OPINIONS Is 4/20 Day Influencing Marijuana Use Among Youth

Jody Boulay

4/20 Day is the day to celebrate all things marijuana. Since its legalization in Canada, it has become a growing business. Recreational marijuana has become mainstream. 4/20 events are another opportunity to promote the industry and its products, rightfully so, like any other business.

It’s similar to alcohol companies using Canada Day, the Super Bowl, or the Grey Cup to push new products and brands. There is a strong influence as social media has a broad reach. At many of the larger 4/20 events in Canada, it’s common to see local celebrities, influencers, and companies push their brands and products.

Parents should be aware of this influence and have constructive conversations with their kids about marijuana and its associated risks.

“Prevention and education efforts make a difference. It can ultimately prevent drug use altogether. It also gives youth reliable information to work with. These conversations have a big impact,” said Marcel Gemme, Owner & Founder of Addicted.org.

Statistically, Alberta students reported the third lowest prevalence of cannabis use in Canada. Among grade 7 to 12 students, approximately one in three reported using it once or more per week, according to the Canadian Center on Substance Use and Addiction.

When speaking about marijuana use prevention, consider some of the following tips:

• Lots of small talks are more effective than one big talk. The short and frequent conversations help build trust and a strong relationship.

• Be a reliable source of factual information. Listen to their opinions and answer their questions.

• Avoid lecturing, threatening, and using scare tactics.

• When speaking about marijuana, make your views and rules clear.

• Help them build skills to avoid and manage peer pressure.

• Lead by example.

It’s ok to show disapproval of underage cannabis use. There are reasons to worry. The teen brain is actively developing and continues to grow until age 25. THC has addictive properties, which a young developing brain is more susceptible to.

The adverse effects can include difficulty thinking and problem-solving, issues with memory and learning, reduced coordination, difficulty maintaining attention, and issues with school and social life. Youth also face an increased risk of addiction and mental health issues.

This does not imply that every teen becomes a hardcore drug addict after using marijuana. Yet, the effects of THC on a young developing mind cannot be ignored.

4/20 Day is no longer a counterculture protest. It’s a massive commercial showing how big the cannabis industry has become. Parents’ early conversations with their kids make a difference. If nothing else, they give young people the information they can use to help them later in life.

Jody Boulay is a mother of two with a passion for helping others. She currently works as a Community Outreach Coordinator for Addicted.org to help spread awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol.