Parents looking for answers on what cannabis legalization means for their kids are invited to a panel discussion at Cambie Secondary Wednesday evening for tips on opening a dialogue with teens to help them avoid developing problem substance use.
The event, Let’s Talk Cannabis Legalization, is hosted by the Richmond Addictions Services Society and organizers say they want to engage residents in discussion about changing drug laws.
“I think a lot of parents are worrying about what’s going to happen with legalization. They think world will change a lot and their kids will be susceptible,” said Clarence Chan, a counsellor with RASS with more than 20 years of experience working with youth in Richmond.
He said it’s important to understand why kids use drugs like cannabis, adding it usually comes down to three common reasons: curiosity, peer influence or stress.
Of those, stress is the reason that worries him. He says addressing the root cause of their stress and ensuring a teen has good relationships with parents, friends and a positive outlook at school can help them build resilience and be less tempted to use cannabis.
That said, Chan said parents should stay calm if they do discover their child has tried smoking weed.
“My advice for parents is don’t panic and don’t judge,” he said. “Judgement doesn’t help with open conversation. And it doesn’t’ help youth make a better choice in the future.”
Kristina Jenei, a research assistant at the Centre for Substance Use Research who will be speaking at the event, thinks drug education should shift away from the current fear-based model, and be more integrated into the curriculum.
Even though police or specialized educators can pump kids full of facts about the risks of doing drugs, she says kids will still see the pro-social side of cannabis use if their friends have fun smoking weed.
She thinks a more balanced approach that allows kids to evaluate the benefits and risks associated with drug use is a more sound approach.
“We’ve never been a drug free society nor will we ever be,” she said. “We want to give kids the tools to navigate these decisions.”
She also wants to remind parents that it’s more than just drugs that are dangerous for kids.
“The harm from drugs is more related to who uses and in what context and how much,” she said.
Looking at research, Jenei said she’s comforted to know that most youth report using cannabis in order to have fun and explore.
“That category of use is associated with the least amount of harm and the least amount of repeated, regular use.”
On the other hand, using drugs in order to cope with life stressors is associated with more problematic patterns of use.
Both speakers also wanted to remind parents that the legal age limit to purchase and possess cannabis in B.C. is 19. That means that nothing will change for teens on legalization day.
Doors for the panel discussion at Cambie Secondary open at 6:30 p.m. and the event will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to register on Eventbrite.
