What do you say to a teen who doesn't believe pot has negative health risks?

Question

A young teen I know says that his older uncle has been smoking pot for many years and he doesn't have any health problems.

What can I say to this boy to frighten him from starting pot? It would have to be real believable because he doesn't trust most adults.

Answer 1

One joint does the damage on your lungs that it would take a whole pack of cigarettes to do.

Answer 2

Although it can be argued that there are health risks associated with pot, pot can also be beneficial. It has proved to help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's, and has helped cancer patients, people with eating disorders, and even people with anxiety, something a lot of teens deal with.

My only concern for this boy is that he may also be interested in other drugs. Hopefully he isn't, and as long as that's the case I wouldn't worry about him. If you want to warn him about the danger of pot smokers eventually turning to other drugs (pot does not cause this, but it does happen), you should make him watch the show Intervention, or read Nik Sheffs book 'Tweak'. The latter is a young adult read that he will love at first then be scared of towards the end.  It's a true story about a boy who starts off just smoking weed and eventually becomes a meth head, and it's really intense. If you can get him to read that book, I guarantee you he'll think differently about drugs. Maybe even stop smoking pot as much.

Answer 3

Well, there really are no known health risks attributed to occasionally smoking marijuana.  It is far less harmful than tobacco and not at all addictive physically. The only risk of addiction is psychological, but even then, television is even more mentally addictive.

If you really want to keep him off it do not lie to him.  Tell him that it is not a health risk, it is not addictive, and statistically does not lead to harder drugs (70% of marijuana smokers never use harder drugs). Instead, remind him that it is illegal and he can get arrested for it.  Show him the marijuana penalties in your state.

Lying to him will only cause him to want to try it even more; that's the problem with the government sponsored anti-drug campaign.  The commercials make claims that are completely contradicted by medical research.  When teens see the real truth about marijuana as compared to the lies they have heard, they are more likely to try it.

Tell the truth, show him the penalties.

Answer 4

The kid is right. There are no negative health risks from pot.

Eating it is better for you than smoking it though.

Go with the whole "its illegal" thing, but don't expect results from that.  

Answer 5

It sounds like this person already smokes.  Because of that, he/she does not see anything wrong.  

"...older uncle..." sounds like the family smokes, and that is the way of life there.

Answer 6

Burn him with a blunt in between his eyes, and Scream..... pot hurts you now doesn't, doesn't it!!! Then continue by smashing a glass bong over his head.... should scare him pretty good.