Adolescents who believe their parents use cannabis are more likely to hold favorable views of the drug and consider trying it themselves, according to new research from Washington State University (WSU). Published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, the study underscores the importance of parental communication and monitoring in shaping teens’ attitudes about cannabis use.
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Key Findings
The study surveyed 276 adolescents aged 13-17 in Washington state, where cannabis is legal. Researchers examined teens’ perceptions of their parents' cannabis use, the closeness of their parent-child relationships, and the level of parental monitoring in their lives.
Perceived Parental Use: About 32% of teens believed their fathers used cannabis, while 25% thought their mothers did. These perceptions correlated with more favorable attitudes toward cannabis and a higher likelihood of trying it.
Parental Closeness:
Adolescents who were close to non-using mothers showed lower intentions to use cannabis.
Teens close to cannabis-using mothers had more positive attitudes toward the drug and were more likely to consider using it.
For fathers, closeness consistently correlated with positive views of cannabis, regardless of whether the father actually used the substance
Parental Monitoring: Boys who reported higher levels of parental supervision, such as their parents knowing their whereabouts and social circles, exhibited more negative attitudes toward cannabis than girls under similar levels of supervision.
Implications for Parenting
The study highlights the nuanced role of parental influence on adolescent behavior, with significant differences based on the parent’s gender and their relationship with the teen.
"Parenting is highly gendered," said Stacey J. T. Hust, the study's lead author and a professor of communication at WSU. "Mothers and fathers impact their children's views on cannabis in unique ways."
The research suggests that open communication and consistent monitoring can help mitigate teens’ likelihood of viewing cannabis favorably. Lead researchers Hust and Jessica Willoughby recommend parents:
Frame cannabis use as an adult decision, similar to alcohol or tobacco.
Emphasize the risks of cannabis, particularly its potential harm to developing adolescent brains.
Engage in clear, age-appropriate conversations about their own use and the boundaries they expect for their children.
Next Steps in Research
The WSU team plans to explore how parents communicate with their teens about substance use in future studies. Key areas of focus will include the role of parental warmth and closeness in fostering effective discussions about cannabis and other health-related behaviors.
This research provides valuable insights for parents navigating discussions about cannabis in an era of evolving societal norms and legalization, particularly in states like Washington
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