hello, everyone. I realize this is a forum used chiefly by parents, but input from a child I think could be very useful, especially when talking to your own children about drugs is awkward ( which it almost always is).
I am a 17 year old male, senior in high school. I have a solid 3.5 gpa, play in sports leagues here and there, scored a 32 on the ACT and I smoke marijuana recreationally. ive been caught by my parents before and been in anything from intensive outpatient programs to weekly drug counselling. I have never even come close to being in trouble with the law, as I'm not doing stupid things like smoking at school or selling. I probably smoke three to four times a week and am able to function perfectly normally. I use a vaporizer which is far less harmful for the lungs, and that allows me to stay physically active and not put my health as risk quite as much as traditional smoking does. the only
other drug I've tried is mushrooms, which is less harmful than both marijuana and alcohol. I have been using marijuana for about three years.
I realize that not every kid can control their use to where they can function and not get led into harder drugs. however, if you suspect that your kid is using marijuana, don't instantly jump to conclusions. If you put them on lockdown and start testing for THC regularly, you're going down the wrong path. I've seen countless kids my age smoke recreationally and do fine, but then start getting home tested and get into harder drugs that aren't typically tested for, like cough syrup, pills, or "spice" ( synthetic marijuana that is extremely dangerous and harmful) or alcohol. the approach you take can directly impact whether your kid becomes responsible or stops using, or if they spiral down the path towards harder drugs. in my opinion, having known many kids who have gotten caught smoking, the best thing to do is talk to them. encouraging responsibility and safety is far more important in the long run than trying to "show them who's boss".
legality will of course always be an issue when it comes to drugs. but running a red light, driving after you've had a bit too much to drink or being drunk in public is also illegal, and I know plenty of adults who do that. if I were a parent, I would rather my child smoke occasionally than get wasted at parties with alcohol, because it's more impairing and just as much of a gateway drug as marijuana. not to mention that it's extremely common for high school parties to have alcohol readily available.
please don't just write me off because I'm a kid. I've witnessed these things first-hand and I think it's important to be cautious when dealing with a child who you think is using marijuana. If grades slip and motivation is gone, that's one thing. but I feel strongly that if someone can smoke and be functional like me and many other people, taking harsh actions can be detrimental to you and your child's relationship and their overall sense of self esteem and confidence.
so in conclusion, I ask, what would you do if your child was a functioning recreational pot smoker?
I am a 17 year old male, senior in high school. I have a solid 3.5 gpa, play in sports leagues here and there, scored a 32 on the ACT and I smoke marijuana recreationally. ive been caught by my parents before and been in anything from intensive outpatient programs to weekly drug counselling. I have never even come close to being in trouble with the law, as I'm not doing stupid things like smoking at school or selling. I probably smoke three to four times a week and am able to function perfectly normally. I use a vaporizer which is far less harmful for the lungs, and that allows me to stay physically active and not put my health as risk quite as much as traditional smoking does. the only
other drug I've tried is mushrooms, which is less harmful than both marijuana and alcohol. I have been using marijuana for about three years.
I realize that not every kid can control their use to where they can function and not get led into harder drugs. however, if you suspect that your kid is using marijuana, don't instantly jump to conclusions. If you put them on lockdown and start testing for THC regularly, you're going down the wrong path. I've seen countless kids my age smoke recreationally and do fine, but then start getting home tested and get into harder drugs that aren't typically tested for, like cough syrup, pills, or "spice" ( synthetic marijuana that is extremely dangerous and harmful) or alcohol. the approach you take can directly impact whether your kid becomes responsible or stops using, or if they spiral down the path towards harder drugs. in my opinion, having known many kids who have gotten caught smoking, the best thing to do is talk to them. encouraging responsibility and safety is far more important in the long run than trying to "show them who's boss".
legality will of course always be an issue when it comes to drugs. but running a red light, driving after you've had a bit too much to drink or being drunk in public is also illegal, and I know plenty of adults who do that. if I were a parent, I would rather my child smoke occasionally than get wasted at parties with alcohol, because it's more impairing and just as much of a gateway drug as marijuana. not to mention that it's extremely common for high school parties to have alcohol readily available.
please don't just write me off because I'm a kid. I've witnessed these things first-hand and I think it's important to be cautious when dealing with a child who you think is using marijuana. If grades slip and motivation is gone, that's one thing. but I feel strongly that if someone can smoke and be functional like me and many other people, taking harsh actions can be detrimental to you and your child's relationship and their overall sense of self esteem and confidence.
so in conclusion, I ask, what would you do if your child was a functioning recreational pot smoker?