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Beyond “Just Say No” How to talk to kids about pot BY KATE GIBBONS
56 INLANDER AUGUST 14, 2014
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SPOK AN COUN E T READ Y ERS
BE AWARE: Marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older under Washington State law (e.g., RCW 69.50, RCW 69.51A, HB0001 and Initiative 502). State law does not preempt federal law; possessing, using, distributing and selling marijuana remains illegal under federal law. In Washington State, consuming marijuana in public, driving while under the influence of marijuana and transporting marijuana across state lines are all illegal. Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. It can also impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For more information, consult the Washington State Liquor Control Board at www.liq.wa.gov.
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“M
om. It’s legal.” This phrase has likely flown from more than one teenager’s mouth when a parent was trying to talk about drugs since the passage of Initiative 502. Regardless of whether a parent indulges or not, talking to your kids about marijuana became a bit more challenging. While many teens — and younger children — insist that it’s legal, the simple fact is that it isn’t until age 21, and can have adverse developmental consequences for children and teens. To assist parents, the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services partnered with Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Social Development Research Group at the University of Washington to create a guide aimed at preventing underage marijuana use. The guide is thorough — tackling the effects and offering tips for teaching your kids about them, signs of underage use, and advice on how to manage marijuana in a house with
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users and minors. Here are a few tips to get you started: START EARLY: Some kids try marijuana by age 14, so the guide recommends talking about drugs as early as fourth grade. Be clear about what your family’s expectations are when it comes to marijuana use. POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: Although many say it is “natural,” marijuana is potentially a harmful drug. Teen cannabis use is associated with many health problems: paranoia, anxiety, depression, hallucinations and even permanent decrease in IQ with prolonged use. SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS USING MARIJUANA: Look for differences in your child’s behavior, such as mood changes, carelessness in appearance, and relationship problems with friends or family. You also may see changes in grades, skipping school, loss of interest in