How to Talk to Your Teen About Weed
Unsurprising trends show that each new generation seems to be embracing more cannabis use. For Generation Z, a cohort born between 1993 and 2007, marijuana is considered healthier than alcohol . Children come of age at a time when weed is portrayed not so much as a drug that will drive them into a frantic search for mediocre hamburgers, but as a tool that can help them calm down after a busy day. According to a Bloomberg poll , this younger generation is twice as likely to use cannabis – whether it be smoking, vaping or eating – than the national average.
If you are a mom or dad, you may have a weaker attitude towards marijuana than your parents. This is fine. But no matter how you feel about legalization, keep this in mind: Cannabis is still banned for minors, and research shows it can have long-term effects on the teen’s brain.
Unfortunately, you can’t just show your kids a piece of anegg sizzling in a frying pan and tell them to “just say no.” This tactic has never worked . It is important to talk to your children about marijuana in a subtle and empathetic manner, and to consider the medication for what it is. Here’s how to start a conversation.
Know that a teen’s brain is different from an adult’s
Although cannabis is widespread, it is still unclear how it affects adolescents. On Reddit, parents are discussing if they can use it. One poster , worried that their son was smoking marijuana, eventually concluded, “I honestly don’t mind. It looks like as long as he’s leading a healthy lifestyle, I think it should be okay. “
However, while there are some inconclusive reports, most of the data we have suggests that the drug is not safe for adolescents. First of all, the rational part of the brain is not fully developed until about age 25 . From the age of 10 until then, he undergoes tremendous changes , developing the ability to learn, pay attention, regulate emotions, solve problems and weigh risks. Cannabis, even very little , can harm this part of the brain . There is evidence that adolescents who actively use it are less likely to graduate from high school , may have an increased risk of depression, and are more likely to have a psychotic episode . And driving drunk (whatever ) is a huge risk.
It is also a misconception that cannabis is not addictive. Of course, many people might try this a few times and then decide it’s not for them. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly one in six teenagers who repeatedly use marijuana may not be able to quit smoking .
So weed is bad news for teens. How can I get this message across to them?
Focus on goals, not rules
Chances are, your kids will have the opportunity to try cannabis at some point, so the sooner you start talking to them about it, the better. Before they face peer pressure, they need to know your position: “The drug is illegal and harmful to minors, and I do not approve of your use.” You can tell them the facts about marijuana, how it can be beneficial for adults, and what the difference is between medicinal and recreational use.
Dr. Lawrence Weinstein, chief physician of the American Addiction Centers, tells me that the discussion that follows “cannot be a lecture.”
“One of the most ineffective ways for a parent to talk to a child about this is to convey a message with authority,” he says.
David and Nick Sheff, the real-life father and son duo who inspired Handsome Boy , are promoting what they call the Just Say Know approach. This is where you present facts and sound advice to them, and then let them weigh the risks themselves. Their new book, High , which gives teens an opportunity to really talk about drugs but not counsel, encourages those contemplating drug use to go through these four steps first:
1. Know yourself.
2. Determine what you want out of life.
3. Weigh the risks of use.
4. Find out the truth and decide.
To help teens better understand themselves, you must give them clear information about their individual risk factors. For example, if they have a family history of addiction (genetics account for 40-60% of the predisposition to substance abuse ), they should know this. You can also subtly remind them of their values and goals. While danger threats are not as effective in getting teens to make better choices, it is important to emphasize what this means to them .
Be prepared for common arguments
Your teens are probably rationalizing their position. Here are a couple of tips from the Partnership for Drug- Free Children on how you can question their views on cannabis use without judging or judging them.
(Note: Don’t turn this into a dramatic “we need to talk” discussion, the organization recommends. Keep it relaxed. If you feel irritated, take a step back and return to the topic as soon as you are calm.)
They say , “I only do this occasionally on weekends, so it doesn’t really matter.” You might say , “What could make this a big deal for you?” Why it works : It makes them think about the future and what their boundaries are. This will give you an idea of what is important to him. If use progresses and some of these boundaries cross, you can discuss this later.
They say , “Would you prefer me to drink? Weed is much safer. ” You might say , “Honestly, I don’t want you to do anything that could hurt you. I’m curious to know why you think weed is safer than alcohol. Why it works : It reminds your child that you care about their well-being. Expressing genuine curiosity about their thought process will help them open up.
Your goal should be to figure out why your teens believe what they believe and move on.
Give them a way out of difficult situations
To convince your children that you are on their side, you can give them a secret code by which they can write to you at any time when they find themselves in a difficult situation. No questions asked, you will come and receive them. It is important for them to know that even if they make the wrong choice, you will always be there.
Help them to be critical of what they see in the media.
There is a ton of marijuana content that teens hang out the most: on social media. Cannabis companies are already using Instagram influencers to advertise their products and comply with regulations . And this is just the beginning. “Presumably legalization will lead to more weed-related content being posted and distributed for young people to access,” says Liz Sommer of StayHipp, the source that transcribes millennials and Gen Z. “For the record, over 35 million posts on Instagram were tagged # 420. Notably, TikTok, a social media platform clearly targeted at teenagers, specifically prohibits content that “encourages” drug use. However, this is difficult to achieve, especially since references to cannabis are prevalent in music and pop culture. “
Know that what your teens see on social media has an impact . So try to keep up with it. Ask them questions to help them be critical of the content they are watching, and use media such as TV shows and movies to start a conversation. (“Is this man smoking? What do you think of that?”)
Teach Them Alternative Ways To Deal With Stress
At WUVM, David Scheff said that many parents believe their children turn to drugs because of peer pressure or a desire to get hot . But pointing to the study, he explained, “In general, kids say they use drugs because of stress.”
Teens are under tremendous pressure: college admissions are increasingly competitive, social media promotes unattainable ideals, and then there is the emotional rollercoaster that high school has. Teach them alternative ways to deal with stress – talking with friends, walking in nature, doing physical activity, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or keeping a journal. If they don’t learn how to deal with everything that comes as a teenager, they are much more likely to find the easy thing that’s right in front of them.