As of October 17th 2018, Cannabis became legal in Canada. Since legalization, both the government and public school system(s) across the country have grappled with educating children and teens. There is debate about the risks associated with cannabis use- as such, there has been a need for a comprehensive education on how the drug affects young adults. In Cann We Talk? we will cover important topics to parents surrounding the newly legalized substance. With shifting attitudes towards cannabis use, it is now more important than ever to open a dialogue with your children about the substance.
The first step as a parent is defining exactly what Cannabis is. Cannabis is a plant containing a variety of cannabinoids, including the active chemical ingredients THC and CBD in varying amounts. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. THC is responsible for the high that users experience when smoking, vaping, or ingesting marijuana. CBD (Cannabidiol) is a natural compound found in cannabis that does not produce the high that THC is well known for. CBD is hailed by many for its therapeutic benefits for sufferers of chronic pain, inflammation, depression, among other ailments. Although CBD in isolation is an effective treatment for many, pairing THC and CBD covers a much wider range of therapeutic needs in patients.
When talking to your children about cannabis, it is important to teach them how to identify the plant in in its various forms. It is also important to educate yourself on the semantics surrounding cannabis culture, and how to prepare your child for any new words they may encounter.