Understanding and Combating the Reasons Teens Give for Using Cannabis

The rising use of cannabis among teenagers is a growing concern for parents, educators, and health professionals alike. Despite its increasing legalization and normalization, cannabis remains a substance with serious risks, especially for young, developing brains. To effectively address teen cannabis use, it’s crucial to understand the reasons they give for turning to the drug and to develop strategies that can counter these justifications.

1. "Everyone’s Doing It"

What They Say: Teens often cite peer pressure or the desire to fit in as a reason for using cannabis. The perception that "everyone’s doing it" can make cannabis seem like a normal, harmless activity, especially when they see friends, classmates, or even celebrities using it.

How to Combat It

Challenge the Myth: While it might seem like everyone is using cannabis, the reality is that most teens do not regularly use the drug. Sharing accurate statistics can help debunk the myth that cannabis use is the norm among teens.

Promote Individuality: Encourage teens to make decisions based on their own values and long-term goals rather than following the crowd. Highlight the benefits of being true to themselves rather than succumbing to peer pressure.

Cultivate Positive Peer Influence: Help teens build friendships with peers who share their commitment to staying substance-free. Engaging in activities that promote healthy, substance-free fun can reinforce that they don’t need to use cannabis to fit in.

2. "It Helps Me Relax or Escape"

What They Say: Many teens use cannabis to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression. They may believe that cannabis helps them relax, escape from their problems, or feel better, especially in the short term.

How to Combat It

Address the Root Causes: Open conversations about mental health are crucial. Encourage teens to talk about their stressors, anxieties, and emotional struggles. Help them find healthier coping mechanisms, such as exercise, mindfulness, or creative outlets.

Educate on the Risks: Make sure teens understand that while cannabis may offer temporary relief, it can worsen anxiety and depression over time. It can also interfere with their brain development, leading to long-term cognitive and emotional problems.

Promote Professional Support: If a teen is using cannabis to manage mental health issues, it may be a sign that they need professional help. Support them in seeking counseling or therapy to address their emotional challenges in a healthy way.

3. "It’s Natural, So It’s Safe"

What They Say: Some teens believe that because cannabis is a plant, it’s natural and therefore safe. They may see it as less harmful than other drugs, especially with the increasing legalization and medicinal use of cannabis in many places.

How to Combat It

Debunk the “Natural” Myth: Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe—many dangerous substances are also natural. Explain that cannabis affects the brain, particularly during adolescence, and can have lasting negative impacts on cognitive function and mental health.

Highlight the Risks of Today’s Cannabis: The cannabis available today is often much more potent than it was in the past, with higher levels of THC. Additionally, vaping cannabis is far from natural. Vape cartridges usually contain concentrated forms of THC along with other chemicals, additives, and flavorings that can be harmful when inhaled. Educate teens on how this increased potency, and the unnatural process of vaping can lead to stronger, more harmful effects, including addiction, impaired memory, and mental health issues

Discuss the Legal and Academic Consequences: Emphasize that even in places where cannabis is legal for adults, it’s still illegal for teens. Highlight the potential academic and legal consequences of getting caught with cannabis, as well as the impact it could have on their future opportunities.

4. "It’s Just for Fun"

What They Say: For some teens, cannabis use is simply about having fun. They might associate it with social gatherings, parties, or just hanging out with friends, believing it enhances their experience.

How to Combat It

Promote Substance-Free Fun: Encourage teens to explore hobbies and activities that don’t involve substances. Whether it’s sports, arts, gaming, or other interests, there are countless ways to have fun without cannabis. -

Discuss the Downsides: Help teens understand that while cannabis might seem fun in the moment, it can lead to negative consequences, such as impaired judgment, memory issues, and even accidents. Discuss how these downsides can ruin their fun in the long run.

Create Positive Social Environments: Facilitate social environments where cannabis isn’t the focus. Hosting substance-free gatherings or supporting teen involvement in groups that promote healthy living can help shift the focus away from drug use.

5. "I Can Handle It"

What They Say: Some teens believe they can control their cannabis use, thinking they won’t get addicted or that it won’t negatively impact them. They may see themselves as invincible or think they know better than adults.

How to Combat It

Educate on Addiction: Explain that cannabis can be addictive, especially for teens. Regular use can lead to dependency, making it difficult to stop even if they want to. Help them understand the real risks of becoming reliant on the drug.

Share Real Stories: Sometimes, hearing from peers or young adults who have experienced the adverse effects of cannabis firsthand can be more impactful than statistics. Stories about how cannabis derailed someone’s goals or affected their life can serve as powerful warnings.

Reinforce the Benefits of Staying Clean: Focus on the positives of avoiding cannabis, like staying sharp, being in control, and keeping their future wide open. Emphasize that staying substance-free gives them the freedom to make the most of their potential.

Empowering Teens to Make Healthy Choices Understanding why teens choose to use cannabis is the first step in helping them make healthier choices. By addressing their reasons head-on and providing them with the tools and knowledge to resist temptations, parents and educators can guide teens toward a safer, substance-free future. The key lies in honest communication, education, and creating environments that support their well-being because the best way to combat cannabis use is to empower teens with the confidence and information they need to say no.

For more information, help, and resources, please visit www.steeredstraight.org or call (856) 691-6676

Our mission is to steer youth straight toward making sound, rational decisions through a learning experience that provides a message of reality to help them make positive, informed choices.