Marijuana Talk: A Weed-Positive Parent’s Guide to Discussing Cannabis with Kids
Photo by Marie-Michèle Bouchard on Unsplash
Are your babies growing faster than you can say “Ganja”? Welcome to the world of parenting, where the birds, the bees, and now, the buds all demand a spot on the conversation carousel. Yeah, I’m talking about that inevitable chat with your kid, the one that you need to be high to tackle: marijuana.
I proudly puff and pass. Living in a state where medical marijuana is legal, I ensure that my weed card remains up to date. Some parents sip wine at the end of the day; others enjoy two puffs of a joint.
Save your judgment — there’s no room for it in this article.
With the aroma that sometimes lingers after slipping back into the house, coupled with the anti-drug messaging taught in school and the politicization of the drug in my state, I should have anticipated that this conversation was approaching.
Now, this isn’t my first rodeo conquering uncomfortable topics with my kids. About a year ago, my 11-year-old daughter gave me a breakdown on “eating groceries” — yes, I had to discuss oral sex, specifically anal pleasures.
“Mom, He Wants To Eat Your Groceries!”
5 Tips for the Sex Talk in 2022medium.com
But I’ve learned something from that experience and was prepared when my 9-year-old son said, “Mom, I think you smoke Marijuana, but I’m not sure and don’t want you to die as you can from cigarettes.” After getting over the initial surprise of him calling the plant by name, I dove into everything Mary Jane.
It wasn’t that bad; allow me to share a few tips.
First, take a deep breath — (not that kind of deep breath). Inhale and exhale.
1. Know Thy Weed
Before diving headfirst into this conversation, it’s essential to have your facts straight. Not only did I use my best friend, Google, but I also spoke with my physician to ensure that I knew all there is about cannabis. Between vaping, tinctures, edibles, and creams, there are many ways to consume the plant. Do your homework and become educated on marijuana and its various forms.
2. Timing is Key
Pick the right moment for this chat. Trying to discuss cannabis while rushing through the morning routine or during a commercial break on TV might not be the wisest move. Save it for a car ride or a casual walk.
When my son asked the question, I told him we’d have an open conversation later that evening, buying me time to complete my research and get my talking points in order.
3. Ditch the ’90s Anti-Drug PSA Vibe
Remember those cringy ’90s commercials with the frying eggs and the “This is your brain on drugs” tagline? Yeah, let’s leave those in the past. Don’t overload them with scare tactics; instead, opt for an open, honest, and down-to-earth dialogue.
Share the benefits of marijuana, including alleviating anxiety, reducing nausea, and treating migraines, as well as the dangers. A Columbia University study has found that teens who use cannabis recreationally are two to four times as likely to develop psychiatric disorders, such as depression and suicidality, than teens who don’t use cannabis at all.
4. Language Matters
Find age-appropriate language. You don’t want to sound like Snoop Dog’s personal supplier, nor do you want to sound like you’re delivering a college lecture on cannabis. Keep it simple, relatable, and, most importantly, understandable.
5. Embrace the Humor
Inject humor into the conversation — nothing breaks the ice like a well-timed joke. Keep it light while maintaining the seriousness of the topic.
6. Address their Perceptions
Be ready to address the questions they’ve likely heard from friends, seen on social media, or even wondered about themselves. They may wonder how to troubleshoot if a friend offers them an edible. You may need to be prepared to answer difficult questions like “What does being high feel like?”
Some kids have the perception that people who smoke a lot of pot are dumb or slow. This is because it affects the area of the brain, the hippocampus, which handles processing memory and attention. Remain open and ready to handle all perceptions.
7. Set Boundaries, Rules, and Real Talk
Make it crystal clear what your family rules are about marijuana. Like curfew or cleaning their rooms, rules need to be followed.
Discuss the potential consequences, legalities, and the importance of making responsible choices. For instance, if you or your child have a mental health illness or a predisposition to one, marijuana can trigger anxiety. It’s important to address this.
8. Listen Up
Remember, it’s a conversation, not a lecture. Encourage kids to ask questions and actively listen to their concerns or thoughts. My son learned about vaping in school and was confused about the difference between smoking a vape and smoking marijuana. Anticipate queries about your personal use, and be ready to navigate this like a pro.
9. Lead by Example
Show them responsible behavior regarding substances. If they see you chugging a bottle of wine every night and chain-smoking joints, your words will hold as much weight as your rolling papers.
10. Keep the Door Open
This isn’t a one-and-done conversation. Keep the dialogue open. As your children grow older, their understanding and curiosity about marijuana (and other topics) will evolve. Be their trusted resource.
So What Did We Learn?
We have to remember that parenting isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being present and being willing to tackle the tough talks.
You’re not just having ‘the talk’ about a plant; you’re imparting life lessons. It’s about balance, responsibility, and being the role model you want to be for your curious, ever-watchful audience.
The world they are growing up in is scary— gun violence, school shootings, war, racism, restrictions on female bodies, etc. The best way for me to protect them is to give them the knowledge needed to navigate life.
Now, go put on your “cool parent” pants and embrace the awkward and hazy journey of discussing marijuana with your kiddos. Who knows? You might end up with the coolest (and most informed) kids on the block.
You got this!
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