 Cannabis has a reputation for being harmless and is now widely socially acceptable. In many ways, it is less harmful than other substances - it isn’t strongly linked to cancer like alcohol, and the risk of fatal overdose isn’t present in the same way it is with alcohol, illicit substances, or prescription drug misuse. But “harmless” depends on how we define harm. Physical harm is only one part of the picture. Cannabis can also have mental, emotional, and functional impacts, affecting memory, motivation, mood regulation, and stress tolerance. Since legalization in many states, adult cannabis use has increased, along with daily and near-daily use. In Washington State, about 58% of adults report lifetime cannabis use, and around 30% report use in the past month. Among young adults (18–25), frequent use has risen since legalization began in WA in 2014. Teen use patterns are more mixed, but perceived risk of cannabis has declined, meaning many teens now see cannabis as less harmful than in previous generations. The concern is that when perceived risk is lower, teens may be more likely to try cannabis. The age of first use matters. The younger someone is when they first use any substance, the higher their likelihood of developing substance use disorders later in life, in part because substance use during brain development can have a greater and longer-lasting impact. Some risks of daily cannabis use are obvious: making unsafe decisions, impaired driving, or lung damage from regular smoking. Others are less visible. Frequent, high-potency THC use is associated with changes in attention, memory, and motivation. In some cases, it can also increase the risk of cannabis-induced psychosis in vulnerable individuals, especially when heavy use begins in adolescence.  Cannabis today is far more potent than it was decades ago. In the 1990s, cannabis averaged about 4% THC. Today, many products contain 20–30% THC or more, with concentrates and vape oils reaching even higher levels. Higher potency doesn’t just mean a stronger high, it also has stronger effects on the brain. Modern forms like dab pens, concentrates, and edibles also make it easier to consume more THC more quickly, increasing the chance of overuse and dependence. While any level of cannabis use among youth is concerning because their brains are still developing, occasional use among adults (such as a few puffs socially or an edible on the weekend) generally carries minimal long-term risk for most people. Daily or near-daily use, on the other hand, is linked to measurable changes in brain function. Feeling relaxed occasionally is very different from chronically narrowing emotional range. When emotions are consistently muted, it becomes harder to process stress, connect with others, and feel motivated without the substance. THC affects the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, stress, memory, and reward. With regular use, the brain adapts to the presence of THC - receptors become less responsive, and reward pathways can become dampened. For young people whose brains are still developing, these changes can have more noticeable consequences. Difficulties with memory and attention can affect academic performance, making it harder to retain information, focus in class, and complete tasks that require sustained attention. Regular use during adolescence is also associated with disrupted development of executive functioning skills, including planning, impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Some research has also linked heavy, persistent cannabis use beginning in adolescence with measurable declines in overall cognitive functioning, including IQ.  Despite common myths, cannabis addiction is real. Cannabis Use Disorder is a recognized diagnosis describing cannabis use that interferes with daily functioning or causes distress. Not everyone who uses cannabis becomes addicted, but many develop dependence. This conversation is especially important for parents, caregivers, and young people because the age of first use matters. The earlier someone begins using substances - including cannabis - the higher their risk of developing substance use disorder later in life. The adolescent brain is still developing and is more vulnerable to frequent, high-potency THC. At the same time, cannabis has become increasingly normalized. Legalization and commercialization often emphasize benefits while minimizing risks. Honest, balanced conversations help young people (and adults) make informed choices. What matters most is talking about cannabis honestly and early, so young people and adults alike can make informed choices before patterns become harder to change. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, click here for resources. By Erica Vogt, ITC Program Coordinator
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This year was full of growth, impact, and youth-led achievements. In a year marked by both challenges and opportunities, Influence the Choice remained focused on what matters most: empowering youth, engaging our community, and advancing prevention efforts that create lasting change. Thanks to the commitment of students, staff, volunteers, and community partners, 2025 was a year of continued progress, meaningful connection, and youth-driven impact across our programs.  Youth Advocacy Day 2025 kicked off the year with a powerful example of youth-driven impact. On January 20th, students met directly with legislators to advocate for policies that better protect young people. One key topic was the significant tax disparity between cigarettes and other nicotine products, like vapes, that are more commonly used by youth. Students shared data and personal perspectives showing how this disparity was harmful to youth. Since then, WA state has taken action to subject nicotine products to the tobacco products tax, helping close a loophole that our TECH students helped bring to light (learn more about changes in state law around nicotine here). Art with Influence once again highlighted the creativity and insight of local students. Through 2D art and videos, youth explored themes of substance use prevention and mental well-being. The Art with Influence gala celebrated their work and reminded our community that prevention messaging is most powerful when it comes directly from young people. Check out the 2025 2025 Art with Influence video winners here. Our Resource Fair and Hidden in Plain Sight Event gave parents and caregivers a hands-on look at the potential subtle signs of substance misuse in teens. ITC delivered the Hidden in Plain Sight presentation alongside a resource fair featuring a dozen partner organizations, including Family Connection, Community Care, and Friends of Youth. Parents learned practical strategies to support their teens, connect with local resources, and stay informed about current trends in youth substance use. In 2026, we are offering an updated Hidden in Plain Sight curriculum. Learn more about how to bring this vital information to your community. TECH student involvement remained strong throughout the year, with students building leadership skills, supporting prevention efforts, and connecting with peers. Community-building events like the July skate park hangout gave students a fun space to connect, share ideas, and strengthen their networks. TECH clubs are now established at Skyline and Liberty High Schools, with Issaquah coming soon, expanding outreach and momentum even further. TECH students have been, and will continue to be, at the heart of ITC’s youth-led advocacy and peer leadership. The Action Forum for Youth brought students and community members together to learn, connect, and engage in meaningful dialogue. The forum opened with a foreword from Superintendent Tow-Yick, setting the stage for a collaborative conversation about youth well-being. ITC Executive Director Marnie Maraldo shared updated Healthy Youth Survey data, providing insight into current substance use trends within our community. Our student panel followed, offering real-life perspectives and experiences that deepened our understanding of substance use trends among ISD students. These discussions left participants informed and empowered to advocate for youth well-being in their schools and community. Our Drug Take Back Day & Food Drive demonstrated the power of community action. Together, participants safely turned in over 10 pounds of unused prescription medications and more than 70 pounds of food and toiletries to the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank, supporting both prevention and community well-being. In 2025, ITC engaged with the community at a variety of events, including farmers markets, National Night Out, the Issaquah Cultural Fest, and Salmon Days. At these events, we connected with community members through meaningful conversations and shed light on youth substance use in our community. You can plan to see us again at these events in 2026! Looking ahead, end-of-year planning is already in motion for next year’s programming, including Youth Advocacy Day, Power of Me, Power of We, and Art with Influence. We’re excited to build on this year’s momentum and look forward to continuing our work in youth substance use prevention and supporting the overall well-being of young people in our community in the new year. By: Fiona Ton (Student and Member of TECH Youth Coalition) Authors Note: As a Sophomore at Liberty High School in Renton, WA, I take great pride in sharing my thoughts and voice here at the TECH Youth Coalition in Influence the Choice (Teens Encouraging Community Health). Here at TECH, I am welcomed to a very inclusive and approachable environment filled with many students with views to change the world in terms of mental health and substance use. I am extremely honored here at TECH to be a part of this organization as I get to explore new meaningful opportunities ranging from promoting campaigns to having the chance to talk to Washington legislators about our cause and our ideas. I believe that the topic of alcohol use regarding teens is very important for me because living in a society where people close to me are affected by alcohol concerns me as a teenager myself and a representative to advocate for more awareness. I take this chance to spread my ideas and personal thoughts regarding mental health to give a voice for my community, and I hope to one day to create a healthier future and environment. Being a member and advocate under TECH Youth Coalition will bring me further in sharing my voice.  According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “12.7 million people ages 12 to 20 (32.9% in this age group) reported that they have had at least one drink in their lives” (NIH). In the 21st century, the consumption of alcohol has increased amongst teenagers and has started to become a worldwide epidemic. However, many teenagers don't take a second to think about the future consequences that lurk from their shiny and attractive packaging—consequences that break an innocent teenager’s well-being. To fully understand the severity of the downsides of alcohol on teenagers, it's essential to consider how alcohol interferes with one of the most important aspects of development, the brain itself. Alcohol Manipulates Brain Receptors, One of the Key Components of Brain Growth for Adolescents:  Prefrontal Cortex As a child grows into adolescence, their brain development is one of the key aspects that distinguishes their thinking, decisions, and behavior from their younger counterpart, often acting on maturity rather than emotion. Due to this vulnerability during development, many factors and influences can heavily impact and reduce the development of a teen's brain, which is developed through the prefrontal cortex. One of these influences is alcohol, as it carries more negative side effects to the brain than other influences. This is due to the reason that alcohol contains the depressant, ethanol, meaning that once it's entered into the system, this causes the key neural transmitter systems contained in the prefrontal cortex, such as the GABA and glutamate systems, to slow down, reducing the ability to make common decisions and keep control through adolescence. This brain’s neural processes then adjust to the negative effects being created, slowing down the whole neural system. This creates the relaxing and soothing feelings of alcohol, but on the inside, your brain is constantly being disrupted, affecting the way teenagers absorb information and develop into maturity. Short-term Psychological and Behavioral effects of Alcohol on the Teen Brain: When relying on the soothing effects of alcohol, this causes the impairment of cognitive functions that are relied on by your brain. As a teenager ages through decisions and experiences where risk-taking is crucial. This expands the brain plasticity of your development, creating the growth of new neural pathways in the brain to adapt to new types of learning skills. This exposure to new activities and information, however, is vulnerable when alcohol is inserted in the brain, which establishes a blockade of how the brain matures to function, causing behaviors to be more delayed and slurred. For example, this can be seen in the lack of sleep, effects in muscle coordination, lack of memory, and if it gets to a higher point, frequent blackouts. These blackouts are caused by the “euphoric” feelings created by alcohol, giving a false sense of security and conformity to one’s mind. When being approached with the societal craze of the positive effects of alcohol comes with the accumulative downside of destroying neural pathways in your brain, blocking the development of growth in the neural system. Long Term Effects in the Real World: On average, “Adults who had taken their first drink of alcohol before the age of 15 were 6.5 times more likely to experience an alcohol use disorder than those who didn’t” (Responsibility). This explains the build-up of alcohol intake that can affect the well-being and livelihood of many teens even after going through adulthood. This high dependence on alcohol not only affects your brain function, which becomes linked to disorders like binge drinking or heavy drinking, but this can also create a negative and inflammatory effect on other organs. This can be seen through the heart and liver as high blood pressure is stimulated by the overuse of receptors in the neural system and hormones into the brain, creating life-threatening conditions and diseases such as strokes, kidney diseases, or even cardiac arrests. When one small drink may be seen as harmless, this can ultimately shorten the well-being and life of one precious individual in the world. Main Consensus: The Dangers of Alcohol on Teens As alcohol starts to become popular among teen culture, being widely available in many areas where teenagers can get a hold of it, it's best to recognize the dangers that can lead to addiction. These dangers result in altering brain functions and cognitive skills that will impair their way of learning and growth in the short and long term. It's best to recognize and spread more awareness of this cause because it's important to understand the severity of this situation amongst teenagers and take it into account in their future actions. In addition, it's important to look over our own friends and family to keep them safe and healthy before it's too late, creating a healthier and supportive community. If you would like more information on community initiatives here at Influence the Choice, please contact us and reach out. We are always here to listen to your thoughts! We offer many programs and events to promote substance awareness and our cause. Be sure to check it out!  WORKS CITED:
“Underage Drinking in the United States (Ages 12 to 20).” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/underage-drinking-united-states-ages-12-20. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025. Bonnie, Richard J. “Consequences of Underage Drinking.” Reducing Underage Drinking: A Collective Responsibility., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK37591/. “Statistics on Underage Drinking.” Responsibility.Org - Promoting Responsible Alcohol Decisions, 3 Oct. 2025, www.responsibility.org/alcohol-statistics/underage-drinking-statistics/ “Teen Drinking & Brain Development: What Every Parent & Teen Should Know.” The Impact of Alcohol on the Developing Teen Brain, 5 Apr. 2025, deconstructingstigma.org/guides/drinking-teen-brain. “Underage Drinking in the United States (Ages 12 to 20).” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/underage-drinking-united-states-ages-12-20. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.  By Erica Vogt, ITC Program Coordinator
If you’re a parent trying to make sense of vaping, especially how it compares to the cigarettes many of us remember from years ago, you’re not alone. We often hear questions about “cigarettes vs. vapes” and the short answer is vapes and cigarettes are different, but today’s vaping products come with serious risks, especially for young people. Here’s what’s important to know right now. Vapes Aren’t “Safer”, They’re Built to Deliver Nicotine More Efficiently Many people assume that because vapes don’t create smoke, they must be less harmful. But the big difference isn’t the smoke, it’s the delivery system. Modern vapes use “nicotine salts,” which make it easier to inhale high levels of nicotine without the harsh burn you get from cigarettes. Some popular devices contain as much nicotine as a whole pack of cigarettes, and because they feel smooth and subtle, teens may use them far more frequently. That combination - high nicotine plus easy inhalation - makes vaping just as addictive, if not more so, than traditional smoking for young people. Younger Kids Get Hooked Faster One of the biggest concerns we see is how quickly teens, especially kids as young as 12 or 13, can become addicted to nicotine. Their brains are still developing the systems that regulate attention, emotion, and decision-making, which makes them more sensitive to nicotine than adults. So when a teen tries vaping “just once,” that early exposure can create strong nicotine pathways in the brain and lead to dependence faster than they expect. Vaping Is Easy to Hide - and That’s Part of the Problem Another reason vaping has spread so quickly among middle and high school students is how discreet it is. Nicotine doesn’t cause the obvious intoxication you’d see with alcohol or cannabis. Many vape products also don’t leave a strong or lasting smell. Fruity or minty scents can pass for lotion, gum, or a candle, and some devices produce very little visible vapor at all. The devices themselves are also designed to blend in. Some look like USB drives, highlighters, pens, or key fobs. Youth can easily tuck them into a pocket, backpack, or drawer without raising suspicion. That’s why it’s easy for vape use to go unnoticed unless parents know what to look for. Our Hidden in Plain Sight program is a great resource if you’re wondering what clues to pay attention to. We walk parents through how vaping devices can blend into everyday items in a teen’s room. Flavors Make Vaping Easy to Start and Hard to Stop Flavors are one of the biggest reasons teens try vaping in the first place. Fruity, candy, mint, and dessert flavors mask the natural bitterness of nicotine and make the experience feel more fun and less risky. National surveys show that most young people who vape started with flavored products. These flavors aren’t designed for adults trying to quit smoking, they’re engineered to draw in younger users and keep them coming back. How Parents Can Stay Ahead You don’t need to be an expert to support your teen, you just need solid information and an open line of communication. Our Kitchen Table Conversations Prevent Youth Substance Misuse page gives you simple scripts and practical tips to help you start these conversations without fear or judgment. The Bottom Line Vaping isn’t harmless, and it isn’t “just flavored vapor.” It’s a highly addictive nicotine product that’s easy to start, easy to hide, and tough to quit - especially for developing brains. Staying informed helps you protect your teen and stay connected through the challenges of adolescence. If you have any questions or would like to schedule Influence the Choice to hold a Hidden in Plain Sight program for your school or community organization, please email us at [email protected]. By Ardra Arwin I’ve always believed that you don’t need to change who you are to have fun. You just need to be around the right people, doing the things that make you feel alive. For me, that’s what it means to live substance-free. It’s not about saying “no” to something — it’s about saying “yes” to myself! It’s about protecting the parts of me that make me who I am: my creativity, my curiosity, and my love for life. When I’m dancing, I lose myself in the rhythm. Every beat feels like it’s syncing with my heartbeat — and in those moments, nothing else matters. When I paint, I find freedom in my colors. My brush tells stories that words sometimes can’t. When I’m paddle boarding with my friends, laughing as the water splashes around us, I feel light — like the world is reminding me how beautiful it is to just be here. And when I’m hiking, surrounded by trees and sunlight, I breathe in peace and exhale gratitude. Those are my highs — the natural ones, the ones that don’t fade when the night is over. There’s so much pressure sometimes — to fit in, to look cool, to go along with what everyone else is doing. It’s easy to think that trying drugs or alcohol is a “rite of passage,” something that everyone has to experience. But I’ve realized that true confidence doesn’t come from fitting in — it comes from standing out. It’s in saying, this is who I am, and being proud of that. Living substance-free doesn’t mean my life is boring or limited — it actually feels more full. My laughter is real. My energy is real. My emotions are real. I get to experience life with a clear mind, and that clarity helps me chase my goals and stay connected to what truly matters. Every time I choose to stay substance-free, I’m choosing to protect my future — the version of me who has big dreams, bright ideas, and endless potential. Embracing my culture and my identity is what makes me who I am and in a world where everyone has a version of you in their heads, be the best version of you for yourself, not to impress anyone but your own! Sometimes people assume that being substance-free means you’re “missing out.” But honestly, I think it’s the opposite. I’m not missing out on anything — I’m showing up for everything. The joy, the challenges, the adventures, the late-night talks, the big dreams — I get to live all of it fully. I don’t need a drink or a smoke to make a moment special. The moment itself is enough. So when people ask me what gives me my “high,” I smile and tell them the truth: I’m high on life. On laughter. On creativity. On love. On everything real. ⸻ Author’s Note I wrote this piece because I know what it feels like to be a teen surrounded by pressure — the kind that whispers, “everyone’s doing it.” But I’ve learned that saying no doesn’t make you weak; it makes you strong enough to stand by what you believe in. I want other teens to see that there’s so much more to life than what you’re told you “should” try. Joy, art, movement, friendship, and nature — they’re all waiting to lift you up, no substances required. Your voice matters. Your choices matter. And you, too, can be high — on life.  |