Keeping the Conversation Going: Talking to Teens About Marijuana This Winter Break

The holiday season is here — a time for family, reflection, and connection. With school on winter break, it’s the perfect opportunity for parents to have meaningful conversations with their teens, especially about the risks of marijuana use.

In New Jersey, the numbers are concerning. According to the 2021 New Jersey Student Health Survey, 17 percent of students had reported using marijuana in the past 30 days, and 3 person had tried it before age 13. As recreational cannabis becomes more accessible to adults in the state, teens face new risks. Their developing brains are particularly vulnerable, with marijuana potentially impairing memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. Regular use can even affect academic and athletic performance — and future opportunities.

Beyond that, marijuana use has been linked to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and can increase the risk of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), which makes quitting harder. Yet, many teens underestimate these risks: nearly a third see little to no danger in weekly use.

So, how can parents step in? This winter break, create moments for open dialogue. Use car rides or family game nights to bring up the topic casually. Set clear expectations about marijuana use, emphasizing that your rules are there to protect their health. And stay informed — newer products like Delta-8 THC, marketed as "safer," require a thoughtful discussion, too.

Every conversation counts. By fostering trust and sharing facts, you can help your teen make informed decisions that safeguard their future. Let’s keep the conversation going — because every second matters.

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