Marijuana and Vaping
Marijuana
Our words and actions regarding marijuana impact children’s thoughts and decisions regarding marijuana use. Although marijuana use is now legal in Michigan for people over the age of 21, there are things we can do to protect our young people from consuming underage. This page contains information to help you understand the risks our children are facing today and what you, as a parent, caregiver, or concerned member of the community can do to support a healthy environment for the youth and families in Lake Orion and Oxford.
Underage Use - What Parents Need to Know
Risk Factors
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Lack of parental supervision and/or exposure to marijuana use in the home.
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Exposure to peer pressure or a social environment where there is drug use.
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Easy access to marijuana.
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Belief that there are little or no risks associated with marijuana use.
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Lack of knowledge about marijuana and it's effects.
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Past or present use of other substances, including alcohol.
Mental Effects
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Cognitive problems, such as problems with attention, concentration, problem-solving, learning, and memory.
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Reduced coordination and reaction time.
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Performance issues at school or work.
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A greater likelihood of dropping out of school.
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Poor decision-making and judgment.
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Relationship problems.
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Overall lower life satisfaction.
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Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Warning Signs
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Changes in behavior, such as carelessness with grooming, mood changes, and deteriorating relationships with family members and friends.
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Changes in academic performance, skipping school, getting in trouble at school.
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Seeming unusually giggly and/or uncoordinated.
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Very red, bloodshot eyes or frequently using eye drops.
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Having a hard time remembering things that just happened.
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Drug paraphernalia, including pipes and rolling papers.
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Unexplained lack of money or a surplus of cash on hand.
Physical Effects
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Respiratory difficulties.
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Pregnancy-related risks.
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Increased risk of testicular cancer.
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Severe cyclic nausea and vomiting.
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Adolescent brain development issues.
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Impaired body movement.
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Increased heart rate.
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Bloodshot eyes.
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Altered sensory perception.
Potency and Youth Use
There is good reason to be concerned about youth marijuana use.
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Today's marijuana is different than it used to be. Today's marijuana products are considered high potency (over 10% THC). Pre-rolled products contain, on average, 25-55% THC. Marijuana vapes and concentrates contain, on average, 75-90% THC. High-potency marijuana can result in faster addiction, increased risk of cardiovascular damage, and 5X greater risk of psychiatric disorders.
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Young people today have a much lower perception of risk regarding marijuana use. This is due to the normalization of marijuana in our society. Advertisements, billboards, multiple retail shops, glamorization of use by celebrities, acquaintances, and perhaps even friends and family all impact the way a young person feels about marijuana. Studies show that as youth perception of risk decreases, use increases.
Polices and Laws
What to know about the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (MRTMA):
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It is illegal to purchase, possess, or consume marijuana under the age of 21.
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Adults are prohibited from consuming marijuana in public and in other places whose owners strictly outlaw such activities. This means it is also illegal to consume marijuana in a personal vehicle parked in a public space.
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The state also forbids possessing or consuming cannabis on school grounds, on a school bus, and on the premises of a correctional facility.
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While Michigan permits the adult use of marijuana, operating any motor vehicle, aircraft, or motorboat while under the influence of marijuana is prohibited. Michigan State Police declared that officers reserve the right to conduct field sobriety tests on suspected offenders. Officers can request that people suspected of driving with impairment caused by marijuana use undergo chemical tests. Drivers who fail to submit to such tests can have their driving licenses revoked.
What Can Parents Do?
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Lock it Up- One of the easiest ways to prevent underage use is by responsibly storing marijuana in the home. As a part of the North Oakland Community Coalition's
Protect it, Protect them program, the NOCC works with community partners to hand out free marijuana lockboxes to interested community members in a drive-through fashion. If you are interested in receiving a free marijuana lockbox, please email our Prevention Coordinator Amber Rocheleau by clicking here.
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Have the conversation- As some children begin experiments with alcohol, tobacco and marijuana as young as age 10, it is important to start the conversation early and continue throughout the teen years. Communicate your values and message clearly. Make sure you are up to date on the risks and legal ramifications of youth marijuana use. Share your concern for their health and safety.
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Set a good example- While it might not always seem like it, children listen to what you say and watch what you do.
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Have a clear message- Substance use is not a rite of passage, and not all kids experiment with drugs or alcohol. Teens who use substances have more problems with school, the law, their health and forming healthy relationships. Let them know there are consequences to substance use – both in terms of their health and for breaking your rules.
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Use teachable moments and normalize the discussion- Use that time in the car or when there’s a story about substance abuse in the news to have the discussion.
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Recognize the signs of substance misuse- Significant changes in a teen’s personality, motivation, sleep and grooming habits, appearance and friend group can signal a problem. Missing money or items that disappear from the home may mean something’s going on. Drug paraphernalia that teens try to explain away as belonging to a friends are a red flag. Don’t be afraid to confront your child.
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Get help at the first sign of trouble- Parents often underestimate the seriousness of drug use, especially with alcohol and marijuana. Seek out a professional and ask for help. Reach out to a guidance counselor or call a nearby counseling center to access prevention education and intervention services for an evaluation. Your child’s future depends on it.
Who to Call
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline- SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
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River's Bend PC- River’s Bend is a full-service outpatient clinic that has been serving children, adolescents and adults for over 25 years, and offers comprehensive treatment services for mental health and substance use disorder at several levels of care.
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Adolescent Addiction Recovery Center (AARC)- Located within the Children’s Hospital of Michigan - Troy building, the AARC program's directive is to support and provide treatment to youth struggling with substance use disorders and addiction.