Signs a Teen May be Using Marijuana

By
Editorial Team

Signs of Use

Some parents will see signs everywhere, but for others, it will seem to come out of nowhere. While the following signs can be an indication of marijuana use, many of them also have other explanations, so be careful not to jump to conclusions.

Behavioral Signs: 

  • Changes in mood or personality, like increased irritability, laziness, or a lack of interest in usual activities

  • Loss of motivation or decline in grades, including difficulty concentrating or a drop in academic performance 

  • Changes in sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep or excessive sleepiness during the day

  • Secrecy or suspicious behavior, like hiding belongings, being evasive about activities, or going out with new friends

  • Financial problems, such as asking for extra money with no explanation or money that’s missing with no explanation 

Physical Signs: 

  • Red, bloodshot eyes, caused by marijuana smoke irritation

  • Changes in appetite, such as increased hunger (especially for sweets) or loss of appetite

  • Strong marijuana odor on the body, hair, or clothing  Problems with memory, concentration, or following instructions

Other Signs:

  • The presence of drug paraphernalia, like rolling papers, pipes, bongs, lighters with unusual butane refills, or small baggies with loose flowers or buds 

 

Spectrum of Cannabis Use

When we talk about drug use, we often focus on addiction. But for young people, using cannabis for non-medical reasons can fall anywhere along what's known as the spectrum of cannabis use — from no use and low use, to social or heavy use.

Understanding this spectrum can help guide open and informed conversations about what risky use looks like.

No Use

Description 

Thinking about trying marijuana but has not done it yet. 

Key Messages 

  • Ask why they are thinking about it 

  • Acknowledge their curiosity 

  • Remind them their brain is still developing, and early use can cause significant harm 

  • Create boundaries around use focusing on no use and delay until later 

  • Monitor their friends' use and changes in mood and activities 

Additional Info 

  • Create boundaries around use focusing on delaying 

  • Acknowledge that you can’t control them, but hope they take your advice 

  • Emphasize the high risk of addiction and consequences 

 

Experimental or Low Use

Description 

Has experimented with marijuana to see how it feels. 

Key Messages 

  • Ask what they get from it – their "why" 

  • Acknowledge that new experiences can be fun  

  • Express serious concern about using at their age 

  • Create a no use plan with them 

  • Monitor their use and create boundaries 

  • Set expectations for no use 

  • Find alternatives 

Additional Info 

  • Express concern about using at their age but acknowledge their interest 

  • Create a harm reduction, low use plan (e.g., slow and low) if they choose to use 

 

Social or Intermittent Use

Description 

Uses marijuana in social settings, seeing benefits but not harm. 

Key Messages 

  • Speak about the slow, stealthy transition to regular use  

  • Create a clear plan for no use 

  • Ask them to take a 30- to 90-day break 

  • Focus on non-judgment and connection 

Additional Info 

  • Express concern about using at their age but acknowledge their interest 

  • Create a harm reduction, low use plan (e.g., slow and low) if they choose to use 

 

Regular or Heavy Use (Cannabis Use Disorder)

Description 

Uses marijuana regularly, showing physical symptoms like abdominal pain, shakiness, sweating, fever/chills, headaches, and withdrawal. 

Key Messages 

  • Focus on reducing use and lowering potency immediately 

  • Look at co-occurring mental health issues 

  • Talk about alternative ways to manage stress and seek enjoyment 

  • Explore their environmental context and help manage triggers 

  • Meet with a healthcare provider/therapist to intervene 

  • Address withdrawal symptoms with a professional 

  • Focus on non-judgment and connection 

Additional Info 

  • Explore harm reduction techniques with them based on their goals 

  • Suggest meeting with a healthcare provider/therapist to intervene or help with harm reduction 

  • Help them create a plan for themselves 

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