By Danielle Simone Brand
Talking to your kids about cannabis will look and sound different depending on their ages, personal relationships with the plant, and where they live.
Still, it’s a vital conversation nonetheless—and best started early.
“It is important to talk with your children about cannabis,” says Leah Maurer, founder of
TheWeedBlog.com and a mother of three. “If you don’t do it, someone else will…and that someone else may not give them factual or truthful information about this plant and how it is used.”
Offering facts and guidance, not fear-based misinformation (remember D.A.R.E.?), will build trust in your relationship and give children tools to help navigate life independently one day. It can also help develop their critical thinking skills and make them better citizens, says cannabis educator, entrepreneur, and children’s book author, Mskindness B. Ramirez. “Demystifying plant medicine for future generations is a vital step in reversing the damage caused by historically biased policies and the war on drugs.”
Use age-appropriate language and concepts
“My kid is very inquisitive by nature, and I welcome that curiosity,” says Jocelyn Harris, founder of the nonprofit group, Mommies and MaryJane and mother to a four-year-old. “It’s Mommy’s flowers” or “Mommy is taking a break” are her go-to phrases. Other parents call it medicine and teach kids to identify and avoid any cannabis products they may come across, particularly edibles. (Here’s your friendly reminder to keep cannabis edibles locked and out of sight.)
And while simple explanations can suffice for preschoolers, older kids deserve more complex and nuanced information. Because the subject of cannabis bridges areas like science, policy, and social justice, it can provide a way into conversations as varied as health and wellness on the one hand and systemic racism on the other. You don’t have to be an expert, but you do need to be willing to share what you know, stay open to your kids’ questions, and get curious about finding answers together.
Use books & media
For younger ones, picture books like It’s Just a Plant by Ricardo Cortés, the Root Family’s Very Special Garden by Mskindness B. Ramirez, and Why Mommy Gets High by Wendy Brazile introduce the concept of plant medicine in a non-threatening way. With legalization and access progressing quickly, many shows and movies today address cannabis—at least in passing. With older kids, pay attention to cannabis references in the media you watch together and take the opportunity to explore the concept, introduce a fact, or ask questions.
Model responsible use
Parents and caregivers set the tone in the home regarding regulating emotions and relating to others kindly, even in stressful situations. And without saying a word, parents also model important lifestyle habits around food, sleep, movement, and, yes, cannabis.
“It must begin with a review of our own reasons for use,” says Mskindness. “Then it can easily translate into a thoughtful and age-appropriate discussion around ethical consumption.” While many parents still reflexively hide cannabis consumption from their kids, she encourages parents to end the secrecy.
Keep the conversation going
Meaningful conversations are rarely a “one and done” kind of deal. Instead of sitting down for an intense heart-to-heart about cannabis, consider initiating mini-conversations that feel more digestible for younger brains and reduce the risk of kids and teens tuning out.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is to build a trusting and open dialogue with your children around cannabis, and all substances, really,” says Leah, mother to two teens and an 11-year-old.
When your children know it’s safe to come to you—at any time or for any reason—with their questions or concerns, you’ve prioritized open communication and their wellbeing.
Adds Leah, “Keeping the conversation about cannabis going with your children as they grow and change will likely help strengthen your relationship with them overall and allow them to have even more confidence and trust in you as their parent.
