Plan to have many short talks. You don’t have to cover everything at one time.
Talk With Your Kids About Cannabis Risks
You are the number one influence on your child. It’s never too early—or too late—to talk to your kids about the risks of any substance use, including cannabis. Research shows that having a strong relationship with parents significantly influences children’s decisions on whether or not to use substances.
Key tips for talking about marijuana with young people:
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Keep it light and informal; have talks while driving or going for a walk.
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Make your expectations and feelings about substance use clear.
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Let them know you are always available to talk.
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Be sure to keep the conversation going; issues facing children change as they get older.
Health Impacts
Cannabis and substance use impact the way teens think and can harm their health, making it harder to do well in school or sports. Learn more about health risks for young people.
Store it Locked
If you use cannabis, you must store it in a locked container. Learn about cannabis storage and safety tips here. Remember: it is illegal to give cannabis to minors.
Resources
If you need additional information about talking to your child or seeking treatment, visit our Resources page.
Accidental Cannabis Ingestion
Accidental ingestion occurs when a person or animal eats, swallows or otherwise takes cannabis into their body, usually without knowing what it is. It’s important to know the signs of cannabis ingestion so you can get help or treatment, if necessary.
If your child is unconscious or having trouble breathing, walking, or sitting up, they may need immediate medical attention. Dial 9-1-1 right away.
Signs of Cannabis Ingestion Include:
If you think your child or pet may have accidentally ingested cannabis:
Call your healthcare provider or the Connecticut Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Watch your child and keep them in a safe area where they are not at risk of falling. Have your list of cannabis products handy.
1-800-222-1222Avoid accidental cannabis ingestion by storing cannabis locked and away from children and pets. Learn more about storage safety on our Health & Safety page.
