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Time to Talk to Teens About Marijuana
Ohio citizens voted to legalize recreational marijuana in November’s elections, making it the 24th state in the country to do so. Many parents, educators, and therapists are beginning to wonder how this new acceptance of marijuana usage among adults could affect tweens and teens.
“We are anticipating that the legalization of possession in Ohio will lead to increased usage among teens,” said Hope Dangler, LPCC-S, ATR, Clinical Manager at Harbor of Toledo. “As of 2020, over 25% of Ohio teens were using marijuana regularly, and other states report an increase of teen marijuana use when adult access to marijuana is expanded.”
Let’s talk about it
Parents will need to have conversations with their teens on this subject. It is best to keep the conversations open and ongoing while sharing thoughts, perspectives, and information on the possible side effects and dangers associated with marijuana use.
As billboards and mailers will begin to advertise dispensaries, parents can use these visual cues to start meaningful discussions on the subject.
“It’s best to start with a conversation of nonjudgement,” Dangler said. “Opening the conversation with acceptance and lack of punishment will help the tween/teen feel more comfortable being honest. It may take several conversations to get the tween/teen comfortable with honesty. Ask direct questions and hold back any reactions to the answers.”
Dangler said that one starting point may be to gauge the teen’s thoughts on possible benefits and dangers associated with marijuana usage.
“I encourage parents to learn their child’s perception of the benefits. This will help balance the education of sharing the dangers. Start with why the tween/teen is using a drug (for anxiety? To fit in?) and then share the concerns.”
Far from harmless
Proponents of recreational marijuana usage may try to portray the activity as harmless fun, but research has shown effects that are detrimental to the health of adults and children.
“Marijuana use can lead to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), lung damage, and when in withdrawal, can lead to poor sleep and poor appetite,” Dangler said. “ Research shows that marijuana is often contaminated with other drugs, typically due to cross contamination with other substances. In 2019, over 10% of sampled marijuana in Toledo had traces of opioids.”
Teens should learn the risks associated with marijuana usage, especially as it pertains to brain health.
“Research shows that marijuana slows the brain systems and can lead to stunted brain development. The brain is not fully developed until age 25 at the minimum, while other research shows age 28. Any substance use, including marijuana, prior to this age can lead to potential deficits of brain development,” Dangler said.
When to seek help
Families that are impacted by addiction often struggle with where to begin to find hope and healing. Dangler encourages parents to reach out to professionals, who can help navigate a path to recovery.
“If your teen is using drugs, you are not alone,” she said. “Parents should seek additional assistance for a teen’s drug use when they learn about it. There is no such thing as safe drug use. There are programs specifically designed for teen drug use, like The Seven Challenges, which target the teens ability to critically think about all aspects of their life, including drug use. This focus helps teens be empowered to make decisions that match their long-term goals, instead of programs that force abstinence or shame teens for using drugs.”
April’s Free Family Fun in the Toledo Area
April 2
STEM Experiences: Rookie Makers – Make a cardboard candy dispenser!
Join Kool Kat Science and make a candy dispenser out of cardboard and learn a little engineering along the way.
Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo
April 3
Bring your baby, 0-18 months, to listen to stories and songs and then enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with other parents and caregivers while engaging with sensory activities.
Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo
STEM Experiences: Rookie Coders
Dive into the world of programming with Scratch, a user-friendly, block-based coding app in this program presented by Kool Kat Science.
Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo
April 4
STEM Experiences: Rookie Robotics
Join Kool Kat Science and embark on a high-tech journey as you explore the interaction of computer code and robot hardware.
Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo
Enjoy interactive science and engineering with a spark of creativity during Imagination Station’s Tinkering Takeover.
Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo
April 5
Free First Fridays & Make and Take Craft Day
Free admission and a make and take craft each first Friday.
Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green
April 6
This is a monthly theater workshop for preschoolers incorporating song, movement and puppetry.
Children’s Theatre Workshop, 2417 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo
A community-engaging festival featuring live music, kids activities, eclipse education, food, festivities and so much more.
Downtown Perrysburg, Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg
Gizmo’s Science Extravaganza – with Herdsmen Puppets
Super Scientist Gizmo and his assistant Watson are bringing their Incredible Power Lab with a series of live experiments in this entertaining puppet show for kids of all ages.
Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave., Toledo
April 7
Take part in this free event before the eclipse featuring a celestial family fun day along the banks of the Maumee River.
White Street Parking Lot, 34 White St., Maumee
April 8
Move, sing, clap, and dance to music together with your child! Explore musical variations with ribbons, instruments and our bodies. Also on Monday, April 22.
The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania
April 11
Kool Kat Science – STEM TECH Robotics
STEM Tech Robotics is a 4-session course where kids combine their building and coding skills to assemble and program a real robot car. Open to grades 3 – 6.
Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave., Toledo
April 12
Meet up with other moms and stroll around the scenery. Take a breather, make connections and enjoy nature! Registration is required.
Toledo Botanical Gardens, 5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo
April 13
Bring out your youngsters for a fun, imaginative, engaging, learning, dancing, singing, moving and grooving time. Also on Saturday, April 27.
The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St., Toledo
Baby Full STEM Ahead; Exposing babies to STEM gives them critical thinking and problem solving tools to build upon as they grow.
Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania
Metroparks Takeover of Main Library
Everyone will have the opportunity to try out tree climbing, archery, rock climbing and much more! Metroparks outdoor skills experts will be on hand to guide you as you discover your next outdoor passion.
Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo
Instrument Petting Zoo with TAPA
Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and the Toledo Symphony Youth Ensemble will perform for children ages 3-10 years old and allow them to explore different instruments.
Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo
April 14
Join Queens Village Toledo for a rejuvenating day. This in-person event is specially designed for all the amazing pregnant mamas or mamas with children under 18 months of age out there who deserve some well-deserved self-care. Ticketed.
Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo
April 15
Kids Music Jam Session – with Forté Music School
Explore musical instruments and end with a jam session. No experience is necessary.
Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St., Toledo
April 17
Kids Music Jam Session – with Forté Music School
Explore musical instruments and end with a jam session. No experience necessary.
West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 Sylvania Ave., Toledo
April 18
Acrobatic Avians – with Nature’s Nursery
Learn all about our winged wild wonders with Nature’s Nursery. Plus, learn how bird beaks are adapted for specific food with an interactive Fill the Bill activity. Registration is required.
Holland Branch Library, 1032 South McCord Rd., Holland
April 19
For our littlest friends! Come bounce, rock and play during this dance party made just for you and your grown up. Big siblings are welcome too!
King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd., Toledo
Children can play while parents supervise and chat.
Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd., Toledo
April 20
Gotta Catch ‘Em All! Bring your Pokemon cards to trade with other fans. Grades K-8.
Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville
This community event is focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle for the entire family. Come and participate in our fun children’s activities, workout sessions, and learn about the great resources Toledo has to offer.
Wayman D. Palmer YMCA, 2053 N. 14th St., Toledo
Discover Wildlife Rehabilitation: Trilby Park
Get to know the fascinating wildlife in your own backyard through interactions with Nature’s Nursery’s live animal ambassadors! Registration is required.
Trilby Park, 3125 Shawnee Rd., Toledo
Enjoy interactive science and engineering with a spark of creativity during Imagination Station’s Tinkering Takeover.
Main Library, 325 N Michigan St., Toledo
April 22
Kids Music Jam Session – with Forté Music School
Explore musical instruments and end with a jam session. No experience is necessary.
Toledo Heights Branch Library, 423 Shasta Dr., Toledo
April 25
Early Literacy Parent/Caregiver Training
Learn tips and tricks to incorporate early literacy practices into your daily life for your child ages 0-4. Virtual.
April 27
Infant & Maternal Safety Summit
This event is open to expecting families and families with babies under 18 months of age. Queen’s Village will bring together experts, community resources and parents to explore important topics related to the safety and well-being of infants and mothers.
Frederick Douglass Community, 1001 Indiana Ave., Toledo
April 30
Pokemon Game Day with Checkmate Games
Learn to play the Pokemon Trading Card Game and enjoy a variety of other Pokemon themed activities alongside the team from Checkmate Games and Hobbies.
Point Place Branch Library, 2727 117th St., Toledo
Library Programs
Water – Float or Sink? – with COSI Connects Water Kit
What is your hypothesis; what will float and what will sink? Learn about density and buoyancy then test your hypothesis. Take home a COSI Connects Water Kit to keep experimenting.
April 2 | South Branch Library | Locke Branch Library
April 18 | Heatherdowns Branch Library
April 23 | Point Place Branch Library
April 27 | Main Library
Endangered Species – with the Toledo Zoo
Discover why animals become endangered and what you can do to help them.
April 9 | Birmingham Branch Library
April 13 | Sanger Branch Library
April 15 | King Road Branch Library
April 16 | Sylvania Branch Library
April 22 | Waterville Branch Library
Toledo Opera Holds Masterclass with Veteran Broadway Star
Broadway veteran Raquel Suarez Groen and Toledo Opera will host a musical theater audition masterclass on April 7 at 7 p.m. at Secor Ballroom at 425 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo.
This masterclass is tailored for students in grades 9-12 where they will learn insights into audition techniques and performance skills.
Groen will share her expertise from her theater and film background. She made her Broadway début as role of Carlotta Giudicelli in “The Phantom of the Opera.” Her extensive career includes a range of acting on stage and on camera. Groen will perform with Toledo Opera as Mother in “Ragtime” on April 19 and 21.
“We are very excited to offer this rare opportunity for our regional high school students to learn and hone their skills from a professional Broadway artist,” shared Toledo Opera Co-Artistic Director James M. Norman. “Raquel is a dynamo stage performer who will enthuse and uplift students as they learn the dos and don’ts of auditioning.”
Eight students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents as participants of the masterclass. Candidates must submit two videos of themselves singing musical theatre selections with accompaniment. The eight selected performers will perform for Raquel in front of an audience and will receive personalized feedback on their performances. Indicate “Performer Candidate” in order to receive the video upload form to be considered.
Admission is $20 for attendees and participants. Student attendees and participants get a free ticket to the Student Night at the Opera performance of “Ragtime” on Wednesday, April 17.
Register for the masterclass at toledoopera.org.