Talking about medical cannabis as a parent

Mental health and medical cannabis

Sadly, there is a bitter irony in how some people who use medical cannabis to ease their symptoms of mental health conditions, find themselves stressed by having to justify their treatment choice, or defend its legal status.

This added pressure can actually affect their mental health - the very thing they’re trying to improve, because they’re unintentionally handing over control to others' opinions, misconceptions, and misunderstandings.

We want to make sure no one feels like this, and so, if you’re a parent wondering how to discuss medical cannabis treatments with your children, stick around for some compassionate advice and ideas. 

FAQ: Should I tell my kids I take medical cannabis?

It’s completely up to you! 

Ultimately, our health is private to us as individuals, and we all know our own families best, so only share what you’re comfortable with. 

However, it is important to refocus and remember that medical cannabis is a legal and effective treatment option for a wide variety of conditions, and should be seen as the positive aid that it is. Taking medical cannabis is a conscious, clinical decision you have made to better or benefit your health, and it is not a drug that you take to ‘let loose’ recreationally. 

If you do choose to have this conversation, make sure that it's suited to their level of understanding, pick the most appropriate time and place, and allow your children to ask you questions so it becomes an informed learning experience. 

FAQ: Should I hide my medical cannabis use from my children?

It is completely natural to want to shield your children from certain things, but, as a parent you are also responsible for your family dynamics, and can lead by example.

By being open about, and explaining, your medical cannabis treatment to your children, you may encourage them to be more open, or honest, about things they are dealing with themselves. 

That being said, if you vape medical cannabis, it is advised you do not vape in an enclosed space around children. This is not because medical cannabis is a treatment to be ashamed of, or one that should be seen as taboo in any way. It is because there are some risks associated with inhaling vapour and second-hand vapour - especially for younger children. 

Top tips: talking about medical cannabis with children

Educate yourself first

To help make things clearer and easier to understand for your children, make sure you have accurate information about medical cannabis, how your treatment plan works, and how medical cannabis differs from recreational cannabis. 

Ensure you know the answers to the most frequently asked questions about cannabis-based treatments, and can explain how it benefits your health condition and you, as an individual, so that you can convey this with confidence to your children. 

Pick the right time and place

Being a parent can be hectic, and sometimes it can be hard to find time to even take a breath. But, it is important to find the right time, and pick the right place for your child when you choose to tell them about medical cannabis. 

Children, and adults, respond to the environment around them. So, make sure you find a quiet and comfortable setting so you can have a calm, uninterrupted conversation. Allocate enough time so that you can have a well-informed discussion, and answer any questions your child may have so they feel reassured and relaxed. 

Take an age-appropriate approach 

Depending on the age and maturity of your children, tailor your explanation of medical cannabis to fit their understanding. 

Younger children might need a simpler explanation, focused on the fact that this medicine has been given to you by a doctor to help you feel better. Explain how your treatment helps you on a daily basis, like by reducing your pain level so that you can participate in their activities, or play games with them more often. 

If your children are teenagers, explain the difference between medical cannabis and the recreational use of cannabis. Remind them that you are not committing a crime, and that you are in fact helping your health, and be open about answering any questions they might have.

Encourage questions and discussion

Acknowledge that there are misconceptions and stigmas surrounding medical cannabis, and that your children may feel hesitant or worried because of this. Let them explore how they feel about your decision to take medical cannabis, and reassure them that this is a legally approved and effective treatment for your health condition. 

Explain that your treatment plan and health are being overseen by a team of expert clinicians and specialist doctors, and encourage them to ask you any questions they may have. Be open, honest, and receptive to their queries, and pay attention to their reactions. 

As a parent, there are so many things to worry about when it comes to your children, but now we hope that talking to them about medical cannabis is no longer one of them! 

At Releaf, we believe that access to medical cannabis is important. That's why we offer tailored monthly packages based on your cannabis prescription, specialist consultations for medical cannabis, and a unique medical cannabis card for protection.