Youth Cannabis Use Prevention

It Might Seem Like a Vibe. But It’s Really Not

Your brain is still growing. Your goals are just getting started.

We get it — life moves fast, stress hits hard, and everyone seems to have their own way of coping. Cannabis might seem like a chill escape -- something to take the edge off. But here’s the truth: smoking weed early can seriously mess with your brain development and mental health. And that’s not a vibe.

Using cannabis as a teen increases your risk of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Your brain is still wiring itself…and weed gets in the way of that. It can affect how you think, how you focus in class, and how you feel about yourself.

You deserve better than brain fog. You deserve to show up for the things that matter—your passions, your loved ones, and your peace of mind.

 Weed's Not The Vibe When:

• Your mood swings are getting intense
• You're feeling more anxious or paranoid than usual
• Thoughts of sadness or hopelessness creep in
• School or your passions are taking a backseat
• You're using it to cope with stress instead of dealing with it

Things To Keep In Mind When Using Weed:

• Cannabis can lower your ability to concentrate, memorize, and make good decisions
• The earlier you start, the more likely it is to impact your mental health
• You’re not alone if you’re feeling overwhelmed and cannabis isn’t the best way to cope

 Things You Can Do:

• Pause before you say yes. Just because others are doing it, doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
• Learn the facts. Cannabis affects your brain, focus, memory, and emotions—especially while you’re still growing.
• Notice how you feel. If you’re feeling low or anxious, know that cannabis might make it worse, not better.
• Find your coping tools. music, movement, friends, or journaling. Learn healthy ways to deal with stress.
• Talk to someone you trust. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Open up to a friend, mentor, or adult.
• Protect your goals. You’ve got plans and cannabis can throw them way off. Stay focused -- your future is worth it!

They Might Not Say It, But They’re Listening.

Your words matter — especially now.

Being a parent or caregiver to a teen isn’t easy, especially when you're trying to guide them through social pressures, friends, phones, and everything in between. But even when it feels like they’re tuning you out… they're hearing you. And they need you.

 Teens today are under more pressure than ever. Many turn to cannabis thinking it helps with anxiety or stress. But the science is clear: cannabis use before the brain is fully developed can actually increase mental health struggles, affect memory and focus, and derail the goals they’ve worked hard for.

Your role? It’s powerful. Having calm, honest conversations about cannabis—without judgment or lectures—can make all the difference.

 "Weed's Not The Vibe" Signs To Watch For:

• Sudden changes in mood – increased irritability, sadness, or anxiety
• Withdrawal from family and friends, loss of interest in hobbies
• A drop in academic performance or attendance issues
• Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
• Secretive behavior or defensiveness when asked about their activities
• Smelling a skunky or unusual odor

Things You Can Do:

• Start the conversation early. Don’t wait for a problem to talk about cannabis. Make it a normal part of life talks
• Ask more than you advise. Teens open up more when they feel heard. Listen first, then share your values
• Notice the changes. Mood swings, lost interest, or slipping grades might be signs worth checking in about
• Stay calm and consistent. If cannabis use comes up, stay grounded. Judgment can shut the door, understanding opens it
• Share real information. Be honest about the effects of cannabis on the brain and mental health
• Model healthy coping. Show your teen how you deal with stress, and talk about it openly

Tiny Lungs. Big Impact.

Secondhand smoke is more than a smell;  it affects how your child grows.

When you have little ones in your home, you’re doing everything you can to keep them safe — from baby gates to car seats to cutting grapes in half. But what about the air they breathe?

Cannabis smoke, just like tobacco smoke, stays in the air long after it’s gone. Babies and toddlers breathe faster and have smaller lungs, which makes them even more vulnerable to secondhand smoke. It can impact their ability to learn, grow, and stay healthy. Even short exposure in the home or car can affect their development.

And it's not just smoke—edibles and cannabis products left within reach can be a serious danger if accidentally ingested.

Why "Weed's Not The Vibe" In A Home With Young Children:

• Cannabis use can impair attention, reaction time, and judgment, potentially affecting a caregiver's ability to provide consistent and responsive care
• Conflict or stress related to substance use can create an unstable environment that can be detrimental to a young child's emotional and cognitive development
• Young children are curious and may accidentally ingest cannabis products left within reach, leading to serious health risks

Things You Can Do:

• Keep it smoke-free. Don’t smoke cannabis inside your home or car even when kids aren’t in the room
• Step outside and stay outside. Smoke lingers on clothes, hair, and furniture. Avoid bringing it back inside
• Store it safely. Lock away all cannabis products, especially edibles, out of sight and reach
• Know the signs. Be alert for symptoms of secondhand exposure like unusual sleepiness, behavior changes, or trouble breathing
• Talk to others who help care for your child. Make sure grandparents, babysitters, or friends also follow smoke-free rules
• Lead by example. Show your child what healthy choices look like even before they can talk about them