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Summer vacation is here, which means teens will be spending more time out and about doing fun things with friends.  Summertime can also mean less supervision, and a greater chance your teen will have access to alcohol, marijuana or other drugs. 

When teens use alcohol, marijuana or other drugs, they can become impaired more quickly than someone who is over 21.  Any impairment can lead to poor choices -- such as swimming, boating or driving under the influence, and tragic consequences -- such as drowning and vehicle crashes.

It's important to know that parents matter, even when children reach their teens.Research shows that parents, not peers, have the most influence on a teen’s decisions about alcohol, marijuana and other drug use.  The following are proven ways to help... read more

Dr. Leslie Walker with Seattle Children's hospital recently recorded a video message for parents about marijuana, teens and addiction.  Hear what she has to say about the real impacts of marijuana on teens, and what parents can do.   

The Washington Poison Center is warning parents about an increase in calls about kids accidentally eating marijuana-edibles. 

A variety of candy-style products exist in the medical marijuana market. Marijuana-edibles can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types that often resemble traditional candies and sweets in their product name and/or appearance, such as brownies, candy bars, cookies, and gummy bears. Both medical and recreational marijuana contain enough THC, the active chemical in marijuana, to cause symptoms in both kids and adults

"The percentage of marijuana exposures among kids ages 1-12 has increased since 2013 from 39% to 47% and represents an alarming trend,” said Dr. Alex Garrard, Clinical Managing Director of the Washington Poison Center.  “This... read more

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