References:

1. Caring for Kids- Cannabis: What parents need to know
2. Sick Kids-About Kids Health – Cannabis and children
3. Drug Free Kids Canada – Talking With Your Kids About Cannabis

Cannabis and Children:

• There is an increase in children accidentally consuming a cannabis product and requiring hospital care
• If your child has consumed cannabis take them to the nearest emergency department or call 9-1-1
• For non-emergent questions about cannabis and your child call 1-800-268-9017 (Ontario Poison Control)

How Does Cannabis Affect A Child?

• Vomiting
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Muscle weakness
• Slowed breathing
• Coma (rare)
• Seizure (rare)

Why is Cannabis more dangerous for children than it is for adults?

• Most children are exposed to cannabis through ingestion and the body absorbs it in an unpredictable way
• Children are smaller and the amount of cannabis per body weight is larger
• The drug performs differently in a child’s body compared to an adult

How Can I prevent Accidental Cannabis Poisoning?

• Store all cannabis products in a locked container, away from food and drinks
• Always buy authorized cannabis products

Cannabis and Teens:

• Cannabis is the most commonly used drug by 15-24 year old Canadians
• 1/6th of youth who use cannabis will develop problematic use
• Cannabis is 2-4 times stronger now than it was in the 1970s
• 90% of addictions begin with substance use as adolescents
  • Adolescents who start using cannabis have a higher risk of developing cannabis use disorder

What Kinds of Cannabis are Teens Using?

• Edibles, vaping, and smoking
• Some teens believe that vaping or ingesting cannabis is safer
  • Edibles can have delayed and unpredictable effects
  • Vaping can be linked to vaping-associated lung illnesses

What Are the Short-term Effects of Cannabis?

• Euphoria (intense happiness and relaxation)
• Difficulty thinking and problem solving
• Short-term memory loss
• Lack of coordination
• Disturbed perception
• Hunger
• Drowsiness
• Paranoia

What Are the Long-term Effects of Cannabis?

• Regular cannabis use can affect brain development because the brain is still developing into the early 20's
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty with REM sleep
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering things
• Falling behind in classes
• Grades dropping
• Dropping out of school
• Substance use
• Chronic bronchitis
• Chronic emphysema

How Can I tell if My Teen is Using Cannabis?

• Ask them
  • Teens are more likely to share this and other important information when they feel they can speak freely with their parents
• Look for signs and symptoms such as:
  • Spending less time with friends and family
  • Change in friend group
  • Seeming moodier than usual
  • Skipping classes
  • Losing interest in hobbies
  • Red, glassy eyes
  • Skunk like smell
  • Owning a pipe, bong, rolling papers, etc.
  • Regular injuries

My Teen is Using Cannabis, What Do I Do?

• Inform yourself about why they may be using cannabis
  • To fit in with friend group
  • Cope with stresses in their lives
• Let them know you care about them and want to provide them with accurate information about cannabis
• Have open discussions about the risks of cannabis
  • Every form of cannabis can be a health risk
• Help them understand that the best decision for their health is to avoid cannabis use
• Ensure they understand the dangers of cannabis and driving and that they should never get behind the wheel after using cannabis

Further Your Learning:

1. Caring for Kids – Cannabis: What parents need to know
2. Sick Kids-About Kids Health – Cannabis and children

Shareable Resources For Clients:

1. Caring for Kids – Cannabis: What parents need to know