Marijuana use is on the rise, and with so many new ways to consume it, it’s important for parents to be prepared to talk to their kids about it.
There are many new ways to consume marijuana these days, including edibles, vapes, sublinguals, and concentrates. There are also several new, legal forms of cannabis that have different legalities and effects. CBD, Delta 8, and Delta 9 are all legal in some states, but not all. It’s important for parents to know the facts about each of these before they talk to their kids about marijuana use.
Here are some tips for parents who want to have a productive conversation with their kids about marijuana:
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Do your research
Make sure you know the facts about marijuana before you talk to your kids about it. Being able to describe exactly what Delta 9 is, or other new forms that kids might have heard about, can go a long way. You can find a lot of information online, or you can talk to a doctor or other medical professional.
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Be open and honest
Let your kids know that you’re open to talking about marijuana, and be honest with them about your own thoughts and feelings on the topic.
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Listen to your kids
It’s important to listen to what your kids have to say about marijuana and their own experiences with it. This will help you better understand their thoughts and feelings on the subject.
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Don’t ask them to name names
Keep in mind that your kids may not want to share everything with you. Asking them to name names of other kids who use marijuana or where they get it from can shut down the conversation quickly.
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Encourage questions
Questions are a normal part of any conversation, so encourage them! This will help you get a better sense of what your kids are thinking and feeling about marijuana, and will also give them an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns openly.
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Talk about the risks
It’s important to be clear with your kids about the potential risks associated with marijuana use, including impaired judgment, and negative mental health effects.
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Don’t ignore the benefits
While there are certainly risks associated with marijuana use, there may also be some potential benefits, such as pain relief, relaxation, and creative stimulation. It’s important to talk to your kids openly and honestly about these potential benefits, in order to help them make informed decisions about their own marijuana use.
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Choose a comfortable setting
Make sure you choose a setting that is comfortable for both you and your kids. This will help make the conversation more relaxed and open.
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Take your time
There’s no rush to have this conversation. It’s important to take your time, so that everyone feels comfortable and able to share their thoughts and feelings openly.
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Think about your body language
Your body language can say a lot about how you’re feeling, so think about your posture and any other non-verbal cues when you have “the talk” with your kids.
If you follow these tips, you can help your kids make informed decisions about marijuana use, and have an open and honest conversation with them about this often-controversial topic. By taking the time to prepare and having a positive, open-minded attitude, you can help guide your kids through this challenging topic and support them as they begin navigating their own path towards adulthood.
