Guide to Educating Your Family on Medical Cannabis
Marijuana use has become one of the hottest topics in the past years, making some individuals have an emotional attachment to it. Most marijuana users who find marijuana harmless feel that the law restricting the use of this substance is discriminating against them. These users feel that allowing the consumption of alcohol and banning marijuana is very discriminating. Many believe alcohol is more dangerous and causes adverse effects than cannabis, but the law doesn't restrict or prohibit its use.
In addition, recent medical research on marijuana shows promising results for curing and treating a wide range of diseases. However, the findings seem to focus on removing some old stereotypes that directly relate marijuana users to stoners and potheads. With the medical argument and moral views of marijuana clashing, you may be confused about the right way to follow.
Luckily, most states have provided legal avenues you must follow when having a medical marijuana need. Despite following the legal avenues, it may take more time for those around you, including the family, to change their view or opinion on the substance and use it.
Medical Cannabis and Family
Many individuals find it daunting to include the family in their experience with marijuana. Many factors, such as abusing drugs in secret, may be one of the main reasons many individuals don't engage their families in their marijuana experiences. Despite the earlier experiences, you may continue with recreational marijuana use in secret to keep your kids from realizing it.
The United States started to control recreational marijuana use by taxing it heavily in 1937 and banning it in 1970. While recreational marijuana use is becoming popular in most states, experts associate it with a social stigma. Many consider recreational marijuana use part of the rebellious adolescent period, while others see it as a representation of the eroding morals among the youth. While some states allow medical marijuana use, federal law still prohibits cannabis use.
Despite the negative effects and talk on cannabis use, medical marijuana is slightly different. Some states have legalized medical marijuana use to alleviate various health concerns. Thus, you should keep medical marijuana products or use them from your family. You should be happy to talk to them about it when you have a qualifying condition.
Medical cannabis can help alleviate or treat a wide range of conditions, including:
● Chemotherapy treatment-related nausea
● Seizures disorders
● Muscle spasms resulting from multiple sclerosis and other disorders
● Nerve pain
● Crohn's disease
● Weight loss due to HIV and other infections
Most of these conditions are debilitating and have severe symptoms resistant to other medications. Medical cannabis comes as a relief to patients with these and similar conditions. Despite the health benefits of marijuana for these conditions, you can still be subject to family stigma due to the negative perception of marijuana use.
How to Talk About Medical Marijuana Use to Your Family
Talking about medical marijuana use to your family is key to changing their view on it. However, you may find it challenging to start the conversation. Despite the difficulties in talking about medical cannabis use, you shouldn't hide your medical marijuana status or feel embarrassed about using these products. Most individuals consider medical cannabis the best opportunity to relieve pain or discomfort; it should come as good news to your family.
You might be surprised by the numerous health benefits medical marijuana offers. Many people have never expected that a physician can recommend this drug due to the early perceived dangers of smoking it. With the numerous studies, you can learn about the benefits of this herb from a physician or by researching online sources.
It'll also be good to educate your family on the drug so that they can start embracing its benefits. In addition, the education will make them stop thinking about marijuana being a license to get high or for parties. Make your family understand that you did comprehensive research to learn more about the drug before using it.
When talking to the family, you can share with them the following facts:
● Cannabis is safer than alcohol, as it carries no overdose risk.
● Some medications contain marijuana cannabinoids or compounds.
● The United States has approved the University of Mississippi since 1968 to plant marijuana to feed various government-approved research.
● Scientific research shows that cannabis smoke can help to protect the lungs.
● The US authorities have approved the use of synthetic THC for medical use since 1985.
● Inhaled marijuana smoke can reach the brain and cause cellular reactions for a short duration.
● Consuming marijuana orally makes it more powerful in the body as it allows the liver to process it.
● Marijuana contains a wide range of healthy and beneficial compounds, including Vitamin A.
Engaging in a factual and evidence-based medical cannabis discussion with your family or friend may change their preconceived views on this substance. After learning more about the substance and how consuming it is helping you and other individuals with similar conditions, they'll be less inclined to judge your marijuana use.
Remember to center the conversation about medical cannabis with your family to revolve around your use and the experience you get. While the legality of medical cannabis use can be political, it shouldn't affect your conversation. Experts advise that you don't have to entice them to change their political perceptions or compromise their political stand on the herb. The main aim of the discussion is to let them understand the health benefits of marijuana and how the substance is helping you get better.
Remember, most individuals have deep political beliefs and moral views on the drug. Research shows that most individuals may become defensive when you try to challenge them. Creating or setting up a defensive mentality during the discussion will be unnecessary. Your main aim should be to tell your friends and family about the new treatment alternative you're trying and your expectations.
It'll be wise to turn the conversation or discussion to a personal level if you begin feeling that your family or friends are starting to judge you on your medical marijuana consumption. When focusing on a personal level, you may start briefing them on your different symptoms and the other conventional methods you've considered earlier to treat the symptoms. Then tell them the result you've gotten or expected from using medical marijuana. Individuals who love and care for you will support the decision to switch to medical cannabis.
Despite your earlier casual marijuana use, medical cannabis is slightly different and beneficial. You can tell your friends and family the difference. Include aspects like the potency and dosage to help them understand the serious need for medical marijuana. Explain to them that, like prescription medication, you must get your medical marijuana recommendation from a state-approved physician.
Sharing medical marijuana ideas and facts is very important for your family. After seeing the drug's benefits in alleviating your health concerns, some will also opt for this natural treatment alternative. Your experience in using medical marijuana can help others apply for a medical marijuana card and access the medications.
Educating the Kids on Medical Cannabis
In most homes, kids are more curious about everything happening. Some kids will know almost everything despite you trying to hide from them. Most kids will get what they see or know and fill in the blank before trying it later and asking more questions or information. For instance, you may wonder how a kid knows how a lady or mother got pregnant.
Thus, it'll be even more dangerous not to talk about medical marijuana use with the kids, as most will know you're keeping something from them. Unfortunately, without telling them, they may know about your cannabis use and start coming up with ideas on what the substance means and its effects. Besides your friends and neighbors, it'll be good to discuss this erroneous idea with your kids.
Talking to the kids about medical cannabis is better than allowing them to have their own conclusions on the matter. Let's look at some effective tips for talking to children about medical marijuana use.
Be honest
Studies show that most kids will know when you're lying to them, which sets a bad example. Kids will feel respected or cared for and respect you back if you become honest with them on some matters. Besides respect, it's a nice way to teach the kids the benefits of honesty and developing healthy curiosity. Therefore, you don't have any reason to hide your medical marijuana use or start cooking up stories on the issue. Always remember that kids will know when you're cooking up ideas or stories.
Be age appropriate
When having a medical cannabis talk with your kids, ensure that you consider a conversation related or in line with their ability level and age. Don't assume that the kid knows everything. You can base the conversation on their understanding of marijuana and the different effects they've heard of this drug. The best approach is to start the discussion with the basic information and add information gradually to make it appropriate.
Respond to their questions
After the conversation, you can ask them if they have concerns or questions about medical marijuana use. With kids being too curious, most will have questions to satisfy their curiosity or understand the issue better. Remember, children have varying perspectives on the world, which makes them have slightly unique questions. You can listen to the questions to understand and gauge your level of thinking on a particular subject. Ensure you respond to all their questions and concerns by giving a straightforward and honest answer.
Be positive
Evidence shows that your kids may pick up from you with trepidation if you have a positive approach to the medical marijuana issue. Despite the regulation requiring you to keep medicine in your house and away from the kids, you shouldn't make the kids scared of the products. Explain to them the positive benefits medical marijuana offers you and outline some of the side effects.
Be forthcoming
Despite looking different from the others, let the kids know you've brought a new medicine into the house. Ensure that you tell them to keep off your medical marijuana products. Explain to them that you can only take the drug after getting a licensed and state-approved physician's approval. You can tell them about the dosage if they're of age to understand the dosage requirements. Outlining these details will reinforce the facts and medical aspects that show medical marijuana isn't a license to get high or for enjoyment.
Maintain family privacy
It's always good to remind your kids that they shouldn't be sharing some of the sensitive topics outside the household. While you may be planning to talk to some individuals about your medical marijuana use, it'll be awkward for them to get it from the kids. Tell the kids to treat medical marijuana as personal health information, which they should never share with anyone else.
You make them understand better by giving examples of your neighbors or friends who don't talk about the issue at school. It'll also be important to make it clear to the kids about other family members who use marijuana for their health needs. Ensure the kids know the small circle or people in the conversation or issue.
Be open
Be open by talking to the kids about the differences between recreational and medical marijuana use. Ensure that they respond to their questions or concerns. Your use of medical marijuana doesn't allow or make it safe for kids to smoke a pot or joint. In addition, medical marijuana use shouldn't be a license for kids to start experimenting on recreational weed or other drugs.
It'll be wise to explain the differences to avoid thinking you've got a double standard on marijuana use. In addition, tell them more about the difference between prescription medication and marijuana. Ensure that the kids understand that you can only use medical marijuana after receiving recommendations and instructions from a physician.
After the kids understand these facts and know why you use the drug, the presence of the drug in the house won't lose any risk. However, always keep your medical cannabis under key and lock to reduce the risk of the kids or someone else accessing it.
You'll be less likely to have trouble with your kids when you become honest and open to them about medical marijuana. In addition, educating the kids will reduce your worry of them becoming potheads due to your medical cannabis use. Studies show that kids with adequate information on marijuana are less likely to try the drug due to curiosity.
Your kids will always come to you asking questions about marijuana if you become open and honest with them on the issue. Furthermore, it'll help you to know when they're curious about using the drug and if their friends are pressuring them to use it. After discussing the topics with kids on the medical use of marijuana, you'll find it easy to deal with the exposure and pressure of using the drug.
How to Talk About Medical Marijuana Use to Your Parents
You must break through some long-term marijuana stereotypes to talk to your parents about medical cannabis use. Some parents see cannabis as a dangerous substance and the root cause of numerous evils, while others view marijuana as the main reason most young adults throw away their lives.
Reports show that most young people combine marijuana with other dangerous and addictive drugs that taint the name of marijuana. Nevertheless, most people will combine these drugs due to insufficient knowledge and inexperience in using the products.
Talking to your parents or guardians on the medical marijuana topic should encompass educating them on the entire overview of the drugs and telling them your reasons for opting for medical marijuana products. You can follow some of the tips below when discussing medical cannabis with your parents.
Prepare for disapproval
In most cases, prepare for fierce negativity when initiating the conversation. Regardless of your age, most of these conversations are usually emotional. Hold on or be calm and say your view when your turn to speak comes. While talking, try to assume that your parents aren’t after hurting you but are concerned about your safety and still have the ancient generation's thoughts.
Get a proper timing
Understanding that your parents may respond negatively to the issue, it'll be good to plan the appropriate timing. Ensure during the discussion you are the only one around. In addition, it should be a time when they'll only focus on you and not rush to focus or attend to other duties. Remember, your parents may need adequate time to process the information or things you tell them. It'll be awkward to start such a conversation or discussion in a public place where other people can overhear you or make the parents feel self-conscious when talking about it. The environment should be good and free, allowing them to seek verifications and ask more questions.
Present adequate facts
Due to preconceived ideas and parents' concerns about your well-being, medical cannabis can be one of the most emotional topics you can engage with your parents. Ensure that you make the conversation informative and prevent emotions by presenting medical marijuana facts. You can consider the following facts from a certain 2014 article in business insider about marijuana:
● Helps control epilepsy-related seizures
● Decreases anxiety and suppresses nausea
● Treats inflammatory bowel diseases and other gut complications by blocking bacteria from the intestines
● Helps to improve lung health and function in tobacco smokers
● Reduces the side effects of cancer, Hepatitis B, and other serious diseases treatments
● THC, an active marijuana compound, slows down the death of brain cells in Alzheimer's patients
● Some cannabinoids can help inhibit the spread of cancerous cells
● Promotes sleep
● Alleviates inflammation and reduces arthritis pain
● Relieves severe pain from multiple Sclerosis-related muscle spasms
In addition, you can tell them about the Huffington Post that states some successful people like Oliver Stone, Madonna, Hugh Hefner, Lincoln Chafee, and Maya Angelou who have used medical marijuana.
You can also include these facts when having the conversation:
● The United States has reported a 5% increase in medical marijuana use from 2002 to 2012.
● More than 20 states have legalized medical marijuana use.
● Approximately 63% of Americans believe alcohol has more adverse effects than marijuana.
● Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and Colorado have legalized adult marijuana use.
Always be polite
No matter the parents' reaction to the issue, be polite. Remember, it takes more time and trust to change opinions. Avoid destroying your relationship by being disrespectful or rude. Most parents will base their belief on what they've heard or known about the drug and would want to keep you healthy & safe. While sharing your insights on medical marijuana use, respect their love for you and give them more time to research and think over the issue.
Expect a follow-up
With the numerous things you have to learn about medical marijuana, it may take more time to digest the facts. Thus, expect to have continuing conversations to address the issue. Expect the parents to think about the problems and come back to you with questions and follow-up comments. Rushing them to understand the reasons you're opting for medical marijuana might make it hard for them to understand. Experts advise that you give them time to understand and get used to the medical cannabis idea.
Expose your parents to the medical marijuana products
It'll be good to try and expose your parents to medical marijuana products if they are unfamiliar with them. Let them see how the products look and the consumption methods. Consider explaining to them the application process and how you got them. You can make your parents comfortable by satisfying their curiosity and doubt about medical cannabis.
Talking about medical marijuana use with your family is vital to help them change their view or perception of medical marijuana use. Medical marijuana has developed into the best, safe, and most effective way to alleviate various health conditions. If you have one of the qualifying conditions, you can legally apply for a medical marijuana card, allowing you to access these products. HappyMD offers a cost-effective and effortless process for applying for and getting your medical marijuana card online. Schedule an appointment today to get your MMJ card in a few minutes.
.png)