Parents' Guide to Marijuana

Book excerpt: Responsible parents know that marijuana isn't appropriate for teens, but they also shouldn't lie when they explain why. After hours of drug education that contradicts what they've seen with their own eyes, teens are understandably wary of negative opinions about the plant. Parents who rely on similar disinformation often find it costs them credibility and respect. With this guide, parents learn how to have healthy, honest discussions with their teen while forging a stronger relationship. It shows parents how to dispute widespread propaganda about pot and establish themselves as reliable authorities so they can fit relevant, casual chats into everyday interactions and never have to lecture or plead. Then, with their reputations and integrity intact, they can explain how frequent use of marijuana causes problems. Even parents who experimented, or who continue to experiment, can use these innovative strategies to explain their rational objections to teenage marijuana use.