Friends of Youth and the Snoqualmie Valley Community Network joined together to present a Talking with Teens about Marijuana workshop. The workshop was led by David Flack, a certified Chemical Dependency Professional and Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate from Friends of Youth.
Participants spent time discussing the myths and facts related to teen marijuana use as well as short-term and long-term effects. Many participants were surprised to learn that the majority of teens using marijuana in our state get it from someone with a medical marijuana card. Participants were also surprised to learn that the active ingredient or THC content in marijuana has increased to 33% (in medical marijuana) and that is much different than the 3% THC content some adults remember from when they were teens or young adults.
The group also discussed the various stages of use that range from no use, to occasional use, to misuse, to abuse, and then to addiction. Officer Parker from the Duvall-Carnation Police Department joined the conversation to share his training as a Drug Recognition Expert. Officer Parker emphasized that, “Delaying first use is the best way to prevent substance abuse.” He also noted that prescription drug abuse is an area that we as a community need to be paying attention to as usage is going up.
The group briefly discussed what would happen if I-502 (marijuana legalization for 21 and over) passed. Officer Parker reminded the group that even if the initiative passed, it would still be illegal for people under 21 to possess or use marijuana.
Most of the participants were interested in learning how to talk to their own kids or the youth they work with about drug abuse. Key take away messages about talking with teens included:
- Talking about facts & the effects of drug abuse is most useful BEFORE someone starts using.
- Focus on Positives: Talk about what’s important to your teen? What’s good about not using?
- Lectures, threats, & punishments don’t change behavior.
- Make sure your teen knows your family’s rules, and follow through with logical consequences if needed.
- Keep your talks simple and direct; avoid big words and statistics.
- Meet your teen where they are at.
The participants were thrilled when a local high schooler decided to join the conversation. The participants asked him what had worked in his life that kept him making healthy choices. He gave the parents in the room this advice:
- Know who your kids are hanging out with
- Know where your kids are at
- Show up when they least expect it
Friends of Youth and the Snoqualmie Valley Community Network plan to offer this workshop again. If you have Talking with Teen topics that you would like to see presented, please email your ideas to svcn@msn.com.
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