Recreational pot and teenagers
The use of recreational pot amongst teenagers is very common.
I am a teacher and I have worked with youth for eight years from the ages of eleven to eighteen in public schools.
Throughout my eight years I have seen at least six students get caught with recreational pot in school. The students were caught with recreational pot during random searches. Some students were caught with recreational pot based on the way they smell and the way they are acting. Teachers and security guards have sent students to the dean’s office based on the smell of recreational pot and the visualization of red eyes. Many teenagers are interested in using recreational pot because of peer pressure. Teenagers often use drugs and participate in other risky behaviors because it seems that everyone else is doing the same thing. I have taught several health classes and when going over the harmful effects of marijuana, many students would raise their hands and say that recreational pot is legal in many states, so it should not be that harmful. I would always counter with the points that alcohol and tobacco are also legal, but there are students that show the harmful effects on the body and mind. Teenagers are also drawn to recreational pot use because of the way it makes them feel. It is normal to have stress when you are a teenager. Trying to get good grades, fit in with others, do extracurricular activities, and apply to college can be stressful. Many teens say that using recreational pot makes them feel less stressed.