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4/20: Do You Know the Pop Culture Significance?
If you remember the 1970s, chances are you’re familiar with “4/20,” a day observed by pot smokers. You may be surprised to know that “4/20” is part of today’s teen popular culture.
On April 20, some teens will observe this day as an opportunity to smoke marijuana. As a parent, you need to be aware of the significance of this day and be extra vigilant in monitoring for drug use.
How to Monitor for Drug Use
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Listen for slang or coded language that could signify drug use: 420, wake and bake, baked, Mary, blazed or blazin’, bong, joint, lit, bud, ganja, etc.
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Ask Who, What, Where, and When. You should always know the details about your teen’s whereabouts, but pay special attention on 4/20 as to who your teen will be with, what your teen will be doing, where your teen will be going and when your teen will be back.
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Watch for paraphernalia. There are many different kinds of pipes and other smoking devices people use for marijuana. Common household items like soda cans and apples can also be used as pipes.
Tell-tale signs include a sweet smoke-like smell and black residue. If you suspect use, you should confront your teen.
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Watch for physical signs of
use. There are distinct symptoms of marijuana use that are fairly easy to tell. Red and bloodshot eyes are a sign of marijuana use, so be on the lookout for recently opened eye drops. Uncontrolled giggling and extreme binge snacking can also be signs of marijuana use.
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Encourage other parents to subscribe to this newsletter. Anyone can join the list by visiting TheAntiDrug.com and entering an
e-mail address on the home page.
You have registered to receive biweekly
e-mail notifications with parenting tips and strategies you can use to ensure that your child
remains healthy and drug-free. Remember, when it comes to keeping kids drug-free,
YOU MATTER.
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San Diego Coalition Launches Anti-420 Day Campaign
On April 20, teens across country will skip school to smoke marijuana with friends in celebration of “4:20 Day,” considered by many as the official marijuana smoking holiday. Coalition leaders worry that the holiday glamorizes drug use.
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Marijuana
More and more studies are proving that marijuana is physically and mentally detrimental to health. It causes respiratory problems, hinders learning and can cause the onset of mental disease.
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Dispel Common Myths About Marijuana
One of the hardest parts in communicating to teens about the dangers of drugs is that there are many countering messages incorrectly stating that marijuana is safe. Some movies, t-shirts, television shows, Web sites and celebrities advocate marijuana use. Talk with your kids about the physical and mental side effects that these sources rarely
address.
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Find Help & Local Resources
Locate the drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs nearest you or call 1-800-788-2800 for informational materials.
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