13 keys to knowing if your child smokes marijuana

Using cannabis recreationally it has expanded over the years, especially among young people. Socially considered a soft drug with few side effects, it is often consumed by adolescents as young as 12 or 13 years old.

We are facing a population in the process of growth, assuming consumption a greater danger than usual as it can affect the development process. That is why many parents are concerned that their children may smoke or consume this and other substances. Throughout this article we present a total of 13 keys to know if your son or daughter smokes marijuana.

• Related article: "How to know if my son or daughter takes drugs: 10 keys to detect it"

Cannabis and marijuana: what are they?

Cannabis is a psychoactive substance, a psychoactive substance that produces a modification in the level of activation and the functioning of the brain. This substance comes from the cannabis plant, which has different variants, such as indica, sativa or ruderalis.

When the element to be consumed is the leaves and stem of the plant that are only chopped up, we are talking about marijuana.

The effects of this substance are euphoric at first, and later leave a state of relaxation and analgesia, with a certain sedative effect. Another of its effects is that it facilitates hunger while controlling vomiting. It is also effective as an anticonvulsant.

Due to these effects, marijuana can be applied therapeutically in multiple disorders. It is also used recreationally to de-inhibit and reduce tension and anxiety. However, its consumption can have, especially if it is continued over time and with great frequency, harmful effects. It can cause altered consciousness, loss of concentration and memory, and decreased performance, as well as depressive symptoms and even the so-called amotivational syndrome. Likewise, it can cause perceptual alterations such as hallucinations and even cause psychotic breakouts.

Young people and adolescents, not yet fully developed, have a much greater risk, because in addition to the effects of the substance itself (which are already greater due to its greater susceptibility to neurotransmitters such as dopamine) may see their development process altered.

Signs of marijuana use

Below you can see a series of signals that can serve as an indication that someone is using marijuana. It is important to note that we are only talking about clues, not being aspects that necessarily imply that the person is consuming this substance. Some of them appear while the effects of consumption last, while others appear later or after prolonged use.

1. Lost look

Cannabis it is a substance with psychoactive effects. Although they can initially generate a certain feeling of euphoria, they usually end up producing a state of relaxation and tranquility. For this reason, it is not uncommon for those who consume it to tend to self-absorbed, keeping a blank look.

2. Red eyes

Conjunctivitis, red eyes and a brighter and more moistened look than usual they are also possible signs of the use of marijuana or other substances. Some mydriasis or pupillary dilation is also common.

3. Disinhibition

Marijuana is often consumed due to effects of initial euphoria and subsequent relaxation those it induces. In general, they also tend to cause some disinhibition, restricting behavior to a lesser extent than usual and allowing greater manifestation and expression at the behavioral and social level.

4. Excessive appetite

One of the effects of cannabis is an increase in appetite and the feeling of hunger, which is why it has even been used medicinally in disorders involving weight loss.

In this sense, it is possible to observe that the habitual consumer of marijuana they are hungrier than usual. It is also frequent that they look for sweet and more caloric foods, not being rare that they present weight gains.

5. Recent memory and concentration problems

Memory and learning are influenced by cannabis use. Specifically, it is not uncommon recent memory problems, with some difficulty concentrating and remembering events temporarily close in time. This effect is usually seen in the long term.

6. Insomnia

Although it may seem paradoxical due to the state of relaxation it causes, consuming marijuana can cause different sleep problems once its effects have worn off. The most frequent are difficulties falling asleep or nighttime awakenings.

• You may be interested: "The top 7 sleep disorders"

7. I use incense and gum more frequently than usual

Marijuana has an easily detectable characteristic odor both in the moment in which it is consumed and in the breath of the person who does it. The use of strong incense or gum in an excessive way can be an indication that you are trying to camouflage the smell.

8. Expansive mood

Cannabis, especially in the version from the cannabis sativa plant, is a substance psychoactive that initially causes euphoric reactions to later have an effect relaxing.

It is frequent to perceive a certain level of disinhibition, uncontrolled laughter, and raised voice pitch while the effects last.

9. Decreased attention

The mood and the relaxing and even narcotic effect that marijuana use induces causes the level of attention to decrease. This does not happen only while the effects last, but also in the long term the attentional capacity can be reduced.

10. Cough and breathing problems

One of the most common forms of consumption is smoking, through cigarettes. As such, this involves the maintenance of smoke within the lungs and throat, which, as with tobacco, can cause irritations and cause coughing and even respiratory problems.

11. Incoordination at the motor level

It is common for marijuana to cause a certain level of incoordination between mind and body, also reducing the ability to react to stimuli.

12. Use of objects such as pipes, grinder, rolling paper or mouthpieces.

Marijuana use does not necessarily imply the use of specific instruments for this, but certain objects and elements can be used frequently.

Since it is usually consumed in the form of cigarettes, rolling paper and nozzles are usually required, as well as the use of different types of pipes. Something more specific is the grinder, a two-piece element that is used to grind marijuana buds without breaking components such as resin, with greater psychoactive power.

13. Paranoia or hallucinations

Although it is not as frequent, the use of marijuana can cause changes in perception and even generate hallucinations and delusions, and can even awaken psychotic outbreaks.

This is especially the case with marijuana derived from the cannabis sativa plant or with its different hybrids with other variants.

Does my son smoke joints?

Taking into account all the clues and indications that we have been naming, it will be easier for you to detect if your child smokes joints. In case you conclude that he does indeed have this addiction, keep calm and consult an adolescent psychotherapist.