As parents and caregivers, we all want to protect our kids and help them grow into healthy, confident adults. When it comes to marijuana—also known as cannabis, THC, weed, or pot — one thing is clear:
No amount of marijuana use is safe for youth.
Today’s marijuana is more widely available and much stronger than it used to be, and teens’ developing brains are especially vulnerable. Research shows that marijuana use during adolescence can affect learning, memory, attention, mental health, and even increase the risk of addiction.
That can feel overwhelming—but here’s the encouraging news: your voice truly matters. Teens who learn about marijuana from their parents or caregivers, and who clearly understand family expectations, are half as likely to ever use marijuana or other drugs compared to their peers.
At Parent Up, we know parents and caring adults are the most powerful influence in preventing youth marijuana use. With the right approach, your conversations can build trust, confidence, and protection with your child — not conflict.
Set the Stage for Meaningful Conversations
Before you begin, start by trying to put yourself in your teen’s shoes. Think about how you would want to be approached on a tough topic. Aim to stay calm, open, and respectful. When we lead with curiosity instead of judgment, teens are far more likely to talk — and listen.
Ask open-ended questions:
- What have you heard about marijuana?
- What do kids at school say about it?
- What do you think about it?
Listening first helps you understand where your teen is coming from and shows them that their thoughts matter. Conversations work best when they feel like a discussion, not a lecture.
At the same time, it’s important to be clear. You can be open-minded and firm. Let your teen know that because you care about their safety, health, and future, you don’t approve of marijuana use in any form. Clear expectations help teens feel supported and give them confidence to make safer choices—especially when faced with pressure.
Keep the Conversations Going
One of the most effective tools parents have is frequency. Talk often and casually. Conversations don’t have to be long or serious to be meaningful. Everyday moments work best: driving in the car, taking a walk, cooking dinner, or watching a show together.
Sometimes the environment offers an easy opening—passing a smoke shop, hearing something in the news, or seeing drug use portrayed in a movie. These moments can help conversations feel natural and less intimidating, and keep communication open over time.
Helpful Things You Can Say
You don’t need a perfect script. Simple, honest statements can go a long way:
- “There’s a lot of information out there about marijuana, but I want you to come to me if you have questions.”
- “If you’re worried about friends using marijuana, let me know—we can talk about it.”
(In Missouri, more than 25% of youth report having at least one friend who uses marijuana.)
- “I want you to know it’s not okay for kids to use marijuana—it’s illegal and not safe.”
- “Your brain is still growing into your mid-20s, and marijuana can interfere with that growth.”
These messages communicate care, clarity, and trust—all at the same time.
Worried about Pushback?
Here are some ways to address some of the most common things teens might say:
| What Your Teen Might Say: | How You Can Respond: |
|---|---|
| "Ugh, again?! We've already talked about this!" | “Yeah, I know we have, but it’s important to me that you know where I’m coming from and why I expect you to be drug-free. I care about you and love you. I want what’s best for your growing brain and body, so I’m going to check in with you sometimes or remind you of our rules because they keep you safe. I know you’re facing a lot of choices as you grow up and I want you to know where I stand.” |
| "Weed is safer than alcohol." | “I’m not surprised to hear you say that because many people think that. But the fact is, there is no amount of safe drug use as a teen. Your brain and body are growing so much right now, and using any drugs during this time can have long term impacts on your brain and your health. Using marijuana as a teenager can also put you at greater risk of car accidents and making poor choices about sex or other drug use.” |
| “Marijuana is legal here now. Why would it be legal if it’s harmful?” | “Many things are legal that can harm people, and especially kids and teens, like tobacco or alcohol. In fact, any drugs - including marijuana - can be more harmful to you than adults because you’re at a stage in life where your brain and body are growing so fast that it leaves you more vulnerable to addiction and the other harmful consequences of drug use.” |
| “I hear kids at school saying it’s from nature, so it can’t be harmful.” | “I get that, but when you really think about it, that doesn’t make much sense. There are many natural plants that are harmful to humans like poison ivy, tobacco, and heroin, which is made from poppy flowers. Just because someone says it’s ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it isn’t harmful.” |
| “Did you smoke weed when you were younger?” | {Answer with the truth, but bring it back to the present.} “Marijuana was a much less potent substance when I was a kid and I am really not happy with the decisions that I/my peers made when I/they did smoke. When you’re high or stoned, the ability to make good decisions is questionable and because today's marijuana is so strong, the risk is just too high.” |
| “My friend only smokes weed on the weekends and he’s fine.” | “I am glad your friend isn’t using it throughout the week, but I am worried because using any drug during the teen years can be really harmful to your brain. I don’t want you to do anything that can be harmful, that’s why I expect you to not use cannabis.” |
More Support for Parents & Caregivers
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Parent Up offers:
- Helpful information on preventing teen marijuana use and recognizing possible signs of use on our Marijuana page
- Updates to your parenting playbook on the harms of youth marijuana use in our 5 Urgent Reasons to Keep Kids Marijuana-Free Insight
- Ways to take action in our 5 Ways to Keep Our Kids Marijuana-Free Insight
- Free downloadable parent resources:
You are Your Teen’s Greatest Protection
Talking with your teen about marijuana may not always feel easy—but it is one of the most powerful things you can do to protect them. Your consistency, honesty, and presence make a real difference. Every conversation, no matter how small, helps build trust and strengthens your teen’s ability to make healthy choices.
You are your child’s greatest protection. And Parent Up is here to support you every step of the way.
