Parents’ perceptions of adolescent exposure to marijuana following legalization in Washington State

Objective: Parenting attitudes about marijuana and parent practices such as monitoring youth marijuana exposure are strongly linked to adolescent use. This study examines how parents’ attitudes and behavior regarding marijuana have been affected by legalization of nonmedical use by adults in Washington State. Method: We conducted 6 focus groups with parents (N 5 54) of youths ages 8–15, asking participants about changes they observed in their environment, their children’s exposure to marijuana, and how this exposure might affect youth marijuana use. Parents were recruited from the Seattle Social Development Project, a multiethnic, longitudinal panel study. We used thematic content analysis to analyze qualitative data. Results: Parents did not want their children using marijuana and were concerned that their children were exposed to marijuana more often after legalization. Parents said they now need to monitor their children’s environment more carefully. Edible marijuana products were particularly concerning for parents, who were also concerned that marijuana exposure would increase the risk of adolescent use. Conclusions: Parents’ experiences in Washington provide insights for social work practitioners, policymakers, and those developing preventive interventions. Prevention efforts and public health messaging should begin before legalization takes effect.