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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?


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