Click here if you are a parent or other caretaker whose child hasn’t started using marijuana or has just begun using marijuana.

Click here if you are a parent or other caretaker whose child is using marijuana for a longer period of time.

Intro

If possible talk to your child when they are still in elementary or middle school about the consequences of using marijuana. But it is never too late to begin the conversation!

Explain to them that the media may make using marijuana look like it’s fun, but it can hurt them.

Talk with them using examples of what marijuana use can do. Often children and teens can’t appreciate the notion of death, but they can understand consequences. For instance, if someone was in a car accident caused by marijuana and can no longer walk.

If you have used marijuana or other drugs in the past, be honest about it, explain why you stopped, and let them know about the negative ways it affected you.

Will What I Say Make a Difference?

Yes. There is no magic bullet to preventing pre-teen and teen drug use. But research shows parents have a big influence on their children, even when it does not seem that way.

Most Important Facts Parents/Caregivers Need to Know About Marijuana

Can be addictive.
Leads to more depression, anger and anxiety after using for a while
Is unsafe if you are behind the wheel.
Is linked to lower grades, school failure, and poorer quality of life.
Harms adolescent brain development, including IQ and memory loss.

How Do I Talk To My Child About Marijuana?

Talk with them and not to them.
Use real life stories about teens you and your child know who have been hurt by marijuana use.
Use YouTube videos, especially of teens or young adults talking about how marijuana has harmed them or their friends.
Be respectful and not judgmental of your child, but at the same time be direct.
Set a clear expectation of no marijuana use and where use may have already begun, clear consequences for such use. Make sure to follow through with those consequences.
Love them enough to be willing to risk their being angry with you for following through with consequences.
If you used marijuana in the past be honest about it. Include its negative effects on you.

Listening To Your Child

Sometimes you will need to be very direct with your child. But at other times active listening using the following steps is helpful.
Give your full attention to your child.
Make eye contact and stop other things you are doing.
Repeat back what your child has told you in your own words and say what you think they may be feeling. This will help you be sure you are understanding what they are telling you.
Make sure you give your child plenty of time to say what they have to say before jumping in.

If your child is already using

What do you do if you discover that your child has been using marijuana for a while? It can be a hard conversation to have, but here are some tips on how to talk to your child:
Don’t try to talk with them while they’re high; make sure they have your full attention when you do talk to them.
Remain calm and make sure that you listen to them as much as you talk. Make sure they know why this behavior is worrying and why they should stop.