DrugFreeAZKids.org understands the importance of communicating with your children. We want to share the necessary tools and information with you for starting these important conversations. Talking with your child about the dangers of drugs can reduce the chance of them using by up to 50 percent. This is why we bring you a series of regular blog posts, each focusing on a specific drug. It will cover the drug’s common names, effects and the important details parents should know.
Today’s post in our 411 Drug Series examines marijuana edibles.
What is it and what does it look like?
Marijuana edibles resemble many types of food such as snacks and candy products. In addition to “pot brownies,” edibles can be found in cakes, cookies, crackers, gummy bears, lollipops, gum, chocolate, ice cream, cereal and more.
What are the short-and long-term effects?
· Bloodshot eyes
· Dry mouth and throat
· Reduced ability in concentrating and coordinating
· Impairments in learning, memory, perception and judgment
· Intense anxiety and panic attacks
· Difficulty speaking, thinking, retaining knowledge, problem-solving and forming concepts
What every parent should know?
It’s easy to confuse edible marijuana products for a harmless sweet treat, which is especially dangerous to the younger children who might not know better. Marijuana edible products can mimic candy such as Sour Patch Kids, Jolly Ranchers and Gummy Bears.
The mission of DrugFreeAZKids.org is to provide parents with the information they need to educate their kids about dangerous substances. In addition to this blog series, we offer other valuable tools, such as webinars and evidence-based workshops to help parents raise healthy, drug-free children.
To learn more about how to prevent drug and alcohol use by teens, visit DrugFreeAZKids.org.
