Why Teen Weed Use Is Rising (Spoiler: It’s NOT Peer Pressure)—And What Parents Can Do About It

Think your teen is using weed because of peer pressure? Think again. In this powerful episode, Dr. Cam sits down with Dr. Jessica Willoughby and Dr. Stacey Hust from the WSU Media Adolescent Cannabis (MAC) Lab to unpack the real reasons behind rising teen cannabis use—and what parents can actually do about it.

Backed by groundbreaking research, this episode explores how savvy marketing, social media influence, and misleading packaging—not just peer dynamics—are shaping teen decisions. If you've ever felt unsure about how to talk to your teen about weed, you're not alone. This episode gives you the insights, tools, and language to have real, meaningful conversations without losing the connection.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why peer pressure is notthe main reason teens are using weed today
• How marketing, packaging, and perceived norms shape your teen’s choices
• What THC-labeled gummies and “natural” branding are really doing to teen perception
• Harm reduction strategies that actually work when prevention isn’t enough   

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• WSU MAC Lab
• SAMHSA National Helpline
• NIDA—Cannabis
• CDC—Cannabis and Teens
• Teens, Sex and Media Effects: Understanding Media's Influence on Adolescent Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Advocacy

CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS

Dr. Stacey Hust Email: [e-mail] LinkedIn: Stacey Hust BlueSky: [e-mail]

Dr. Jessica Willoughby Email: [e-mail] LinkedIn: Jessica Fitts Willoughby BlueSky: @jwilloughby.bsky.social 

  CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

Website: AskDrCam.com

Instagram: @DrCamCaswell

TikTok: @the.teen.translator

YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Understanding Teen Cannabis Use 03:06 The Impact of Cannabis on the Adolescent Brain 07:30 Navigating Conversations with Teens 12:15 Harm Reduction Strategies for Parents 19:53 The Role of Marketing in Teen Cannabis Use 25:17 Addressing the Challenges of Edibles 30:29 Ethical Dilemmas in Parenting and Cannabis 32:28 Starting Early: Conversations About Cannabis

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is your go-to podcast for real-world parenting strategies backed by psychology, neuroscience, and a whole lot of empathy. Hosted by adolescent psychologist Dr. Cam Caswell, each episode delivers practical tips and honest conversations that help you better understand your teen—and yourself. Whether you're facing eye rolls or emotional breakdowns, this show is here to help you parent smarter, not harder.

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