My Teen is Smoking Weed. Now What?

Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Join therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, as she answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting—and not lose your, well… you know.

TODAY'S QUESTION:

"My daughter is 16 and is definitely smoking weed. What should I do?"

Finding out your teen is using weed can bring on a wave of panic, anger, confusion—and guilt. Do you confront her? Punish her? Ignore it and hope it’s just a phase? In this episode, Vanessa breaks down how to approach the situation with calm, clarity, and connection—not control.

Vanessa shares what’s changed about marijuana today (hint: it’s not what it used to be), how to have real conversations with your teen that don’t immediately shut them down, and how to balance boundaries with emotional safety. She also explains why fear-based approaches only go so far—and what truly makes a lasting impact.

TUNE IN TO LEARN:

• Why today’s marijuana is more dangerous than it used to be
• How to bring up real consequences without scaring them into silence
• What teens really need when it comes to substance use conversations
• How to set clear, firm boundaries without shame
• Why connection, curiosity, and consistency matter most
• When to seek professional support for your teen—and yourself

TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:

This isn’t just about weed. It’s about helping your teen learn how to navigate stress, peer pressure, and life choices with guidance and support. You don’t have to go into detective mode or fight it out. You can parent through this with confidence, connection, and compassion.

Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!