Empowering Teens, Parents, and Healthcare Providers in the Cannabis Dialogue
摘要
Substance use and exploration is a common occurrence observed through adolescent development. In recent years, there has been a distinct change in the landscape of cannabis use including the legalization of first medical cannabis and then recreational cannabis in most of the United States. Most youth currently believe there is little to no risk of cannabis use and youth cannabis use rates are currently very high. With the invention and commercialization of concealable cannabis use products such as edibles and vapes, adolescents are using more frequently and more inconspicuously. The developmental implications of cannabis use seen in the communities are not to be understated. Adolescents, parents, family members, and medical professionals are tasked with recognizing the changing landscape of cannabis and the potential impacts it has on youth, including the risks it poses to the various aspects of healthy development and mental health. There are specific interventions teens, parents, and medical professionals can deploy to help reduce the negative impact of cannabis use and promote healthy maturation.