Should I talk to my kids about cannabis?

The answer is an overwhelming yes. Parents NEED to talk to their kids about cannabis. Children are learning about marijuana from a variety of sources, and those sources are VERY contradictory.

Cannabis is now legal in more than half the United States. Many children do, or will, know someone who benefits from medical marijuana. They see firsthand the substance is NOT deadly or devastating but instead offers benefits.

Kids also see cannabis use occurring without serious consequence across the media. Elon Musk smoked it on TV, and casual cannabis use is common in many TV shows. Even political figures like Corey Booker have come out against prohibition.

DARE’s Official Position about Cannabis

I have heard countless horror stories of DARE officers teaching alarmist and alienating propaganda to family members of medical marijuana patients. Unfortunately, this is psychologically damaging to the individual student because it risks alienating them from their family members. Additionally, it ostracizes the affected student and creates an environment ripe for isolation and institutionalized bullying.

I knew for sure there was a problem when I opened DARE’s resources page and saw a photo of my friend, Elise McRoberts, featured alongside a prohibitionist article with an unflattering headline.

If you would like to know exactly what DARE teaches about marijuana, here is DARE’s official position statement on cannabis. It’s not pretty. The paper is filled with flat-out irresponsible information and alarmist propaganda warnings, including support for the debunked theory that cannabis leads to more serious drug use.

DARE Teaches Against Medical Marijuana

One of the most disturbing parts of DARE’s curriculum is that they teach AGAINST medical marijuana. Their position paper states, “Marijuana may contain medical components like opium does. But we don’t smoke opium to get the effects of Morphine. Similarly, we don’t need to smoke marijuana to get its potential benefit.” They go on to instruct students to rely on synthetics, specifically Marinol which has shown to be ineffective.

This educational organization is teaching kids to ignore doctors orders. Not every patient can effectively metabolize oral cannabis. Some people DO need to smoke marijuana to get its medical effects.

DARE’s Propaganda Worksheet

DARE also provides a supplemental worksheet about marijuana for students. Recently, I’ve seen this propaganda worksheet make it’s way to NJ classrooms. Unfortunately, it’s filled with falsities and inaccuracies. Here’s the original Propaganda Worksheet.

DARE Alternative Worksheet for Families

And here is a DARE Alternative worksheet filled with actual facts and important information that kids should know about cannabis.

Print it out and use it as a guide to discuss the topic with your children.

Answer key:

1) Illegal; 2) Medicine; 3) Amounts, strains; 4) Brain development; 5) Smoking; 6) 400; 7) 80; 8) Doctor; 9) Panic attacks

Cannabis Education in Health Class

Keep in mind, even younger students in the pre-DARE grades are routinely exposed to cannabis propaganda.

The first exposure is usually during second or third-grade health class. It’s important for children to be taught about drug and alcohol dangers, the problem is most public school health books are severely outdated. In addition, teachers have been taught to exclusively reiterate the same ineffective propaganda that has been taught for the last 80 years.

This practice is detrimental to students and is alienating to medical marijuana patients and their families.

Not Talking to Kids About Cannabis is Dangerous

The education kids receive in school, combined with the facts kids see in the media and reality, create cognitive dissonance. This cognitive dissonance causes a lack of trust regarding all the content being taught about drugs and alcohol.

A friend of mine’s son has been battling heroin addiction. He’s only in his early twenties and thankfully he’s in recovery and doing well. But as his mom discussed the topic with him, she was taken aback when he explained how he hadn’t realized heroin was far more dangerous than cannabis. He’d been taught the fake-facts about cannabis, he saw they were fake, and this led him to assume that the teachings surrounding heroin were equally false.

This story demonstrates how not providing fact-based education can be dangerous.

Kids Need to be Prepared for Propaganda

If you’re a medical marijuana patient, it’s extremely important to prepare your child for the propaganda they’ll face in school so that when they’re provided with inaccurate information by uniformed police officers and trusted teachers, they won’t be mentally and emotionally traumatized.

Please talk to your kids about cannabis and be sure to use & store your cannabis responsibly.Trending Now

Important Topic to Address with Your Kids

What To Teach Kids About Cannabis

I have a whole list of facts to teach your kids about cannabis.  But before we delve into the details, let’s address another very important topic.

Please discuss your family history of mental illness with your children.  Here’s why –

Adolescents More At Risk Becuase of Undeveloped Brains

Legal marijuana is safe for most adults, BUT, adolescents have more risks because their brains are immature and undeveloped.

Research indicates that there is a small section of the population that needs to exercise more caution with cannabis.

A post shared by Jessie Gill (@jessiegill.marijuanamommy) on Oct 19, 2016 at 1:44pm PDT

Schizophrenia & Psychosis – Kids Need to Know Their  Family History

Mental illness and cannabis are two difficult topics to discuss.  Mental illness is often hidden by families because of the stigma associated with it.  (as is cannabis)

But children NEED to know their family’s psychiatric history in order to make safe & responsible decisions about cannabis use (both in adolescence and adulthood).

Individuals with a strong family history of schizophrenia (and/or illnesses with characteristics of psychosis) should AVOID recreational cannabis use – ESPECIALLY during adolescence.

Individuals with a strong family history of schizophrenia, who choose to utilize medical marijuana, should be guided and monitored by a licensed professional.

If your child has a family history of schizophrenia (or other illness associated with psychosis), PLEASE make sure they are aware of the association between cannabis and psychosis.

READ:  Cannabis may trigger the onset of psychosis

A post shared by Jessie Gill (@jessiegill.marijuanamommy) on Apr 22, 2017 at 11:58am PDT

We Need to Talk About Weed with Our Kids

Whether you have a family history of mental illness or not, please discuss cannabis with your kids.

But before you revert to the DARE education of your youth – remember the facts have changed drastically.

Unfortunately, when it comes to cannabis education in schools, what most children are being taught is distressingly inaccurate.

Kids are still taught propaganda.  The “facts” listed in textbooks about marijuana are dangerously out of date.

This continued spreading of misinformation is doing our children a disservice. Please teach the real facts at home.

Sigh… this week is #propaganda week for fourth graders. A week that brings me an enormous amount of frustration. I’m grateful my son is well educated about #cannabis but that doesn’t protect the millions of other children being fed false information. Teach kids the REAL dangers and risks, not made up nonsense. Please teach about #marijuana the way you teach about opiates ? Don’t believe anything written in old textbooks about marijuana! Hop on pubmed and read the REAL research instead.

A post shared by Jessie Gill (@jessiegill.marijuanamommy) on Mar 5, 2017 at 4:14pm PST

How to Explain Misinformation to Children

It’s confusing for kids to be taught one thing at home and another thing at school.  I wrote this article for Ravishly and it explains what I tell my son about cannabis.

READ:  My 9 yo Knows Good People Smoke Pot

Why You Should Be Stingy with the Term “Drugs”

The term “drugs” is powerful.  It should be.  Drugs like cocaine, meth, and heroin are dangerously addictive and potentially deadly.

A casual approach to these dangerous drugs can lead to life-destruction.  The warnings about these drugs need to be powerful.

Social attitudes toward marijuana are rapidly changing; drug education must follow suit.

As more people come forward and admit to regular cannabis use, the stereotype of the stoner is beginning to die.

#mondaymotivation ? spring flowers keep me going on cloudy May days ??

A post shared by Jessie Gill (@jessiegill.marijuanamommy) on May 1, 2017 at 4:59am PDT

Fear of Marijuana is Faltering

Humans require legitimate fear to survive.  It keeps us safe.

Don’t dilute the word “drugs”-with non-lethal cannabis.

Children hear about drug addiction and overdoses in the media.  My family has lost loved ones to addiction and overdose.  It’s a powerful experience that instills fear – It’s an important and necessary fear.

I want my kids to be afraid of drugs.  I do not want them to see successful people, using “dangerous drugs”, and living normal happy lives.

Most marijuana users live normal happy lives.

For most people – legal cannabis use is safer than alcohol.  Cannabis is not the dangerous drug DARE told us it was.  Kids NEED to understand this distinction.

Death by Cannabis?

Here are the ways pot can kill you. Someone can hit you in the head with a cast-iron pot.  Someone can use a pot to cook up some poison…

No one has ever died from a marijuana overdose. Compare that to 18,893 deaths from prescription painkiller overdoses or 29,001 alcohol related deaths from alcohol poisoning in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

No one has ever died from ingesting too miuch marijuana.

A post shared by Jessie Gill (@jessiegill.marijuanamommy) on Mar 28, 2017 at 5:39pm PDT

Real Risks of Marijuana

Marijuana isn’t deadly but that doesn’t make it perfectly safe.  There are real risks and dangers.  Kids NEED to know the REAL risks.

Is Marijuana Addictive?

• Marijuana IS addictive.
• Approximately 9% of users may become addicted to marijuana.  This statistic is similar to how many male drinkers become alcoholics.
• Cannabis withdrawal is not deadly like alcohol.
• Marijuana withdrawal for adults is like giving up coffee.
• Addiction to anything can be devastating to adolescents

Gateway Myth

Ban the term “gateway” from your vocabulary. Marijuana use does not cause people to use other drugs.

Addiction can start from huffing a paint can.  Most marijuana users live normal lives.

The idea that cannabis causes someone to use other drugs is propaganda.

Still worried about the gateway myth?  This Times article is an excellent read that dispels this fallacy.

Marijuana Fact Sheet

Cannabis is a Controlled Substance.

• In some states, marijuana is a medication prescribed by a doctor.
• In other states, marijuana is regulated like alcohol & tobacco – allowed for adults only.
• In some states, marijuana is completely illegal.
• Know your state’s legal status. State Marijuana Laws

The Real Dangers of Marijuana

All substances have dangers.  Here are some of the dangers of cannabis for chidlren.

• Large amounts of marijuana may alter perception causing users to be unable to recognize dangerous situations.
• It is very easy to use too much which can cause panic attacks and make you feel like you’re dying.
• The short term effects of large amounts of THC may negatively impact short term memory and active learning.
• Different people react differently, to varying amounts and strains.
• Marijuana affects brain chemistry and we are unsure how it affects the adolescent brain.
• In VERY rare cases, cannabis may trigger the onset of psychosis.
• Illegal marijuana can be laced with other damaging drugs & chemicals.
• Smoking any substance, including marijuana, can cause respiratory issues – it’s the smoke, not the marijuana.
• There’s little research on cannabis which means there’s a lot we don’t know about the health effects of using this substance.

It’s Illegal for Kids to Use Cannabis

Recreational marijuana use by adolescents is illegal across the United States Breaking laws has consequences:

• Loss of Drivers’ Licenses
• Fines
• Jail time
• Suspensions/Expulsions
• Elimination from sports teams, clubs, and activities

Share your beliefs

• Teach your values when it comes to alcohol, sex, gambling, and marijuana.
  • Be honest, tell them how you feel.
  • Be realistic – the current social attitude is changing rapidly.

Why This Conversation Can’t-Wait

In the past 50 years, social acceptance of marijuana has dramatically increased.  A 1969 Gallup survey found only 12% of respondents thought marijuana should be legalized; by 2015 that number increased to 58% overall, and 68% of millennials, in favor of legalization.  I don’t expect those statistics to alter your sentiment about marijuana, but I hope the widespread acceptance spurs you into action.  With nearly half the country accessing medical marijuana, it’s more important than ever to talk to your kids about cannabis.
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An interesting statistic proves that parents smoking weed more often than people realize.  According to the CDC for the year of 2014, 7.4% of teens surveyed consumed marijuana during the prior month.

Compare that to a whopping 12.7% of 26-34-year-olds and 8% of 35-44-year-olds.

It’s now more common for parents to smoke weed than it is for our teenage kids to be using cannabis.

Parents can use cannabis responsibly.

I wrote an article for VICE about responsible cannabis use.  Read it on TONIC.  Warning – it’s irreverent, contains foul language, and is all about recreational cannabis use.

Go read my article about Parents Smoking Weed on VICE:
A Guide To Staying High as a New Parent

There was a point in my life when I chastised recreational cannabis use. But after becoming a patient, I had difficulty reconciling that a substance can be used as both medicine and otherwise.

But after reading much research and using the plant daily for nearly a year and a half, I can’t ignore that cannabis is a lot safer than alcohol or nicotine.

#rum & #cannabis ? One of these substances kills 88,000 people each year* and is perfectly legal ?? The other #heals but is outlawed ? #legalize. (*according to the CDC)

A post shared by Jessie Gill (@jessiegill.marijuanamommy) on Feb 16, 2017 at 5:55pm PST

If alcohol and nicotine are legal and socially accepted, why is cannabis still outlawed?  This plant could be life-saving for many and widespread legalization is the only way to get it to everyone.

Sure, there are risks. But there are risks associated with consuming any substance.  Nutmeg is deadly and grapefruit juice can cause fatal medication interactions.

Cannabis addiction is a legitimate concern and needs to be addressed seriously like we do with alcohol and nicotine addiction.

The good news is that the rates for cannabis addiction are about the same as the rates for alcohol.  Plus, withdrawal from cannabis, although unpleasant, is not dangerous or intolerable as withdrawal from alcohol or drugs.

I still discourage illegal use. You never know what you’re getting in that bag, and breaking the law can result in serious repercussions.

Please consume cannabis moderately and in a legal & safe environment.

Go read my article about Parents Smoking Weed on VICE:  

A Guide To Staying High as a New Parent

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Child Proofing Medical Marijuana

When I became a medical marijuana patient, I started keeping my medicine locked away in this little box.

It’s funny because I never kept opiates or benzos locked up and those medications were deadly.  But, even though no one has ever died from a cannabis overdose, I lock it away from the kids.

Them I read a comparative risk analysis that said cannabis is 114 times safer than alcohol.

That got me thinking.  I used to have a wine fridge right next to where my son plays video games.  I don’t drink much and so it was always well stocked.  There within arm’s reach sat enough alcohol to kill my entire family.

Alcohol Kills

There was no lock on my wine fridge and we know for sure that alcohol kills.

The worst part is how many kids try alcohol. A study found that 58% of US high school seniors have tried alcohol, and 35% of high school seniors have tried marijuana (that’s why I’ll be keeping the lockbox for another decade at least).

Disturbing Alcohol Statistics

• Drinking one cup of vodka (or approximately 7 shots) within one hour would kill a 60-pound child (according to this blood alcohol content calculator).
• More than 90% of alcohol consumed by minors is consumed in the form of binge drinking (the most deadly form).
• Alcohol kills 88,000 people in the US each year.

READ:  Medical Marijuana Patients Rights

Only 1 out of 15 parents does this!

I wondered how other parents addressed this dilemma.   Was everyone’s alcohol locked away?

Research shows that alcohol accessibility is a big problem.  In fact, this study found that only 1 out of 15 parents actually stores alcohol securely.

Storing alcohol next to where kids play is completely socially acceptable, even if it’s deadly.  But my non-lethal marijuana is safely locked away.  Interesting?

I’m not saying everyone needs to toss out their wine, but I am suggesting we secure it a little better.

READ: The Most Important Thing To Teach Kids About Cannabis

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I keep my marijuana stashed away in a medication lock box.  The box is made of cheap smashable plastic and has a teeny combination lock.

It’s cute, but obviously, my lockbox isn’t an anti-theft device.

I want to make it clear.  I don’t keep my marijuana locked up because I’m concerned about my kids’ safety.

I actually feel safer with marijuana replacing the dangerous narcotics I used to have laying around.

When I was taking opiates & valium, I worried about safety.  An accidental overdose of those medications can be fatal.

But with medical marijuana, I don’t worry about fatal overdoses.

No one has ever died from a marijuana overdose.

In reality, pumpkin pie is more dangerous than cannabis. Let me explain.

Pumpkin Pie Is More Dangerous Than Cannabis

There are loads of substances that are actually more dangerous than cannabis. Consider nutmeg for example.

Did you know, nutmeg can be deadly?

READ: Common Things That Are More Dangerous Than Cannabis

It’s true. One tablespoon of nutmeg can kill an adult male. Pumpkin pie is made with nutmeg.

The History of Deadly Nutmeg

Nutmeg actually has a long, sordid history.  It’s been used to induce abortions and has been abused for its hallucinogenic effects.

Malcolm X’s described the abuse of nutmeg prison. People have become incredibly ill or died from purposely overdosing on nutmeg. This NY Times article references “a study in California…(that found) 72.3 percent of the poisoning cases involved intentional use.”

Should We Lock Up Our Nutmeg?

Please DO NOT try getting high on nutmeg.

Not only can too much nutmeg kill you, but nutmeg poisoning is described as a horrifically unpleasant experience.

Nutmeg poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, decreased cognition, disorientation, coma, nerve damage, hearing damage, and irregular heart rhythms. It’s been compared to a hangover that lasts for days.

Nutmeg is so lethal that American Scientist lists it as a more dangerous substance than MMDA, cocaine, and alcohol.

And unfortunately, accidental nutmeg poisonings do happen.

Hopefully, Grandma’s eyesight is keen and her measuring tools accurate, otherwise her pumpkin pie could pack a lethal punch.

Conclusion: There Are Benefits in Moderation

Seriously, before you strip this spice from your rack, keep this in mind.

When used carefully, nutmeg is perfectly safe. It may even be beneficial when used in moderation. Incidentally, the same applies to cannabis.Trending Now