This month, I received a question from a parent about occasional cannabis use:
“Now that marijuana has been legalized and shops have opened, my wife and I like to occasionally unwind with a THC-infused seltzer or an edible. We have teens at home and are wondering: ‘Is it okay to indulge this way in front of them, or should we engage in these products on the down-low? Is it really any different than having beer or wine with dinner?’”
Thanks for raising this topic. I’m sure many caregivers are wondering about this.
First, let’s note some differences between cannabis and alcohol:
- Delayed Impact. While THC-infused seltzer may act quickly (like alcohol), edibles can take up to an hour to produce their effects. It’s therefore not uncommon for people to over-consume edibles – then feel much more intense impacts than they’d planned.
- Increased Potency. Whatever the form of the cannabis-based product, the psychoactive chemical at work (THC) is currently three to four times more potent than it was even 20 years ago. Alcohol’s potency has remained about the same.
- Alluring Presentation. Children have mistaken edibles for candy and ingested them in large amounts, leading to serious health effects (panic attacks/intense anxiety, labored breathing, inability to wake up).
That said, my advice for parents regarding their personal cannabis use is similar to my advice regarding alcohol use:
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If you choose to use either substance and have kids at home, absolutely model moderation. Don’t overdo things. That goes for the amount you use, as well as thefrequency. “Once in a while” is much better than “every weekend.” Kids have a way of observing us and our habits – even when we think what we do is “under the radar.”
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Also, model thoughtfulness concerning when you choose to use. Be sure you will not be called on to drive, or to deliver on that offer to help with your kid’s science project.
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Part of thoughtful use might mean conversing with your kids about this. You could say, for example: “Your mom and I are of legal age, we only partake occasionally, and we won’t be driving or biking tonight, etc.”
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Remember that an adult brain is less impacted by these substances than a teen brain. You might remind them that the human brain keeps growing and developing until the mid-to-late 20s.
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Be aware of how you store these products (whether cannabis or alcohol) to prevent teens from accessing the substances. I’ve written before about Massachusetts’s Social Host Liability laws, which codify that it is illegal for anyone to serve substances (alcohol, cannabis, etc.) to those under the age of 21 or to let them consume them on your property. You could be held responsible — even if you are unaware that someone is using the substance on your property. To summarize, there are some differences in cannabis versus alcohol use, but the bottom line is that with kids at home, moderation and thoughtfulness are key. Be aware of when, how much, and how frequently you use the product. And, be mindful of where the stuff is stored. Finally, if “it feels like somebody’s watching you” (to paraphrase an old song) it’s because, most likely, your kids are. Lisa Gibalerio, MPH, is the author of the Ask Lisa column, where she answers questions from parents about how to navigate the teen and pre-teen years. Lisa oversees the Belmont Wellness Coalition, a program of Wayside Youth & Family Support Network. The advice provided in this column is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have a question for Lisa, send it to: asklisa@belmontvoice.org.