Marijuana is one of the most frequently used drugs among adolescents. With the Latin name Cannabis Sativa, marijuana contains the psychoactive ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Research regarding THC’s impact on adolescent neurobiology and psychology has revealed a number of troubling effects, from lowered IQ to a higher risk of suicide.
Consequently, it is important for parents to know the teen street names for marijuana and to be aware of the ways teens ingest marijuana, as well as the increasing availability of marijuana as the drug becomes legal in a growing number of states.
Common Names for Marijuana
Marijuana is referred to by various names, with “weed” and “pot” being the most common. Aside from those two names, there are multiple other slang terms that it goes by, such as “Mary Jane,” “bud,” “ganga,” “reefer,” “chronic,” and “herb.”
If a joint has both tobacco and marijuana in it, it is called a “spliff.” At the tip of a joint may be what’s called a “roach.” The term originated in England where joints are rolled with tobacco to facilitate the burn. Tobacco leaks tar. Hence, roaches were small pieces of cardboard, rolled and placed into the mouthpiece of the joint. These adaptations are referred to as filters. You might hear the term roach clip which describes the metal holder that pinches a joint.
What Are Some Common Smoking Devices Among Teens?
Most teens who use marijuana do so by vaping. Vaping refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol, or vapor, created by a vaping device. A vaping device includes a mouthpiece, a battery, a heating component, and a cartridge that contains the e-liquid or e-juice. The e-liquid contains the drug being inhaled—either nicotine or THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana, combined with flavorings and other chemicals.
Some teens use a bong. Bongs vary in shape, size, and appearance. Urban Dictionary states that a water pipe or bong is a device used for smoking marijuana. Smoke is bubbled through a water chamber. Therefore, bongs cool the smoke before it enters the lungs.
Other teens use pipes made from a variety of materials. These materials include wood, ceramics, and glass. How can you tell a pipe has been used? Smoking marijuana leaves a brown blackish resin in a pipe that resembles a tarry substance. A used pipe will have signs of this residue.
Teens may also add marijuana to brownie and cookie batter before baking to create “edibles.” There are many ways to use this substance and even more ways to hide the use of the product.
Talk with Your Teen About Marijuana Use
If you suspect your child is smoking or vaping pot, talk openly with them and creating a comfortable environment for them to come to you. They should know the legal, physical, and emotional ramifications.
Be wary if you hear the jargon exchanged among your teen and their friends. This could indicate that your teen is smoking pot, which is considered a gateway toward other more dangerous drugs. In conclusion, if you have further questions or need support, we are here to help.