ask Leah ...
ask Leah ...
Missouri Cannabis Education
How Do You Talk with Your Children About Cannabis ?
Part 1 of 3 by Leah Maurer , contributing writer
Leah
Leah Maurer , a native Missourian , is now a canna-journalist and activist living in Portland , OR . She is a co-owner of www . TheWeedBlog . com , a top national cannabis news and information publication , where she serves as the Editorial Lead . In 2014 , Leah founded Moms for YES on Measure 91 through grassroots efforts alone , it proved pivotal in the passage of the Measure , successfully legalizing recreational / adult-use cannabis in the OR . Leah is a social justice and cannabis activist at the core and hopes to see an end to the prohibition of cannabis globally .
In an era where cannabis legalization is becoming more widespread , parents are increasingly faced with the challenge of discussing this controversial topic with their children . The landscape of both cannabis policy and the cannabis market has changed significantly in Missouri over the last five years . Even though the rules and regulations have changed , parents are still concerned about how to navigate this new space with their children . This column will be the first of a three-part series that will focus on parenting and cannabis , especially right now , as the kids are all out of school for summer .
This first column in this series will discuss the importance of talking with your children about cannabis . With the vast amount of change in Missouri around cannabis in recent years , parents are presented with challenges regarding safety and communication with their children . However , as parents , it also offers us a big opportunity for open dialogue and very teachable moments around the cannabis plant and the products that are made from it , as well as what the effects of cannabis are and how to consume cannabis responsibly .
In my opinion as a mother and an activist , there are several key strategies for navigating discussions about cannabis with our children .
Understanding the Landscape
Before initiating any conversation about cannabis , it ’ s crucial for parents to educate themselves about the substance , which includes understanding its potential benefits , risks , and legal status . Ensure that you are educated about all the laws and regulations in Missouri and that you and your children understand the legal risks involved . Since we have been fed decades of conjecture and propaganda about this plant and the products made from it , I encourage you to emphasize accurate information with your children , steering clear of stigmatizing language or misinformation . Make sure you get your information from validated and credible sources and that it is readily available to share with your children if they are age-appropriate for reading it .
Create an Open Dialogue
Fostering an open and non-judgmental dialogue is essential for effective communication . Parents should create a safe space where children feel comfortable asking questions and expressing their thoughts . By encouraging open communication , parents can address any concerns or misconceptions their children may have about cannabis . The truth is , if you are not engaging in this conversation , children will seek out or be handed information elsewhere , and we have no idea if that information is accurate or not . As parents , it is our responsibility to ensure that our children get correct and validated information so that they can ultimately make informed and conscious decisions . Discussing cannabis with your children offers another avenue to build bonds with them , and then , as they grow up , they will feel safe talking with you about cannabis and potentially about other substances as well .
Promote Critical Thinking
Promoting critical thinking skills when discussing cannabis with children is also very important to the whole scope of the conversation . Rather than imposing strict rules or judgments , parents can encourage their children to think critically about the information they encounter . Obviously , this all comes with age-appropriateness , as small children need to have decisions made for them
12 June 2024