents/guardians and caregivers play an important role in their child’s life – stay connected by talking to your child, knowing their friends and being prepared to answer questions.

What is cannabis? 

Cannabis, also called marijuana, weed and pot, is a drug that comes from a plant with common strains that include Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. It consists of dried flowers, fruiting tops and leaves that are greenish or brownish. 

Different ways to use cannabis include:

  • Smoked as a cigarette, called a joint, spliff or a blunt.
  • Smoked or vaporized (sometimes called vaping) through a pipe, bong or an e-cigarette.
  • Mixed into a drink or food, such as tea, brownies, gummies and candies, called edibles.
  • Consumed as a cannabis tincture (alcohol-based extract) on its own or added to food or drinks.
  • Heated and inhaled (called dabbing) as oil, wax, or in a form called shatter that is made from cannabis resin or hash.

How does cannabis make you feel? 

Cannabis contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a chemical that causes the mental and physical effects known as feeling “high”. Cannabis can make some people feel relaxed and happy, but it can also cause confusion, drowsiness, forgetfulness, panic, delusions and distorted perceptions. Studies show that the average potency of THC in cannabis today is almost 10% higher than 30 years ago. 

When cannabis is smoked or vaporized, the effects begin right away and last at least six hours. The effects of edibles may begin between 30 minutes and two hours after taking them, and can last 12 hours or longer. Although edibles don’t harm the lungs and respiratory system like smoking cannabis, it can take longer for their effects to be noticed. This can cause a person to consume more in a short amount of time, intensifying the effects.

What are the unique risks of cannabis use for youth? 

Trying cannabis is unlikely to cause serious problems, but even occasional use has harms. For instance, driving after using cannabis may double the risk of having a car accident. Youth who use cannabis early and often for months or years, are at risk of long-term health and social problems. Here are a few examples: 

  • Increased risk of harm to the brain – such as problems with memory, concentration, thinking, learning, handling emotions, and decision-making.
  • Increased risk of mental health problems – such as psychosis or schizophrenia and, possibly, depression, anxiety and suicide, especially if there’s a personal or family history of mental illness.
  • Difficulties with relationships – at home, school or work.
  • Physical health harms – including lung and respiratory problems from smoking cannabis.
  • Addiction – cannabis can be addictive, especially for youth.

What are the signs my child may have a problem with cannabis or other substances?

  • Ignoring responsibilities at work, school, or home.
  • Giving up activities that they used to find important or enjoyable.
  • Using more cannabis, more frequently.
  • Feeling unable to cut down or control cannabis use.
  • Changes in mood (e.g., feeling irritable and paranoid).
  • Changing friends.
  • Having difficulties with family members.
  • Being secretive or dishonest.
  • Changing sleep habits, appetite, or other behaviors.
  • Borrowing money or having more money than usual.

It is sometimes hard to detect a problem with cannabis use. Some signs of a cannabis problem can look like typical youth behaviour. Talk to your child and find out if there’s a problem.

What can I do to help prevent cannabis from doing harm to my child? 

  • Stay connected: Adolescence is a time when your child may want to pull away. Respect their independence, but stay connected at the same time. Build a strong relationship with your child by participating in activities with them and getting to know their friends. Having a healthy relationship will increase the likelihood that you can help them to make informed and safer choices.
  • Talk about it: Have open, ongoing talks so your child understands the effects of cannabis and the legal risks of having, using, selling, or sharing it. Pick a time when you’re both calm. Let the discussion happen casually or ask your child to let you know when they’re ready to talk.
  • Be positive: When talking about cannabis, avoid trying to frighten, shame or lecture your child. Build trust with active listening skills, such as repeating back what they say, using the language they use, asking for clarification, and thanking them for sharing.
  • Focus on safety: Let your child know about safer choices when it comes to cannabis and work with them to establish limits and understand consequences. Be there to help even if cannabis is involved, such as if they need a ride because they don’t want to get in a car with someone who has used cannabis.
  • Be informed: Your child may be learning about substances in school and through other parts of their lives. Be prepared with facts about cannabis so you can respond to questions they may have.
  • Be supportive: Youth use cannabis for many reasons: to fit in, to feel good, or to cope with stress. Be ready to help your child find healthier coping strategies or professional help if needed.
  • Be an example: Reflect on your own use of substances. If you use alcohol as a stress reliever, you might be giving the message that substance use is an appropriate way to handle life’s challenges. Try using other coping strategies, like going for a walk after a stressful day. If your child asks about your substance use, you can be honest but use the opportunity to discuss why people use substances, the dangers of substance use, how to respond to peer pressure, and how your child can reduce risks if they do use.

Getting more information and help 

The resources below offer more information and help for parents/guardians and youth: 

Information Excerpted directly from: CAMH’s Cannabis Information Document