Let's Talk Cannabis

Key facts on family safety

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The levels of THC in a mother’s breast milk can be 8 times as high as the concentration in her blood.

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The active ingredient in cannabis, THC, can be transferred to your baby through the placenta.

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Regularly using in your teens can permanently harm memory, learning, and attention, affecting how the brain builds connections.

Talk Tips to Prevent Kids from Experimenting

As a parent, you’re their No.1 influence on substance use and the role you play can help them make good decisions. Children who learn about the consequences and the health risks of cannabis use from their parents are shown to be significantly less likely to use. The most effective way to reach them is by having open and honest, two-way conversations about the risks. Keep reading for tips on how to have productive conversations.


TALK TIP: Start the conversation early, before kids consider experimenting (as young as 10 or when they first start asking questions).

TALK TIP: Look for natural ways to discuss cannabis, such as driving past a dispensary or seeing it on TV.

TALK TIP: Focus on the facts and how using might permanently affect their brain development, memory, learning, and attention.

TALK TIP: Keep the conversation casual, instead of having a formal family meeting or lecture.

TALK TIP: Listen carefully to their thoughts without judgement and encourage them to ask questions.

TALK TIP: Keep your cool if you suspect use and let them know they can come to you if they’re in trouble.


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Safe Storage in Homes with Kids and Pets

The safest place to store your cannabis is in a hidden, locked area in child-resistant packaging. Accidentally consuming edibles is a big risk for children and pets that could result in marijuana toxicity or the need for emergency medical attention. Dogs are especially attracted to edibles that contain chocolate, and chocolate can be very dangerous to them. Contact your vet immediately if your dog or pet has ingested a cannabis-containing product.