Cannabis Conversations: Talking to Your Kids About Cannabis
Cannabis (marijuana) use is becoming more widespread and will soon be more readily available here in the West River Valley. Now is the time to talk to your kids about cannabis, regardless of their age. Watch the 2½ minute video below for information on why and how to start the conversation.
The Reality
There has been an upsurge in cannabis edibles packaged in a way that is appealing to children, and easily confused with snacks & treats. Some are even designed to look like popular brands such as Doritos and Oreos. The corresponding increase in accidental ingestion in children is startling. A 2021 National Institutes of Health report found that between 2017 to 2021 there was a 1,375% increase in pediatric cannabis exposure, with 97.7% occurring in a residential setting.
Age Appropriate Conversations
Many factors influence why kids do and don’t use cannabis and other substances. As parents, we can’t control all of them. However, there are many things we can do to make a major difference. Having regular, age appropriate conversations about cannabis and other substances is the most effective protection you can provide. SAMHSA’s Talk They Hear You campaign is a good resource for Age Appropriate Conversations About Alcohol and Other Drugs.
Additional Resources
In addition to talking to your kids, know how to safely track and secure cannabis and other substances in your home:
- Talk, Track, Secure.
- ParentUP.org offers tips on how to help your child open up, and how to start the conversation.
- DrugFree.org offers a detailed Marijuana Teen Talk Kit.
Stay Connected & Informed
Learn more about cannabis policy in our area by visiting Windham Country Prevention Partnership’s Vermont Cannabis Legalization Information. You can also contact your town’s select board to find out more about their current cannabis policy and license applications.
Join the Thrives parent email list to stay connected and receive updates by sending your name and email to wrvtengaged@gmail.com.
All community members are welcome!
Additional Notes:
Elementary School: For kids 10 and under, it is recommended that conversations center around good health and taking care of their body. Make sure they know to come to you with any product or food they don’t know. And don’t be afraid to talk about cannabis specifically when you feel they’re ready.
Middle School: Help them understand why cannabis is not safe for youth, and ensure they know you are the best resource if they have questions. ParentUP.org offers tips on how to help your child open up, and how to start the conversation.
High School: Teens and young adults respect and need straight, honest conversations. DrugFree.org offers a robust, detailed Marijuana Teen Talk Kit.
New York Times article: How To Talk to Teens About Edibles “It’s easy to view the rise of edibles as just one more thing parents of teenagers need to worry about. While this may be true, we might also welcome the conversations that edibles allow as an opportunity to remind teenagers that — above all — we are here to help them navigate the risks they face and want them to take good care of themselves.”