Ohio parents encouraged to speak with college students about responsible alcohol, cannabis use
With the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Ohio Department of Commerce Divisions of Liquor Control and Cannabis Control are partnering with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) to remind parents of the positive impact they can have on their college-bound students by emphasizing responsible decision-making regarding alcohol and cannabis use.
According to organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), by engaging in consistent and ongoing communication about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, parents can have a significant influence on the decisions their teens make. Engaging in open discussions with students about the risks associated with consumption of these products and empowering them to make informed choices is important.
Jenifer Fraoli, LISW-S, Deputy Director of the OhioMHAS Office of Community and Family Resiliency says that by fostering dialogue around safe practices and responsible behavior, parents can help create a supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being of their children throughout their educational journey.
“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 Fraoli. “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.”
Binge drinking is defined as consuming five drinks or more on one occasion for males and four drinks or more for females. Unfortunately, drinking is often seen as a college ritual and, according to a 2024 survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 27% of adults, ages 18-25, engaged in the binge drinking in the past month, the largest percentage of any age group, followed by those 26 and older (21%).
“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.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cannabis negatively affects brain development in young individuals. Developing brains, such as those in infants, children and teenagers, are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) because the brain continues to develop until the age of 25. In addition, the higher the concentration of THC a product has, the stronger its effect is on the brain, and cannabis has approximately three times the concentration of THC than it did 25 years ago.
“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.”
People ages 18-25 have the highest rate of marijuana use according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services administration.
According to the initiated statute passed by Ohio voters, a non-medical cannabis consumer who uses non-medical cannabis in a public area is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. Additionally, Ohio’s law prohibiting smoking or vaping in public indoor spaces applies to marijuana as well. Similar to alcohol, it is also illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of cannabis.
For resources and guidance on how parents can engage in conversations about responsible alcohol and cannabis use, access a new online guide recently unveiled at com.ohio.gov/Responsibility.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org for 24/7, confidential support. You can also learn more at mha.ohio.gov/988.