Cannabis Edibles Branded to Look ‘Healthy’ Mislead Teens
What? New research conducted by Washington State University found that “bright colors, fruit imagery and words like ‘vegan’” make cannabis edibles look like health foods. The study warned that this false perception could increase the risk of underage marijuana use.
So What? According to the CDC, teen cannabis use can cause “difficulty thinking and problem solving,” “problems with memory and learning,” “reduced coordination,” “difficulty maintaining attention” and “problems with school and social life.” It also warns that marijuana use can increase a teenager’s risk of mental health issues, impair driving ability and potentially lead to cannabis use disorder (which approximately three in 10 people who use cannabis have).
Now What? Although it’s illegal to market cannabis products to underage users, this study suggests that teens are still drawn to this type of cannabis marketing. Talk with your teen about the eye-catching appeal of these products, making sure they know that just because something is marketed as “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Make sure they know the risks of using marijuana while their brains are still developing. And encourage them to reach out to you or another trusted adult if they feel pressured by peers to consume cannabis edibles.
‘Looksmaxxing’ Is Particularly Harmful for Teen Boys
What? “Looksmaxxing,” as defined by Merriam-Webster, refers to the efforts that young men take to look more attractive. These practices can be extreme, ranging in intensity from everyday skincare to cosmetic surgery.
So What? Unrealistic body standards have always existed for both men and women. However, Parents reports, teen boys are more vulnerable to those standards now than in previous decades thanks to social media: “A 2025 study found that 60% of young men between the ages of 16-25 regularly consume content from at least one masculinity influencer.”
Now What? Parents should be particularly wary of looksmaxxing (and its spinoffs, “softmaxxing,” “hardmaxxing,” “starvemaxxing,” and more), since this trend perpetuates the idea that young men must maximize their physical appearance both to “be attractive to women” and to “be respected as a man by their peers.” It encourages unhealthy eating and exercise habits. It promotes misogyny. And, perhaps most importantly, it steers teens away from the biblical vision of masculinity, instead pointing boys toward a superficial, materialistic, secular one.
‘Pity Marketing’ Pulls Heartstrings in Deceitful Ways
What? “Pity marketing” is currently trending on social media. It’s where users post a sad story about a failed business venture—perhaps a book signing where nobody showed up or zero Etsy sales of home-made goods—in the hope that internet users will feel pity and buy the product.
So What? The problem with pity marketing—and the reason it’s trending now—is that it’s often abused. In one instance, a user posted about an aunt’s book signing. In the videos, the bookstore is empty, and the author can be seen sadly rearranging unpurchased copies of her book. The story went viral, thousands purchased the book online in response, and the author even received support from financial institutions to print more copies of the book to give to libraries. But later, it was revealed the book signing had not been advertised anywhere. The bookstore was closed on the day in question. And the entire thing had been a publicity stunt.
Now What? If your teens gets duped by pity marketing, it can make them distrustful, even cynical toward any tearjerking story they might hear going forward. They might be less willing to offer aid to those genuinely in need. And they could even respond with vitriol in the comments sections of such posts. But the Bible tells us that we shouldn’t harden our hearts, instead giving freely to those in need, whatever it may be (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). Additionally, Jesus tells us in Matthew 25 that whatever we do for the “least of these,” we do for Him. Obviously, if someone acts duplicitously, that can leave a bad taste in your mouth, but that’s for the Lord to judge, not us (1 Corinthians 4).
