Minnesota legalized adult use of cannabis last year, changing the landscape of how cannabis shows up in our communities.  As the landscape shifts, new challenges emerge.  How do parents talk with young people about the health impacts of cannabis?  While most adults and youth do not use cannabis on a regular basis, how do those who choose to use cannabis know how to do so more safely?   A public health approach to cannabis can help individuals answer these questions by providing science-based education and support. 

Talk with Youth about Brain Development and Substance Use

Human brains are still developing until our mid-20s, and introducing cannabis during youth can lead to impaired memory and concentration, impacting learning.  Parallel to this, the earlier a youth regularly uses a substance, the more likely they are to become dependent (even to cannabis).  

Youth learn the most from parents and trusted adults in their lives.  If they ask you about your own use, a brief honest answer may help them feel more comfortable talking about substance-related issues.  Take notice of how you talk about substances in front of youth.  Let them know how substances affect growing brains (which evidence supports) and help them understand how to protect their future.  

Talk with youth in your life early and often about substances, making sure they know that your primary concern is their well-being. Opening up and maintaining trusted communication makes it easier to talk if a youth is using cannabis and needs help, or if they are concerned about a friend’s use and want to know how to help. Youth are more likely to listen if they feel you respect and understand their point of view and experience in the conversation about substances. This can help lay the groundwork for discussing substance use over time.  Community norms and parental expectations play a big role in what youth determine to be ok or not ok.  As the presence of a substance increases, the views we as society have on it changes as well.  

Support Youth Mental Health and Understand Influences on Youth Substance Use

When we look at prevention, it is helpful to pay attention to the shared risk and protective factors of substance misuse and suicide, since substance misuse and mental health concerns are so deeply connected.

Protective Factors:

• Access to quality healthcare and evidence-based treatments

• Caregivers with healthy parenting and relationship skills

• Connections to caring adults

• Conflict-resolution skills

• Good coping skills

• Connections at school

• Access to financial help

• High community connectedness

• Safe environments

Risk Factors:

• Behavioral health issues

• Physical health problems

• Trauma

• Being bullied

• Poor coping skills

• Social isolation

• Financial and work stress in the family

• Communities with low connectedness

• Access to substances and lethal means

Most Youth in Cook County Do Not Regularly Use Cannabis

It is important to show that most Cook County youth are making healthy choices around cannabis use. As self-reported in the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey, the following percentage of students have never used cannabis or only ever tried it once or twice:

• 63.6% of 11th graders 

• 91.9% of 9th graders 

• 100% of 8th graders 

• 100% of 5th graders

Reducing Potential Negative Impacts of Cannabis Use 

If a person does use cannabis, there are concrete ways to reduce the potential negative impacts using an approach called “harm reduction.”  For example, not using cannabis if you plan to drive or participate in any other activity that would be impaired by cannabis use.  Edible cannabis products take longer to produce the intended effect in a person, so be cautious not to take too much before you know how it will affect you.  Similarly, the potency of cannabis has greatly increased over the years, so exercise caution until you know what a comfortable and safe limit is for you.

Keep all your cannabis products and supplies safely secured in a locked box that is stored out of sight, just like any medications.  This is especially important for edibles or gummies that may look like treats or candy to young children. Reports of young children accidentally eating cannabis gummies and edibles are on the rise.  Eating too much can lead to serious health problems in young children, including confusion, hallucinations, fast heart rate and vomiting. In severe cases, children can experience trouble breathing or even comas. The severity usually depends on child's size and age and how much cannabis they have consumed.

If you are looking for resources or more information, please contact Cook County Public Health at 218-387-3605.