How to Talk to Your Kids About Cannabis

June 28, 2024

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As parents, we face a delicate balancing act — providing accurate information while safeguarding our children's well-being. When it comes to discussing cannabis, it's essential to approach the topic with openness, honesty, and age-appropriate language.

Listen

Genuinely listen, ask questions, and hold back from offering solutions right away.

Talk

Talk to your kids about substances in open and honest conversations. Stick to facts. Avoid scare tactics.

Be an Example

Keep substances out of view and access to your teens. Represent the behavior you expect from your kids.

Create a Healthy Environment

Give kids a stable and safe home.

Work Together

Talk with other parents to develop a community and support network for you and your kids.

Talk with your kids about your family's mental health history, especially if you have a family history of schizophrenia. Early cannabis use may accelerate the onset of symptoms of schizophrenia in youth with a family history. Youth who consistently use higher potency THC products are at higher risk of psychosis. Continued cannabis use is associated with poor long-term outcomes for people already experiencing psychosis.

For more resources on protecting your children from substance abuse, visit ParentUp.

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