Is 4/20 Day influencing young people?

Guest Column | Jody Boulay

Recreational marijuana is illegal in Iowa and only available for medical purposes under certain circumstances. However, even in states where recreational cannabis is illegal, 4/20 Day (April 20) still is celebrated by many.

Cannabis companies are directly involved in 4/20 events like The Cannabis Cup or Hippie Hill. It's another opportunity to promote the industry and its products, much like alcohol companies use the Super Bowl or St. Patrick's Day.

Legal marijuana is big business. One cannot ignore the influence on young people when celebrities, companies, and influencers push brands and products. Parents should be aware of this influence and have constructive conversations about marijuana and its risks with their kids.

"For teens, there is plenty of reason to worry," said Marcel Gemme of Addicted.org. "Age matters the first time someone uses cannabis. THC has addictive properties that young developing brains are more susceptible to."

In Iowa, roughly 8 percent of 12 to 17-year-olds reported using drugs in the last month. Among those teens, 73 percent reported using marijuana, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.

Prevention and education efforts early on have a real tangible impact on a teen's decisions about marijuana and other drugs.

Strategies for parents

A good approach for parents involves setting goals when talking about marijuana. Consider some of the following pointers:

• Show disapproval for marijuana use, underage drinking, and other drug use. Parents are the leading influence on a child's decision to use marijuana and other drugs.

• Always show genuine care about their health, wellness, and success. Reinforce why they should not use marijuana.

• Be a good source of accurate factual information; if the answer is unavailable, make a point to find it with them.

• Always pay attention to their behaviors and what they are doing so they see this, which helps discourage risky behaviors.

• Build their skills and strategies to help them avoid peer pressure. Practice what to say, play out possible scenarios.

• Listen to their opinions and answer their questions. The conversation goes both ways.

• Avoid lecturing, threatening, or using scare tactics.

• Stick to short, frequent conversations rather than one big talk.

Every little conversation helps.

The cannabis industry has become commercialized, similar in some ways to the alcohol industry. Corporations must continue to grow, sell, and market their products, which always requires new customers.

4/20 celebrations have an influence, and it is something that parents should be aware of. Having constructive conversations now goes a long way.

Jody Boulay is a mother of two with a passion for helping others. She currently works as a community outreach coordinator for Addicted.org to help spread awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol.