Officials urge parents to discuss safe cannabis, liquor use at college

OHIO — Ohio officials are reminding parents as their college students head back to their universities to have conversations about being responsible when it comes to using marijuana or consuming alcohol.

The National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism say consistent and ongoing communication about the dangers can have a significant influence on the decisions children make. 

“We know that when parents create supportive and nurturing environments, and have honest, ongoing conversations about the risks of using alcohol and other drugs, children make better decisions,” said Jenifer Fraoli, LISW-S, Deputy Director of the OhioMHAS Office of Community and Family Resiliency. “Kids don’t always have all the facts, so having a conversation allows parents to set clear rules about what they expect from their kids when it comes to alcohol and other drugs.”

Fraoli said that having a dialogue about safe practices and responsible behavior is important to keep a supportive environment for young adults to grow in throughout their education.

Officials said that while drinking is often viewed as a college ritual, binge drinking can cause health concerns. Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks on one occasion for males and four drinks or more for females. A 2024 survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reflected that nearly 27% of adults between 18-years-old to 25-years old engaged in binge drinking the past month. 

“While we encourage parents to engage with their student, we also remind our permit holders, including those operating near college campuses, to make sure they do not serve those who are underage and to make sure they check identifications at all times at the point of sale,” said Division of Liquor Control Superintendent Jackie DeGenova. “We also remind Ohioans who are of legal drinking age that there are penalties for those who provide alcohol to individuals under 21.”

When it comes to marijuana, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the drug can negatively affect brain development in young individuals. The CDC adds that brain development continues until a person reaches 25-years-old. 

“As students return to college campuses, it’s crucial for parents to have open, honest conversations about cannabis use,” said Division of Cannabis Control Superintendent Jim Canepa. “While cannabis use is now legal for adults 21 and over in Ohio, underage use remains illegal and can carry significant consequences, especially for those adults who may purchase it for underage use. We encourage parents to discuss the importance of responsible decision-making and empower their children with factual information about the risks associated with cannabis consumption. These conversations are key to fostering safety and compliance with the laws in our communities.”

Ohio law prohibits smoking, vaping in public indoor spaces and non-medical cannabis consumption in a public area. It is also illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of either cannabis or alcohol.

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