Marijuana use among teens is making a comeback. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the number of middle, junior high and high school students experimenting with the drug is the highest since the 1980s. And marijuana is the top reported drug of choice in teens being treated for addiction at Youth Eastside Services (YES).

At YES we work with youth in schools, teen centers and in our substance abuse and mental health treatment programs. Across the board, our counselors are reporting a change in attitude toward marijuana. Most teens see it as less dangerous and we are hearing them talk about the drug being natural, medicinal and “almost legal.” Experts agree that a leading factor for the changes in attitudes and increased use could be the confusing message kids are getting due to the legalization debates.

Contrary to popular belief, marijuana can be addictive and is also a gateway to experimentation with other illegal drugs. In addition, the marijuana of today is up to 10 times more potent than that of 20-30 years ago and this can add to dependency issues.

A recent Harvard study shows that marijuana has an especially negative impact on the developing brain. In addition, regular marijuana use usually results in poorer school performance and attendance as well as loss of interest in other activities, such as sports.

Marijuana has also been associated with respiratory and mental illness, poor motor performance and impaired cognitive and immune system functions. Addiction can cause increases in anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. There is also concern regarding teen use of marijuana as a self-medicating behavior to cope with other issues such as anxiety, depression and more.

So what can parents do? Even if you’re for legalization, talk with your kids about the dangers of misusing marijuana, alcohol or any drug and its potential for addiction. Help your kids understand that any medicine has the potential to be harmful when misused.

For parents who would like to be more prepared for a discussion on drugs and alcohol, YES offers an in depth Alcohol and Drug Education class each month, as well as many tips on its Web site. Visit www.YouthEastsideServices.org for details and more information on teen drug trends.

Patti Skelton-McGougan is executive director of Youth Eastside Services. YES is a nonprofit organization and a leading provider of youth counseling and substance abuse services in the region. Since 1968, YES has been a lifeline for kids and families, offering treatment, education and prevention services to help youth become healthy, confident and self-reliant and families to become strong, supportive and loving. While YES accepts insurance, Medicaid and offers a sliding scale, no one is turned away for inability to pay.