How do you recognise cannabis use in young people?

It is not always clear how to recognise cannabis use in young people. The BIÖG lists some short-term signs that may point to use. They do not prove use, and many changes that parents notice have other causes. This guide describes the signs listed, shows their limits and explains how to deal with a suspicion.

Which signs does the BIÖG list?

On its parents' page, the BIÖG lists signs by which parents may notice use:

• a particular smell of smoke, sometimes described as sweetish
• drowsiness and slow reactions
• noticeably talkative or silent behaviour
• excessive silliness
• red or swollen eyes and dry mouth
• reduced concentration, lower performance and memory problems
• increased appetite

Individual signs can also have other causes, such as tiredness, allergies or illness. They also do not tell you how often someone uses.

Which changes in everyday life stand out?

Parents often also notice changes in everyday life: less interest in sport or hobbies, declining school results, new contacts, changed sleeping patterns, irritability or unclear spending. These changes are unspecific. They also occur with stress, heartbreak or puberty, and on their own they are no indication of cannabis.

Why do single signs prove little?

A bad day, a poor grade or an argument with friends often happen to young people without cannabis being involved. For this reason, do not draw conclusions too quickly just because one sign stands out.

A pattern is more meaningful. If several signs appear over a few weeks and your child changes noticeably, a closer look is worthwhile. Note your observations with dates, which makes them easier to assess. It helps to ask whether a behaviour fits your child or clearly deviates from how they usually are. If a sporty child suddenly withdraws completely, that is more striking than general moodiness.

Which risks does the BIÖG name for young people?

The BIÖG describes that the young brain is in an important phase of development and that memory can work less well with use. In the worst case, a school or vocational qualification is at risk. It also describes a link between cannabis and an increase in psychoses. A statistical link says nothing about whether cannabis was the cause in an individual person.

According to drugcom's drug encyclopedia, those who start early have to reckon with lasting impairments of cognitive performance. This is a reason to take warning signs seriously without falling into panic.

How do you handle a suspicion?

A suspicion is a reason to talk and says nothing final about your child. The BIÖG advises parents to reflect calmly on their own attitude to cannabis before a conversation and to stay calm during arguments. Describe your observations factually and ask how your child is doing. Avoid interrogations. If your child pushes back, stay friendly and keep at it.

The article on signs seen by parents explains how to put your observations into words. For the conversation itself, the article on conversations about cannabis offers further help.

When should you get help?

If the changes intensify, if your child drops out of school or training, or if you are worried about their mental health, counselling makes sense. You can seek counselling even if your child does not want to come along. You can make the first enquiry on your own, for example at a counselling service near you or online. In case of suicidal thoughts, self-harm or acute crises, call the emergency number 112 immediately.

Which counselling routes exist for parents?

You can reach the Elterntelefon (parents' helpline) of the Nummer gegen Kummer on 0800 111 0 550. According to the platform, parents can get anonymous and free counselling from DigiSucht, and the DHS addiction help directory shows counselling services near you. The BIÖG also offers information and practical tips for parents on cannabispraevention.de. These pages help you put your own observations into context. They do not replace personal counselling in an individual case.

What you can do now

Write down your observations and talk to your child in a calm moment. Get support from a counselling service if you are unsure. The article on first steps when a child uses cannabis shows how to proceed. The health consequences are also explained in the article on memory and school qualifications. An overview is offered on the topic page Help and counselling.