Marijuana is popular with many of the teenage boys whom I work with in my practice. For parents, it is difficult to know how much they should be worrying about their son’s marijuana use. After all, you cannot become physically addicted to pot, you can’t overdose from it, and it doesn’t usually lead to violent behavior. However, inhaling the smoke is as or more dangerous than cigarette smoke, you can become psychologically dependent on it, it also can interfere with learning and decision making. What is a parent to do? I always advise parents to pick their battles and prioritize safety by making clear to their kids the following rules:
- We do not condone smoking marijuana due to the health risks (both physical and mental)
- Pot or paraphernalia is not allowed in the house (after all it is illegal)
- Under no circumstances can you drive while high
- You are not to go to school high
- You are not to come home high
Outside of these rules I advise parents not to spend all their time trying to catch them in the act. If your son is has a problem with pot you will know, he will get caught in school, come home frequently smelling like weed, etc. If he persists in use in the face of consequences (e.g., grounded, suspended from school, etc.) that is a sign he needs further intervention. There are no real “detox” programs for marijuana, the best choice is an outpatient group program such as the ASAP Program at Children’s Hospital in Boston (which does a great job). The good news is that many teen boys grow out of their “pot smoking stage.” For those that don’t there are treatment options available. Understandably, with references to weed in movies, TV shows and music parents often feel they are facing an uphill battle–but again, pick your battles, prioritize safety and you and your son will get through it.