Teenagers are more likely to use cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products if their parents are also users.
That is according to the findings of a study published on Springer Nature Link. The research surveyed 276 teens aged 13 through 17 in Washington state. Each teen was asked about their relationships with their parents and how they perceived the use of cannabis.
The study found that teens who believe their parents were cannabis users had more favorable views toward THC and could even be considering trying it themselves.
Specific Findings
Of the 276 teens surveyed, 32% said they believed their fathers were cannabis users, while 25% thought their mothers used cannabis.
Teens who had a closer relationship with their mothers who used cannabis showed positive attitudes toward THC. They were also more likely to show intentions to use cannabis themselves.
In comparison, respondents who were closer to their fathers also had positive views toward cannabis use, regardless of whether the father used cannabis or not.
The study also found that parental monitoring had a key role in how interested teens were in using cannabis products before they turned 21. Boys whose parents are heavily involved in their lives closely expressed more disapproving attitudes toward THC. This is compared to girls who were also heavily monitored by their parents.
The study's results are similar to the findings of a 2019 research. In that study, teenage participants who had one cannabis-using parent were 1.7 times more likely to use THC themselves. The figure increased to 7.1 times among teens with two cannabis-using parents.
How Can Cannabis Use Affect Teens
Cannabis use during adolescence comes with both short-term and long-term consequences. For instance, THC can cause an accelerated thinning of the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for executive functions like planning and decision-making.
Cannabis use in adolescence can also impair learning and memory and lead to a decline in IQ. This is particularly seen in persistent users. Some studies find teenage users to have a drop equivalent of about six IQ points.
Teenage cannabis users are also at higher risk of developing cannabis use disorder and mental health issues, including depression and suicidal ideation.
