Over the last decade, there’s been a truly seismic shift in the way that marijuana and marijuana products are regarded in the vast majority of the United States – but not in Georgia. Georgia is one of just 19 states that can and will still throw someone in jail just for a simple marijuana possession charge.
As a parent, you want to protect your child from a foolish mistake, and the physical, mental and legal consequences of marijuana use by a minor can be severe. But, in an era where vape pens and edibles can mask the odor of cannabis, how do you know if you’re teen is using?
It’s not any one thing, but several
By themselves, every item on this list could be nothing at all. Teenagers are always going through a lot of physiological changes, and they often struggle with intense emotions. A sudden behavior change may not mean anything – unless it persists and is coupled with other signs of drug use, such as:
- Reddened eyes or the frequent use of eyedrops for no known reason
- A general decline in academic performance and/or loss of interest in their hobbies
- Increased problems with aggression, memory, concentration or depression
- Problems with money, stealing or missing valuables
More than likely, if your teen is experimenting with cannabis or other drugs, they’re also increasingly finding ways to stay “under the radar.” That may include disappearing for unusually long periods with their friends or simply shutting the door to their room to self-isolate away from the rest of the family.
If you suspect that your teen is using drugs, it’s time to have a conversation. They may not realize that a simple possession charge for less than an ounce can land them behind bars for a year – and possession of more than an ounce is a felony that will haunt them forever.
