Parent Talking Tips - More About Marijuana

Talk to your kids.

While youth often seek out new experiences and may engage in risky behaviors, you can help prevent underage use by starting the conversation early, and making sure they are aware of the risks.

Start early. Talk often.

1 Talk openly and provide guidance about the risks of using marijuana.
2 Listen carefully to their questions.
3 Be respectful and understanding of the thoughts they share.

Set clear and specific rules about marijuana use. Kids are less likely to use marijuana when parents set clear expectations.

Conversation starter

What do you know about marijuana?

What do you know about how marijuana might affect your health? Do you know that marijuana can hurt your health and get in the way of your goals?

Remember our rule against using marijuana? Let’s talk about how you can refuse drugs, including marijuana, if someone offers them to you.

We want you to do well in school, so we have a rule against using drugs, including marijuana.

It is important to our family that we all stay healthy and safe. One way to do this is to avoid drug use, including marijuana. This is especially important for teenagers since marijuana can harm the developing brain. That’s why we have a rule against using marijuana. If we find out you are using drugs, what do you think a fair consequence would be?

You can have a big influence on whether or not
kids use marijuana.

Safety Tips

Safety Tip

If marijuana becomes a problem, seek treatment.

Visit the Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline or call 800-327-5050. The Helpline is the only statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services. Helpline services are free and confidential. Caring, trained Specialists will help you understand the treatment system and your options.

Keep cannabis products locked away, and out of reach of children and pets.

Remember: Getting high could impair your decision-making.

Check in with your doctor if you are using marijuana and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Driving with cannabis in your vehicle? Always keep it in a closed container locked in your glove box or trunk.

Start low and go slow with edibles! They can take one to four hours to take effect.

Always get a ride when using cannabis. Never get behind the wheel.

Only adults 21 or older can purchase, consume, or grow adult-use cannabis.

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