Parents have a lot to worry about when it comes to their kids. I wouldn’t know because I only own a dog, but I hear it isn’t easy. Social media, school safety, mental health, tech overuse, and diets are all top parent concerns as we head into 2024. For some families, weed is another critical issue. The worry is particularly pressing for new parents, those who don’t consume, or those who are just getting back into weed themselves.
The concerns are warranted when considering cities like New York City and states like California struggle with unlicensed shops, many of whom aren’t selling the most reputable products. Additionally, health concerns surrounding underage use continue to be lab analyzed. While we don’t have all the data, conclusions so far suggest that early use could present long-term health issues, including less-than-ideal brain development and schizophrenia. In one study, researchers using statistical models concluded that 30% of schizophrenia cases in men aged 21-30 might have been prevented by averting cannabis use disorder. Such figures have been debated among different lab studies but still present a potential grave concern.
There’s much to learn about weed, even on a beginner’s level. The struggle is immense, especially for parents who want answers now. I saw this desire firsthand in 2023 while conducting two Q&A panels with New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif in Brooklyn. The biggest takeaway was clear: Parents have many questions about weed and few trustworthy sources to turn to.
Thankfully, weed is continually being normalized in several ways, including the media. Q&As featuring pot-friendly celebrity parents like Wiz Khalifa are normalizing frank, honest discussions about responsible use and how the plant fits into family life. To provide further insight, I spoke with several parents across …
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Author: Andrew Ward / High Times
