Impact of Rising Cannabis Use on Families and Children

Recent studies highlight a concerning shift in substance use patterns, with marijuana becoming increasingly prevalent. Around 70 million Americans use cannabis annually, and parental usage is exposing children to its effects.

Parental Cannabis Use and Its Effects

A study from the University of California San Diego revealed that approximately 6 million children in the United States have a parent who uses cannabis regularly. Concerns about this trend are growing, as highlighted on ‘The Ingraham Angle’ by Laura Ingraham, pointing out that children with such exposure are twice as likely to use cannabis themselves.

Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and the National Center for Biotechnology Information indicate that cannabis use among adults has more than doubled in the past twenty years, currently surpassing 8% of the population.

Increased THC Levels and Addiction

THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, has seen significant increases in concentration. Edibles often contain up to 10 mg of THC per serving, while concentrates and vape cartridges range from 50% to 95% THC. In contrast, the THC content of cannabis decades ago was merely 1% to 2%.

Impact on Children

Cannabis exposure affects children from the womb, leading to a higher risk of premature birth and underweight. Despite the risks, over 5% of pregnant women report using marijuana products. Children exposed to cannabis in utero show a 2.5-times-greater likelihood of using THC products during early adolescence.

Research by Harvard further indicates that a mother’s cannabis use during a child’s first 12 years correlates with the child’s early initiation into marijuana use by age 16.

Parenting Challenges

Regular cannabis use can impair parenting abilities. It is linked to emotional dysregulation, mood swings, impaired judgment, and increased anxiety that affects both parents and children.

Addressing Cannabis Addiction

Lessons learned from alcohol addiction can inform strategies to combat cannabis misuse. Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, advocated for combined spiritual and mutual support approaches, which may be adapted for cannabis users as well.

In Dr. Marc Siegel’s book, ‘The Angels Among Us,’ the journey of overcoming alcohol addiction is depicted, providing insights that could benefit those dealing with cannabis dependency.