<p>OP,
What would you do if your son weren’t about to go off to college? </p>
<p>That’s what you should do now. I do not think that his educational status should influence how you handle this. </p>
<p>What if, maybe, the fact that he did not hide it was not a mistake on his part, or lack of concern… what if it was a cry for help on some level? Maybe he likes it so much, he is not sure he can control it?</p>
<p>Among the uncommented on issues is family history. Sure lots of people drink, lots of people have used pot, but some people come from families where people are more prone to addiction. I think this is a factor in how your son is asked to show his understanding of his vulnerability, or lack thereof. Clearly, his anxiety/depressive symptoms create vulnerability.</p>
<p>As for the comment about ADHD being treated by cannabis… The kids I know with ADHD whose parents looked the other way when they “”“self medicated”" with cannibis are now multiple drug addicted, non functional young adults. 100%, and it is not a small sample size. </p>
<p>Everything says cannabis is not good for a growing and developing brain. What adults do- that is people with mature hippocampi and prefrontal cortices, is their own business (laws notwithstanding). What children and adolescents do is their parents’ business as well. Giving a message of accountability, understanding consequences, etc… is not draconian. It is protection and concern. </p>
<p>Personally, I would be thinking about a counselor for his first semester of college…</p>