With the legalization of recreational marijuana in various states, a mixed bag of emotions often arises. On one hand, it’s great that adults can legally partake in cannabis similar to enjoying a drink. On the other, as a parent of teenagers, the increased accessibility of marijuana can be concerning.
Research has shown that regular marijuana use can negatively impact the developing brains of adolescents. Furthermore, cannabis has evolved significantly over the past few decades, now being much more potent and available in various forms such as edibles and vape pens, each with its own dosage levels. Regardless of the numerous studies highlighting cannabis’s medical benefits, it remains a mind-altering substance in its most common recreational forms.
As a parent, I worry not just about the immediate effects of my children using marijuana but also about the potential risks associated with its use. Growing up, I was taught that marijuana could serve as a gateway to more dangerous substances. Merriam-Webster defines a gateway drug as “a drug (such as alcohol or marijuana) whose use is thought to lead to the use of and dependence on a harder drug (such as cocaine or heroin).”
I recall a local police officer visiting my middle school to discuss the dangers of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. His presentation included graphic images of drunk driving accidents, driving home the message: don’t drink and drive, and don’t smoke pot, or you might end up addicted to harder drugs. This fear-based approach resonated with me, leading me to avoid marijuana while opting for alcohol instead, believing it to be a safer choice.
Recent studies, however, indicate that alcohol and nicotine are, in fact, potent gateway drugs themselves. According to a report from The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, underage drinking and smoking often precede marijuana use. One study from 2017 involving mice revealed that those exposed to alcohol were significantly more inclined to seek out cocaine afterward compared to their sober counterparts. The alcohol altered their brain function, leading to compulsive drug-seeking behavior even in the face of negative consequences.
While there is evidence of a correlation between marijuana use and harder drugs, establishing a direct causal relationship is complex. For instance, although many cocaine users have tried marijuana, not all marijuana users have experimented with cocaine. A survey from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revealed significantly fewer people have tried cocaine compared to marijuana, suggesting that marijuana does not universally lead to harder drug use.
It is essential to recognize that neither marijuana nor alcohol is beneficial for young, developing individuals. However, alcohol is more frequently associated with risky behaviors than marijuana use. A study from New York University found that students linked alcohol consumption to unsafe driving and regrettable actions, while marijuana users reported fewer adverse effects.
Moreover, alcohol remains more socially acceptable and accessible than cannabis. Gaining access to marijuana typically requires finding a dealer or visiting a dispensary, which requires identification. In contrast, accessing alcohol can be as simple as sneaking a drink from a parent’s liquor cabinet.
Ultimately, there are no entirely safe options when it comes to mind-altering substances for teenagers. The critical aspect to consider is understanding the underlying reasons for their usage. Factors such as biological influences, environmental conditions, and social situations all contribute to a teen’s drug use. Is your son using marijuana to cope with academic pressure? Is your daughter drinking to fit in? It’s also worth considering any family history of substance abuse.
While recreational marijuana use may be legal in several states, it’s crucial for parents to remain vigilant about their children’s access to alcohol. Research indicates that alcohol serves as a more potent gateway drug than marijuana. Therefore, maintain open discussions about both alcohol and marijuana with your teens. They may roll their eyes, dismiss the conversation, and retreat to their rooms, but don’t underestimate the lasting impact of your words. They are listening, whether they show it or not.
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Summary
This article explores the comparative dangers of alcohol and marijuana, particularly in relation to their effects on adolescents. While both substances pose risks, alcohol is often linked to more unsafe behaviors and is more accessible to teenagers. Parents should engage in open dialogues about both substances, focusing on the underlying reasons for their use.
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