Quote Originally Posted by Polaris
And also a concerned parent of a 15yr old son. Don't all gang up on me! I'm here to try to learn about Cannabis and understand why he feels the need to use it.

I've known about his use since the summer of 2005, and have gone through all the usual parenty type of reactions: Shock, horror, despair...the end is nigh... that sort of thing.

I've spoken to a lot of organisations and his school about it, but it seems that as long as he's not refusing to go to school, stealing cars, using heroin or involved in any other misdemeanours, I've not got a problem.

Things came to a head last week, as he was caught smoking weed at school. Which then involved him being arrested, interviewed by the police, finger-printed, photographed and a DNA sample taken. He's also been excluded from school, possibly untill Easter.

My main concern is that he sits his final exams in a couple of months and is not putting in the work needed. He'd rather meet up with his mates and get stoned. What with that, and the exclusion, I'm starting to worry that he won't get to sit his exams at all.

Having said all that, he's not a bad lad. I've not had a lot of trouble with him. But his grades have plummeted since last summer and I'm concerned about his future.

Have any of you got any tales to tell that could put my mind to rest?

Many thanks. Polaris.
There are many individuals who smoke cannabis on a daily basis and are probably the most productive people during the day when they work. When is the best time to smoke? Usually after all your work is finally completed. Now as for your lad, it's his mindset that is the cause of plummeting grades. He is basically rebelling school. Is cannabis the cause of that? Well, no and a bit of yes.

No because I've known a lot of people who are slackers and they are totally against drugs or even alcohol. They just like to hang with their friends and rebel against school because it's boring, stupid, etc.. Yes because, like having a few drinks, it's fun to smoke and one can easily forget their responsibility and want to smoke day and night. Just keep in mind, it's the same with alcohol - many in college prefer to go out to drink and party then to stay home and study.

Now concerning cannabis itself. The best way to understand it, is to simply smoke it. It gives you a relaxed, goody feeling while making the simplist of things seem funny. The munchies occur since food also tastes much better and you tend to want to have more. Your eyes dry out a bit but any eye drop remedies that, and your body gets a bit de-hydrated but a glass of water remedies that as well. But while you're on it, you tend to want to chill out, watch TV, play some games, etc.. Basically homework and cannabis don't mix too well, but that also depends on the individual since there are those who work hard no matter what they're on.

Is it wrong for your lad to be smoking? Personally I think it's fine but he needs to be educated in knowing that smoking should be for only when he's done with everything he has to do. Besides, like having a nice glass of wine, it's nice to have one after you're done with everything. I never like being toked knowing that I have an essay to complete tomorrow, I just feel like crap all night.

But unless you try it yourself, you won't be able to relate to your lad because he'll just rebel and say you don't have any idea. Smoke with your lad once - trust me it'll be a big surprise for him. Then just talk it out and let him know that it's fine but that he has to get his responsibility done because his life is very important and it's crucial that he gets that degree. Also, to make it more motivating for him, tell him that if he doesn't get good grades, he'll not get into a good schoool, therefore eventually getting a sucky job that won't pay for his cannabis. If he works hard then he'll a good life going and be able to afford as much cannabis as he likes .

But if you are still interested in finding out more about cannabis, check out the site: http://www.erowid.org/ . They tend to tell the truth of things without all the 'just say no', 'drugs kill' BS.

Well good luck and hope things work out. But if your lad is a good boy, then I'm sure he'll turn out just fine. Everyone has their bumps in the road they must face.

The Duderino