Ask an Expert: Marijuana in my kid’s backpack

Jane Grady | February 27, 2012 | 0 Comments

Q. We just found marijuana in our child’s backpack. What is the best way to handle this without making matters worse? – Concerned parents in Denver Public Schools

A. Hello DPS parents. With all of the drug-related stories in the news today, I can certainly understand your concern. There are a couple of follow up questions to sort out before fully answering your question.

How old is your child?

How much marijuana did you find in his/her backpack (ex. a bag of marijuana vs. a single joint)?

Has there been any significant change in his/her behavior or patterns recently?

These questions can direct the conversation that you have with your child and can help you sort out if s/he needs drug education or treatment for a budding problem. In either case, a conversation should take place so that your son or daughter is clear about your rules and expectations about drug use.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse website ( http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/marijuana) can offer valuable information (marijuana facts, tips on talking to kids) to direct your conversation about marijuana and other drugs.

It is important to understand what your child is being exposed to. Remember – don’t panic! Do your own homework first. Don’t just talk – listen.

About Jane Grady: Jane Grady is assistant director of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence (CSPV) at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and director of the CSPV Information Clearinghouse. Grady has more than 20 years experience working in the field of violence prevention. Formerly, she was business manager for the National School Safety Center at Pepperdine University. At CSPV she directs several projects, including The Challenge, a newsletter of the U.S. Department of Education, Safe and Drug Free Schools, and Safe Communities-Safe Schools, a Colorado effort. She serves on the executive board for Safe2Tell, and is a frequent contributor to newspaper articles and editorials. She has presented on numerous occasions promoting safe schools across Colorado. She earned a masters of business administration from California Lutheran University. View more posts by this author.