08/24/2026
One of the biggest things we need to remember as cannabis becomes more normalized is that legal for adults does not mean safe for kids or developing brains.
The way cannabis is viewed has changed a lot, and that change is trickling down to our kids. According to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the percentage of youth who said their parents would think it was wrong or very wrong for them to smoke ma*****na dropped from 82% in 2013 to 76% in 2023.
Whether we realize it or not, the messages our kids are getting matter. With increased availability, stronger products, va**ng, and marketing that can make these products look harmless or appealing, it’s more important than ever for parents and trusted adults to stay informed and involved. CDC's YRBS tracks health-related behaviors and trends among U.S. high school students.
Here are 7 things I think are important for parents and adults to keep in mind:
1️⃣ Legal for adults does NOT mean safe for youth.
The brain is still developing well into the 20s. Cannabis use during adolescence can affect areas related to memory, emotional regulation, learning, and decision-making.
2️⃣ Potency matters.
Cannabis products today can be much stronger than what was available years ago. Higher levels of THC can also come with greater risks, especially for young people.
3️⃣ Availability has increased.
Our kids are exposed to more messages about cannabis than ever before—whether it’s online, in their communities, or through their peers. Access is easier than many parents may realize.
4️⃣ What we say—and HOW we say it—matters.
Our kids are going to hear about cannabis whether the conversation starts with us or not. Instead of just lecturing, we need to ask questions, listen, and create an environment where they feel like they can be honest with us.
5️⃣ Products and marketing can be tricky.
Some products are packaged in ways that may look appealing to young people, while some v**e products can be easy to hide or mistaken for everyday items.
6️⃣ Youth use is still a concern.
National YRBS data show that about 17% of high school students reported current ma*****na use in 2023. The long-term trend has declined, but that doesn’t mean the conversation can stop—especially as products, potency, and access continue to change.
7️⃣ Laws continue to change, but the risks for youth don't disappear.
Laws vary from state to state, and the legal status of a product does not automatically mean it is safe for young people. As things continue to change, staying informed and having honest conversations with our kids is more important than ever.
This isn’t about lecturing or trying to scare our kids. It’s about being informed, paying attention, and keeping the lines of communication open.
The more cannabis becomes normalized around us, the more intentional we need to be about making sure our kids understand that “legal” and “safe” are not always the same thing.
Our kids need adults they can talk to, adults who will listen, and adults who are willing to have the hard conversations. 💬
Source: The Partnership@drugfreeNH
