How to Tell if Your Child is Smoking Pot

Pot-Masking Aids

• A child who is trying to cover up marijuana use may opt for items such as gum, breath mints, eye drops and incense. Like cigarettes, you can smell pot in a user̵7;s breath. People who use pot may try to mask the smell with mints or gum, according to the Elements Behavioral Health website. Keep in mind, however, that some young people who don̵7;t smoke pot simply enjoy chewing gum or are self-conscious about having bad breath. Smoking pot may cause bloodshot and irritated eyes. If your child doesn̵7;t have a history of allergies and she uses eye drops often, this may be an indication she is smoking pot. It might be worth a trip to see her pediatrician for an exam and allergy test to rule out newly developed allergies. A child who smokes pot in her room or wants to mask the smell of pot on her clothing and belongings may burn incense. She may also come home smelling of incense if she used the drug at a friend̵7;s house.

Excessive Eating

• It̵7;s normal for growing kids -- particularly preteens and teenagers -- to have big appetites. Pot users tend to crave the instant carbs found in junk food. The Elements Behavioral Health site explains that the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC found in marijuana activates brain receptors linked to appetite. The types of foods that your kid may devour in excess if he is smoking pot include cookies, chips, fast food and pastry items.

Changes in Attitude and Behavior

• Young pot smokers sometimes think everything someone says or does is hilarious or intriguing. If your child has been smoking marijuana, he may laugh at inappropriate times, according to the Elements Behavioral Health site. When you talk to him, you may find that he has more trouble than usual following the conversation or paying attention. EmpoweringParents.com states that marijuana use can negatively affect a child̵7;s emotions, motivation and self-esteem. For example, a child who smokes pot and has had good grades in school may experience an ongoing drop in academic performance. Marijuana can make young people irritable or angry, more lethargic than usual and/or feel depressed. If your child smokes pot, he may ask for money more often but become defensive when you ask why he needs it or how he̵7;ll spend it. He may also act defensively if you ask about burns that you may notice on his forefinger and thumb.

Changes in Friends and Interests

• If your kid blows off long-term, good friendships and acquires a new group of friends, this may be a sign of a major change in her life like smoking marijuana. This is particularly true if she won̵7;t let you meet her friends, refuses to have her friends come to your home or gets defensive when you ask what she and her friends do together. Young people tend to associate themselves with things that interest them. In addition to good friends, a kid using pot may suddenly abandon activities that she once found rewarding or enjoyable to hang out with her new friends. A child who uses pot may want clothes, stickers or posters that have marijuana leaves or the number 420 on them. She may also want items associated with pot use such as marijuana-related music or movies.

Your Relationship

• While there are many signs to look for in your child indicating the use of pot, most of those behaviors could also be a sign of normal social and emotional growth in your teen. Behaviors that seem to parents like rebellion are often simply a way for your teen to gain the independence he will need when he is an adult. Though it can be easy to view these signs and point accusing fingers, it is best to work to build a healthy relationship of trust so that child feels he can talk to you about his choices.