Signs of Marijuana use

What are the ways I can tell if my child is using marijuana?

There are many ways you can tell if your child is using marijuana.

If your child comes home while he is high on marijuana he might have red, bloodshot eyes, be unsteady on his feet, act silly for no reasons, or have a hard time remembering things.

Your child is probably using marijuana if you see signs of drug paraphernalia (pipes, rolling papers) in her room, if you smell smoke on her clothes, if she uses a lot of room deodorizers, or her room has posters promoting drug use.

Even if you see none of those things, your son or daughter might be using marijuana if you notice a major change in behavior or if he or she has new friends that you suspect might be using drugs. But both behavior change and new friends can happen for reasons other than drug use. So also look for depression, withdrawal, carelessness with grooming, or hostility. Is your child doing well in school, getting along with friends, taking part in sports or other activities?

A simple way to find out if your child is using marijuana is to ask. If you suspect your child is using marijuana, it's time to have a conversation about drugs. In a caring, gentle way, let your child know that in your family you have a policy of no drug use. And the talk is not just once in your child's life, but often. The antidrug Web site has lots of tips to help you. You might also want to check out "Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know," at the National Institute on Drug Abuse Web site, www.drugabuse.gov.