Are you worried that your child might be smoking marijuana? If so, this guide can help you find out, by informing you of the signs and symptoms to look out for when determining whether or not your young one is using pot. Marijuana can be somewhat easy for teenagers to get their hands on,http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_Marijuana.htm and if you suspect that your child is using then there may be a good chance that they are. However, before you can make any assumptions or accusations it is important to be certain that your fears are grounded in reality. This page on how to recognize the signs of marijuana use in your child can help you decide if your worries are well founded or if your child is simply going through the typical adolescent "growing pains."

If your child actually is using marijuana, it is important to know the truth so that the appropriate measures can be taken to prevent further use and to stop your child from possibly moving on to harder and more dangerous drugs. If you discover that your child really is smoking weed, then the next course of action is to have a talk with her or him, keep a close eye on her or his behavior and activities, and consider the possibility of counseling and/or drug rehabilitation.

Before you ever find any hard evidence that your child is using pot, there may be a number of behavioral changes that suddenly crop up. Therefore, the first tip off for many parents is a change in attitude or performance, rather than physical proof. This is why it is important to pay attention to the way that your child is acting, and if suspicious behavior is displayed then it may be time to dig a little bit deeper. Some behavioral signs of marijuana use among teens include:http://www.nicd.us/signsandsymptomsofuse.html

1. A drop in attendance in school or work. If your child has began ditching classes or not showing up at the job, this could be cause for concern.
2. Withdrawal from extracurricular activities or other responsibilities. If you notice a decrease in ambition in your child, particularly when it comes to sports and other activities that they used to show interest in, this could be a sign that they are using marijuana,
3. Wearing sunglasses at odd hours. If your child begins hiding his or her eyes behind shades on a regular basis, even when it is dark out, s/he may be trying to prevent you from noticing red eyes caused by marijuana use.
4. Change in attitude. If your child is now easily angered and makes attempts to shut you out of her or his life, this could be a sign of marijuana use.

Aside from behavioral changes, there are a number of more direct signs that your child may be using marijuana. Symptoms to be on the lookout for include eyes that are red and bloodshot (pupils will probably not be dilated), which your child may try to mask by continually using eye drops. Also, you may notice the smell of marijuana on your child, or on their clothing. If your child begins eating far more than normal, or begins to suddenly gain weight, this can also be a sign of marijuana use.http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_Marijuana.htm

While under the influence of marijuana, you may notice that your child has an unnaturally relaxed, almost sleepy demeanor and becomes easily forgetful. Short term memory tends to suffer in those using pot, and communication may be difficult. In addition, if your child begins wearing t-shirts, jewelry or other apparel that is decorated with pot leaves or other paraphernalia, this can be a good indicator of marijuana use.http://www.empoweringparents.com/marijuana-drug-addiction-and-teens.php

If you find marijuana in your child's possession, they are probably using. The same goes for paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, lighters, bongs or marijuana grinders. Many children may claim that these items "belong to a friend," but the likelihood of this being true is fairly low.

Why is it harmful for children and teens to use marijuana? There are actually several reasons. Also, keep in mind that their developing bodies and minds make them more vulnerable to the risks associated with the drug, which can lead to compounded problems later on in life. Here is a list of some of the potential negative effects of marijuana use in the young:http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_Marijuana.htm

1. Marijuana use can cause damage to organs such as the lungs and the heart.
2. Use of pot has been linked to certain types of cancer.
3. Your child could potentially develop a psychological dependence on the drug.
4. There is a chance that your child could develop memory problems.
5. In women, heavy marijuana use can lead to reproductive problems such as irregular periods of menstruation, which can end up leading to issues with fertility.
6. Marijuana has been shown to lower testosterone levels in males, as well as lower sperm count. Not only can this affect their ability to impregnate females, but it can also affect the way that they mature into adulthood, as testosterone is responsible for such changes as penis growth, voice deepening and muscular development.
7. Grades may suffer due to an inability to focus on schoolwork and a drop in motivation.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional advice. Please contact your doctor or a mental health professional before using the information presented here.

Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, although it is legalized for medical use in fourteen states. The content in this page is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Please do not think that just because it is legal in your state that you can freely smoke. You must have a medical card that allows you to smoke marijuana.