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CANNABIS KNOW HOW- How to talk about Cannabis with teens?

lundi 17 avril 2023

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7 tips on how to talk to teens about cannabis to remain in contact and in discussion with them.

Young people should not use cannabis. But how should I, as a parent, teacher or educator, react when young people start to be interested in cannabis or, despite the ban, even consume it?

Adults often find it difficult to talk to young people about cannabis because they feel insecure about the topic, among other things. So some may think that the best prevention is not to talk about it at all, according to the motto « silence is golden ». In everyday life, however, it often becomes apparent that silence does not make the topic « disappear ». Even purely deterrent appeals (« You end up as a junkie ») are usually not effective.

Sooner or later, adolescents come into direct or indirect contact with cannabis. Adults should support young people in developing the skills needed to deal with cannabis (not using cannabis is also dealing with cannabis!).

An open culture of discussion in which « difficult topics » can also be discussed is favourable. Not all consumption is abusive and not every abuse automatically leads to addiction. However, there is no such thing as risk-free consumption!

Parents, teachers and educators should pay attention to where young people « stand » and react in tricky situations. This can only be achieved with the help of an open culture of dialogue.

On the following pages are some hints on how to talk to young people about cannabis without the conversation being doomed to failure from the outset.

First of all: trust and empathy are indispensable foundations for talking about cannabis

  1. Ensure a good conversation situation

– A positive climate of discussion is needed in which all participants are willing to listen and are willing to understand each other.

– Take the time for the interview.

– Even door-to-door conversations can sometimes leave a lasting impression. However, it should not remain exclusively with this form of conversation. The issue should be taken up at a later stage.

– Choose the location of the conversation in such a way that it creates a good atmosphere but also offers enough intimacy.

– Eliminate, as far as possible, conversation disturbers (e.g. the smartphone should remain switched off).

  1. Ensure open and unbiased communication

  • Do not go into the conversation biased and show interest in young people and their topics (appreciation).
  • If parents, teachers or educators already believe they know everything, one should not be surprised that the conversation goes differently than planned.
  • If you don’t understand something, ask without making assumptions or judging.
  • Understanding does not automatically mean agreeing.
  • Do not make the young person feel like he has to justify and defend himself; give young people no reason to lie.

  1. Clearly communicate your thoughts and worries

  • Use I-messages, i.e. share how the behavior of the young person affects you and what it triggers in you.
  • Relate to your concerns, show personal concern.
  • Do not make suspicions/insinuations that can be accusatory or hurtful (avoid « you »  messages).
  • Show that young people can be trusted; with hasty suspicions and criticism, messages such as « you cannot be trusted » can quickly be conveyed.

  1. Clarify the situation – but please without interrogation

– Listen carefully and allow other points of view.

– Stay tuned and don’t settle for unclear/rash explanations.

  • But do not exert pressure, it is not an interrogation.
  • Suspicions are also counterproductive, do not make the young person the « culprit ».
  • Drug tests, searching the room or bags, etc. can put a considerable strain on confidence, especially if the worries turn out to be unfounded, future conversations are rather difficult.

  1. Don’t be provoked

– In adolescence, one of the developmental tasks is often to provoke others… But don’t let yourself get out of the concept and keep a « cool head ».

– Do not take the possible provocations personally and do not overestimate them.

– Remember your goal: get along with each other and stay in conversation.

 

Important: Even if adolescents in puberty sometimes seem provocative or closed and do not want to discuss everything with adults, they need the certainty that you are interested in them and that they can get help whenever they need it.

  1. Address your own (non-)use of cannabis

– Before the interview, think about how you would like to deal with the following possible question from the young person: « Have you ever smoked pot yourself?

– There is no clear « right » answer to this. The possible answer depends on many other factors, e.g.: age of the adolescent, relationship with the interlocutor, etc.

  1. Bring expertise into the conversation

– About some basic knowledge about active ingredient, effect, addiction, consumption risks, etc. should be disposed of in order to be able to have a credible discussion.

– However, the conversation must not end in an « expert discussion » or appear « teacher-like ».

– Deliberately exaggerated or false information should be avoided.

– If the knowledge reaches its limits, feel free to ask a counselling centre for advice.

You can get informations about Cannabis at cnapa by calling 49 7777 55 or per E-Mail to cannabis@cnapa.lu or oer WhatsApp 691 49 77 55  

Additional Notes:

– Talks about cannabis should not take place after a « cannabis incident »

(if, for example, a teenager was caught smoking weed).

– It’s about breaking the taboo on the subject of cannabis…

– Addiction prevention takes place in everyday life and is not just a matter of experts.

– Stay in the conversation, even if it can be uncomfortable at times.

Head for a common goal, which can also consist of partial goals. It also usually takes several conversations. One goal could be to address the noticed, possibly problematic cannabis use and to refer the user to a counseling center. Or perhaps the possible desirable goal of abstinence cannot be achieved in a first step, so a partial goal could be to accompany the consumer on the way from regular to occasional consumption. It is important to show young people that you are there for them when you are needed and at the same time you should give young people enough space to make experiences themselves.

What to do if cannabis becomes a problem?

There are good reasons why young people should not use cannabis. If they do it anyway, many remain with a single or an occasional consumption (trial consumption). Of course, no consumption is without risk… but what to do if cannabis becomes a problem? Don’t stay alone! In such a situation, it is important to seek help. Contact your family or friends, with whom you can discuss what might be « best » to do. But do not be afraid to inform yourself at a help or advice center.

Here is a selection of more Cannabis Know How cards:

For any further questions about Cannabis please feel free to contact our Cannabis Hotline:

  • By phone: (+352) 49 7777 55 every Tuesday between 9 m-1pm & 2pm-5pm
  • By E- Mail: cannabis@cnapa.lu
  • By WhatsApp: (+352) 691 497 755

 

Méi informéiert – manner riskéiert