It’s time to check in with them.

It is illegal for anyone under 21 to use THC.

Just like alcohol and tobacco, cannabis is not legal for anyone under 21 to buy, possess, or use. That includes smoking, vaping, edibles, and any other method of using THC. This is true in all 50 states, regardless of the laws for adults over 21.

THC is not safe for developing brains.

If you are letting youth or young adults use THC products in your home you could be putting their mental health and well-being at risk.

Teen’s brains are actively developing all the way into their mid-20s. During this time cannabis use can have significant and lasting impacts on the brain including:

  • Challenges problem solving

  • Difficulty with learning and memory

  • Reduced coordination

  • Trouble maintaining attention

How does it have that effect?

  • THC, the psychoactive chemical in cannabis that makes someone feel high, connects to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Disrupting necessary signals from healthy brain chemicals called endocannabinoids can harm the development of connections that are important for learning, memory, and the other functions listed above.

  • Brains that are fully developed are less sensitive to these chemicals so – even though there are still many risks of substance use – adults over 25 are less likely to have impaired cognitive development from cannabis use.

THC harms mental health and overall well-being

Cannabis use has been connected with higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. High-potency cannabis is also linked with hallucinations and psychosis.

Starting cannabis use as a teen also causes increased risk for developing Marijuana Use Disorder, the medical term for a marijuana addiction which is not as uncommon as many people think. About 3 out of 10 people who use cannabis have Marijuana Use Disorder.

Visit the CDC to learn more.

Your kids do.

Safe storage - what is it and why is it important?

It is important to keep cannabis as well as other substances like prescriptions or alcohol out of the wrong hands in your home. Younger children have had more incidents of THC poisoning due to the attractive look of THC edibles. Older children and teens are very observant and are more likely to start using cannabis or other substances when they have access to it.

Make sure that only adults can access cannabis in your home by storing it in a locked container, drawer, or cabinet and following these other tips.

  • Call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 if someone is accidentally exposed to cannabis products

  • Lock boxes can be obtained at a variety of online and local retailers.

  • Uplift is also able to provide lock boxes at local events that we attend. Visit our Events Page to see where you can find us in the community!

Talk to your kids about cannabis

Tips for talking to your kids about cannabis:

  • Start having these conversations early and often, this is easier and more effective than having one long conversation. Take natural opportunities like seeing a reference to cannabis use on TV or a question from your child to start a dialogue.

  • Focus on the facts and how using cannabis can negatively impact their developing brain.

  • Be prepared to answer some tougher questions with this great SAMHSA resource.

Parents have a strong influence on their children’s decisions about cannabis use. Even though it doesn’t always seem like it, children do hear and are affected by their parents’ disapproval of underage substance use. Creating a relationship where these topics can be discussed makes a big difference in a young person’s likelihood to experiment. It is never too early to begin the conversation.

Check out these resources to start the conversation. 

Thanks to our campaign collaborators and partners!

Causewave Community Partners, Aurora Design, Lissa Mathis Design

Coalition partners including IUCC, PFLAG, Rochester Rainbow Union, ROCovery Fitness, Youth Voices Matter, Monroe County STOP DWI, Delphi Rise, Finger Lakes Prevention Resource Center, Center for Youth, Smoking and Health Action Coalition

This campaign was made possible by grant funding from the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports for Special Populations Coalitions