{"id":23100,"date":"2024-09-01T11:17:17","date_gmt":"2024-09-01T17:17:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goldcrownfoundation.com\/?p=23100"},"modified":"2024-09-10T12:01:45","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T18:01:45","slug":"teens-and-marijuana-use","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goldcrownfoundation.com\/es\/teens-and-marijuana-use\/","title":{"rendered":"Iniciar la conversaci\u00f3n: Los adolescentes y el consumo de marihuana"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Marijuana is no longer just a clich\u00e9 word; it's become a significant part of Colorado's culture, whether we like to admit it or not. That's why it's crucial to have open conversations with your teens about what marijuana is and the risks associated with its use. This is especially important for teens, as studies show that marijuana use disorder is 4-7 times more common in those who start using before age 18. Experts from Children's Hospital Colorado provide guidance on how to begin this conversation with your kids.<\/p>\n

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Recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado for people 21 and older. In many communities, there are numerous dispensaries, or places to buy marijuana, with inviting and colorful storefronts and clever names. This can make buying marijuana as easy, and seemingly as safe, as going to the coffee shop.<\/p>\n

When marijuana is readily available, it can make the decision of whether or not to use it confusing, especially to children and teens. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to talk to your kids about marijuana. Give them\u00a0the facts about marijuana<\/a>, make sure they understand the risks and keep the lines of communication open.<\/p>\n

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How to start the conversation<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s never easy to\u00a0talk to your kids about substance use<\/a>, but you \u2014 and, believe it or not, even your kids \u2014 will be glad you did. You should start talking to your children about marijuana around age 10. But if a younger child asks about the drug, give them simple, straightforward and age-appropriate answers.<\/p>\n

No matter what age you start the conversation, be sure to keep it going throughout their tween, teen and young adult years.<\/p>\n

Remember, these conversations don\u2019t need to be a formal, sit-down event. In fact, it\u2019s best to look for everyday opportunities where the topic comes up more naturally \u2014 such as when you\u2019re driving or walking past a local dispensary.<\/p>\n

Be honest<\/h3>\n

Your kids are smart. They\u2019ll probably know if you aren\u2019t being honest with them when you share information about marijuana or your feelings about the drug.<\/p>\n

This includes sharing your own experience with marijuana. You do not need to go into detail about past or present use, but if your child asks, be honest. Take the opportunity to explain that marijuana should only be used legally (for adults over 21 years of age), never to excess and never in a way that compromises anyone\u2019s safety, such as when driving.<\/p>\n

Listen<\/h3>\n

No matter how young or old your kids are, the most important part of your conversation about marijuana is listening. Let them ask any questions they have about the drug. Ask them what they already know, what they\u2019ve seen or what they\u2019ve heard from their friends.<\/p>\n

If your kids bring the topic up, never be too busy to stop and talk to them about it.<\/p>\n

Share the facts<\/h3>\n

If your kids are relying on their friends, TV or social media for information about marijuana, chances are they have received lots of misinformation.<\/p>\n

You want to present information about marijuana objectively. Approach the topic openly, sharing information about:<\/p>\n