Talking to parents about marijuana - the truth?

[Jibult]

Well my dilemma has nothing to do with me living under their roof. I'm just wanting them to understand it, and why I choose to use it and all that bullshit they were fed when they were younger isn't true. I want them to be able to respect the decision that I made to smoke pot, and not look down their nose at me for doing so.

Then when the subject comes up, remind them that it obviously isn't something they want you to honestly discuss and tell them that you'd appreciate it if you could change the subject. If they're unwilling to respect the decisions that you as an adult make for yourself, then they don't need to know about those decisions.

If it truly is an adult-to-adult relationship then they can't really bitch about you deciding not to tell them every single detail of your life. I'm sure there's things that your parents do that they'd prefer not to tell you about... well, the door swings both ways, you know?

 

[TheLoneStarDJ]

I can dig it.

 

[double ewe]

maybe i just have a weird view of parents, but this concept of "being honest" with parents about drug use (and sex, for that matter) has always seemed a little strange to me.

i think experimenting with mind-altering substances is a very normal, healthy part of adolescence. but i also think that your parents trying to keep you from getting fucked up is a normal healthy part of adolescence as well. i don't like the idea of lying and sneaking around and all that, but i also think that, if you're a teenager who wants to get stoned, go out with your friends, get stoned, and try not to let your parents catch on. if you can't keep your shit together, then you'll get caught and learn that people who can't keep their shit together shouldn't be using drugs. honestly, it's a pretty good learning experience for real life . . you're always going to have people in your life that you need to hide your use from (landlords, roommates, girlfriends, etc.), and no amount of "truth" is going to change their mind.

i don't think i would respect the authority of parents who just let me get stoned at home. and i certainly wouldn't expect an honest conversation to change the minds of parents who were already conducting regular drug tests.