Rapidly, marijuana is becoming more and more accepted in today’s world. In Colorado it is legal to possess marijuana, and as of January 1, legal for adults 21 and older to buy retail marijuana. But, there’s a good chance people younger than 21 may be exposed to the drug. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), a 2013 study shows teen marijuana use is at its highest in 30 years, and teens are more likely to use marijuana than tobacco.

As the attitude shifts toward “marijuana is no big deal,” parents face new challenges expressing the risks to their children.

AACAP advises talking to your child when he or she is in elementary or middle school in an open and honest way:

• Listen, pay attention and do not interrupt
• Avoid making angry or negative comments
• Ask your child to give examples of the effects of marijuana
• Offer information about the risks and effects

To help discuss with your child the effects of marijuana, the graphic below shows what happens in the body when you consume marijuana. The full version to print is available here.  Also in marijuana news, the University of Colorado School of Medicine reports the U.S. should prepare for more outbreaks of illness from designer drugs and synthetic marijuana. Read the full press release here.