What Is Marijuana?
Quick Answer
Marijuana is a plant that contains chemicals which change the way a person's brain works. It is legal for adults in some states but illegal in others, and it is never safe for kids. Marijuana can affect memory, thinking, and the developing brain, which is why laws keep it away from young people.
Explaining By Age Group
Ages 3-5 Simple Explanation
You know how there are some plants you should never touch, like poison ivy? Well, marijuana is a plant that grown-ups sometimes talk about. It is a plant that has something in it that changes how a person's brain feels.
Some grown-ups are allowed to use marijuana in certain places, kind of like how grown-ups can drink alcohol but kids cannot. It is a grown-up thing because kids' brains are still growing and it could hurt them.
Marijuana has a strong smell that you might notice sometimes. If you ever smell something funny and strong, you can ask a grown-up about it. It is always okay to ask questions.
The most important thing for you to know is that marijuana is not for kids, just like some other things are only for grown-ups. Your job is to play, learn, and grow, and your brain needs to be healthy to do all of that!
Ages 6-8 More Detail
Marijuana is a plant that people sometimes smoke or eat because it contains a chemical that changes the way their brain works. It can make a person feel relaxed, silly, or confused. Some people also call it cannabis, weed, or pot.
In some states and countries, adults are allowed to buy and use marijuana legally, kind of like how adults can buy alcohol. But in other places it is still against the law. The rules about marijuana are changing in different parts of the world, which can be confusing.
Even in places where it is legal for adults, marijuana is never legal or safe for kids. The chemical in marijuana that affects the brain can mess with how well a young person learns, remembers things, and pays attention in school.
You might see marijuana shops in your town, smell it at a park, or hear grown-ups talking about it. All of that can feel confusing. The key thing to understand is that just because something is legal for adults does not mean it is safe for everyone.
If you have questions about marijuana, ask a parent or trusted adult. There are no silly questions, and it is way better to get real answers than to guess or hear wrong information from other kids.
Ages 9-12 Full Explanation
Marijuana, also called cannabis, weed, or pot, is a plant that contains a chemical called THC. When someone smokes, vapes, or eats marijuana, THC travels to the brain and changes the way it sends and receives signals. This is what makes people feel high, which can include feeling relaxed, giggly, confused, or anxious.
The big thing you are probably hearing about is legalization. More and more states have made marijuana legal for adults over 21. This means adults can buy it from stores, kind of like alcohol. But legal does not automatically mean harmless, just like alcohol being legal does not mean it cannot cause problems.
For young people, marijuana is a serious concern because your brain is in the middle of a huge period of growth. Studies have shown that people who use marijuana regularly as teenagers can have lasting effects on their memory, focus, and ability to learn. Imagine building a house and someone keeps moving the bricks around while you are building. That is a rough picture of what marijuana does to a growing brain.
Some people claim marijuana is natural so it must be safe, but that is not great logic. Poison ivy and rattlesnake venom are natural too. The important thing is what a substance does to your body, not where it comes from. Marijuana can also be addictive. About one in ten adults who use it develop a dependence, and the number is higher for people who start young.
You might run into marijuana at some point as you get older, whether someone offers it to you, you smell it at an outdoor event, or friends talk about it. Having the facts helps you make your own decision instead of just going along with what other people do. Saying no is always an option, and it does not make you boring or uncool. It means you are thinking for yourself.
If you are curious or confused about marijuana, especially with all the changing laws, talk to a parent or another trusted adult. Getting honest answers is way better than relying on what you hear from other kids or see on social media.
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Tips for Parents
Marijuana can be a challenging topic to discuss with your child. Here are some practical tips to help guide the conversation:
DO: Follow your child's lead. Let them ask questions at their own pace rather than overwhelming them with information they haven't asked for yet. If they seem satisfied with a simple answer, that's okay — they'll come back with more questions when they're ready.
DO: Use honest, age-appropriate language. You don't need to share every detail, but avoid making up stories or deflecting. Kids can sense when you're being evasive, and honesty builds trust.
DO: Validate their feelings. Whatever emotion your child has in response to learning about marijuana, acknowledge it. Say things like 'It makes sense that you'd feel that way' or 'That's a really good question.'
DON'T: Don't dismiss their curiosity. Responses like 'You're too young for that' or 'Don't worry about it' can make children feel like their questions are wrong or shameful. If you're not ready to answer, say 'That's an important question. Let me think about the best way to explain it, and we'll talk about it tonight.'
DO: Create an ongoing dialogue. One conversation usually isn't enough. Let your child know that they can always come back to you with more questions about marijuana. This makes them more likely to come to you rather than seeking potentially unreliable sources.
Common Follow-Up Questions Kids Ask
After discussing marijuana, your child might also ask:
Why is marijuana legal in some places but not others?
Different states and countries have different opinions on marijuana. Some believe adults should be allowed to choose for themselves, similar to alcohol. Others think the risks are too high. The laws have been changing a lot in recent years, but everywhere agrees it should not be used by kids or teenagers.
Can marijuana be used as medicine?
Yes, some doctors recommend medical marijuana for certain conditions in adults, like severe pain or some seizure disorders. But medical marijuana is carefully controlled by doctors, just like any other medicine. It is very different from someone using it on their own.
Is marijuana addictive?
Yes, it can be. About one in ten people who use marijuana develop a dependency, meaning they feel like they need it and have a hard time stopping. For people who start using it as teenagers, the risk is even higher, roughly one in six.
What does marijuana smell like?
Marijuana has a very strong, skunky smell that is hard to miss. You might notice it in public places sometimes. That smell comes from chemicals in the plant. If you notice it, you do not need to worry about your safety just from smelling it in the open air.
What should I say if someone offers me marijuana?
A simple no thanks is enough. You do not need to explain yourself or make up an excuse. If the person keeps pushing, walk away. Real friends respect your choices. If you feel pressured or unsafe, tell a trusted adult.
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