Since 2014, adult use has been legal in Colorado for people 21 and older. Throughout the state, there are numerous dispensaries, or places to buy marijuana, with inviting and colorful storefronts and clever names. And the contents on the inside can be just as eye catching. Advertising and marketing can appeal to youth, making marijuana look fun, easy and seemingly as safe as going to the local coffee shop. Because of this, cannabis consumption can be confusing to children and teens. That’s why it’s especially important to talk to your kids about it.

How to start the conversation about marijuana

Talking about drug use, and further conversations about substance abuse, is never easy or comfortable, but opening a line of communication with your child from a young age can make a big difference. First, knowing the facts about marijuana can be helpful to explain what it is, the different ways to consume it, the side effects and how it can impact your child’s wellbeing.

Poison prevention and drug use conversations should start early with parents and kids. Between the ages of 1 and 3 years old, once children are mobile and often putting things in their mouth, young children accidentally ingest household products and drugs that are left out. Experts suggest age 10 or 11 as a good place to start to talk about drugs as the American Academy of Pediatrics begins assessing drug usage at healthcare appointments beginning at age 12. However, that doesn’t mean the conversation can’t start earlier. By using language that is straightforward and age-appropriate, you can keep the conversation going throughout their tween, teen and young adult years.

And remember, these conversations don’t need to be formal. In fact, it’s best to look for everyday opportunities where the topic comes up more naturally like when you’re driving, watching a show where marijuana is mentioned or even at bedtime.

Every year your child’s interest and understanding of drug use will change. Follow this guidance for age-appropriate conversations:

• Ages 4 to 8: Explain simple safety rules including don’t eat unknown candy, gummies or medicine and to alert an adult if that happens.
• Ages 9 to 12: Begin describing how marijuana can affect the brain and body. It’s important to know marijuana use can get in the way of what they want to achieve in school or with sports. Talk about what to do if they see products at a friend’s home and map out trusted adults that they can go to if they feel unsafe or have questions.
• Ages 13 to 15: Talk about peer pressure, what they may see at parties, on social media and the misconceptions versus facts of marijuana use. Explain ways to decline marijuana use if offered.
• Ages 15 to 18: Reiterate the facts while talking about driving impairment, legal consequences of cannabis use and how they can advocate for themselves in sticky situations.

Be honest about marijuana

Kids are smart, and will probably know if you aren’t being honest with them when you share limited information about marijuana or your feelings about the drug. Also, many teens can believe they know more about marijuana than adults. Sharing your own experience, without details of past or present use, can relate more to kids than just relaying facts.

Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Marijuana affects attention, learning, judgment and memory. That’s why kids and teens with developing brains shouldn’t use the drug. Be sure to emphasize with your kids that marijuana should only be used legally (21 and older) and responsibly, never in excess and never in ways that put anyone’s safety at risk, such as driving under the influence.  

Listen openly to your child about marijuana

No matter how young or old your kids are, the most important part of your conversation about marijuana is listening. Creating a “no judgement zone” and space in the conversation for questions allows your child to be honest about what they’ve heard about cannabis or maybe their usage, in some cases.

“Talking to them about the risks and about their use is really important,” says medical toxicologist Sam Wang, MD,  “Just like anything else, if you judge and punish them, they'll push away and not engage.”

It’s not uncommon, especially for teens, to hear about drugs from their friends or on social media. But it’s important to remember that curiosity is a normal part of learning and doesn’t necessarily signal use. If your kids bring the topic up, it means they trust the space you’ve created. Never be too busy to stop and talk openly with them about it.

Share the facts about marijuana use

If your kids are relying on their friends, television shows or social media for information about marijuana, chances are they have received lots of misinformation. Presenting the facts about cannabis objectively and openly is important, while covering topics like:

• What marijuana is and how it’s used
• How to recognize marijuana and marijuana products
• Why people use marijuana
• Side effects of marijuana
• Why it’s dangerous for young people
• Risks of getting addicted

Offer support to their questions about marijuana

It’s important to reassure your child that their honesty and curiosity are valued. Approaching the conversation with anger or judgement immediately shuts your child down, and they may think they’re already in trouble for their thoughts or feelings about marijuana. Making support proactive instead of reactive keeps the door open to further conversations if their feelings or usage change.

It may seem scary to find out that your child is experimenting with marijuana or feeling pressured to try it, but talking with them about what’s going on and emphasizing their safety over punishment, reassures them that their honesty doesn’t go unnoticed. Ask them why they’re using it or considering using it and calmly explain your concerns and expectations.

Keeping up with these conversations can also help prevent problematic use in the future. While keeping lines of communications open, our experts note that any marijuana use, not just what is considered addiction, may be cause to seek help for your child.

“If you notice negative consequences like stealing money, marijuana replacing other activities or negative impacts on their grades or mental health, you should reach out,” Dr. Wang says. “If you’re concerned, you should get a healthcare professional involved early.”