What's one piece of advice you would give to parents or guardians who are navigating conversations about cannabis with their children? How can they approach this topic responsibly?

As a child psychologist and parent consultant, the topic of drug and alcohol use comes up often in my office. This can be quite a complicated topic for parents to address and often requires a well thought out approach to make sure that you provide information, rather than attempt to scare your child into the behavior you prefer. I find it is helpful to explain to kids that like all things, there is going to be a lot of information around them about cannabis. What it does and what it does not do is going to vastly differ depending on who you talk to and where you look. I would recommend parents provide thorough information including the pros and cons about using cannabis (ex. yes, it can help some people feel less anxious but also can increase anxiety long term). This will help your child know that you are not just trying to scare them away from using something "forbidden," which can increase its' appeal but giving them information so that they can make informed choices. In this conversation, I also recommend parents share the reasons why people are often using cannabis and explaining that while it is understandable to want quick acting relief from challenges, anything that is quick in providing relief should not be a long term solution to challenges. Instead of using terms like "unhealthy coping," I find it useful to explain short term versus long term coping. I think the more parents can talk openly and reasonably with their children around the temptation to cope using any quick fix solution, the better. Even if your child still chooses to utilize cannabis, it helps if they have an adult to talk to about it.

Don't wait for "the talk." Make it a conversation — ongoing, honest, and rooted in real life. My kids were around 8 or 9 when I first explained why I used cannabis. I was in deep, undiagnosed pain from Lyme disease. It was either cannabis or opiates — and I knew the slope opiates lead to. I needed to function. I needed to mother. I needed to run my business. Cannabis gave me that back. I've always framed it as medicine, not a substance to hide. And now that they're older, our conversations go deeper: about plant medicine, body autonomy, intention, and the endocannabinoid system we're all born with. They understand that cannabis isn't something to abuse — but something to respect. That hitting a bong at 16 for a dopamine hit isn't the same as microdosing cannabinoids to support anxiety, pain, or even spiritual practice. My advice? Lead with transparency. Ditch the fear-based narratives. Teach them how to listen to their bodies. Talk about dosage, context, and intention. Real talk lands. It always has.

One piece of advice I'd give to parents or guardians is to approach the conversation about cannabis with openness and honesty. When I had this talk with my teenager, I made sure to create a space where they felt comfortable asking questions without judgment. I focused on explaining the potential risks—especially how cannabis can affect brain development during adolescence—while also discussing the importance of responsible use in adulthood. I think it's essential to emphasize that the goal isn't to shame but to inform and equip them with the knowledge to make their own choices. We also talked about peer pressure and how to navigate situations where they might be offered cannabis. It's about fostering trust and making sure they feel supported, not lectured. Keeping the conversation ongoing, rather than a one-time talk, has been key to maintaining an open line of communication.

My strongest advice is to prioritize open, non judgmental dialogue early and often. Start by asking your child what they already know or have heard, this helps you correct myths and tailor the conversation. Frame cannabis use in the context of brain development like impacts on memory, mood, and motivation, and not just right vs. wrong. Teens respond better when they understand the why behind boundaries. Also, model responsibility. If you use cannabis yourself, be honest about your reasons and any precautions you take. Avoid scare tactics, they often backfire. Instead, focus on empowerment like "Your choices matter, and I'm here to help you navigate them". And watch for changes in behavior like withdrawal, slipping grades, as potential red flags, and don't hesitate to seek professional support if needed.