Marijuana, Cannabis all are in the news as we grapple with trading in guns and weapons, runaway criminal activity and people’s mental health. Universally it seems we agree on the need to legalise the use of the herb as a way of cutting down demand. My Tweets on #Cannabis #Marijuana for Parents of tweens and teens is my contribution to the task ahead as responsible parents. The legalisation of marijuana in Canada follows many other countries but remains a significant move. We find this legalisation of use in nearly all of South America, most of Asia, some countries in Europe and the Caribbean etc. So to want to smoke is not unusual. Canada is the latest country on the list. I think the problem here in Canada why it is such a big issue is that Canada has a real struggle with mental health issues. (CMHA) Canadian Mental Health Association reports that 1 in 5 Canadians will struggle with mental health at some point in their life. This is troublesome. So as we try to find the ‘good life’ for our children whose parents come from so many different countries and cultures, Canadians, here are My Tweets on Cannabis Marijuana for Parents of tweens and teens, tweets that should help you to talk with your tweens and teenagers as they fight peer pressure and culture shock. My Tweets on Cannabis, Marijuana for Parents of tweens and teens Now I will talk about #cannabiscanada where it is now legal and everyone has access. It’s a series of posts so maybe one day I will put them all together in a blog. Especially for #tweens and #teenagers. To start they call it doobies in Canada ,weed, herb, pot, ganja, purp #cannabis There are those who think they must get someone else to smoke. Whether they want to or not. The good thing is that weed is not necessarily habit forming. However there are so many versions/ strains mix-ups out there it is better that children do not smoke weed. Just like when we were young,youngsters think they have to try everything. #cannabis tends to make the person’s personality show up. If friendly and smiling, that’s what you will see. That’s why we don’t notice what’s happening so easily. Notice the red eyes and eating a lot, especially sweet foods. If you feel there is something up then quietly increase your interest over time. And remember peer pressure comes in many forms. #cannabis #Parents, If something tells you your teenage girl wants to smoke, see if you can convince her to try cannabis at home with a person she respects before going out and smoking. When you get TOO #happy things can go wrong. #cannabis @PeterTosh said Legalize it because it was the holy herb. Not a drug. Good for the flu, asthma, pain relief etc. The research centre #Jamaica has a lot to say about the medicinal benefits. It is not necessary to smoke it if you are not thinking of its religious genesis. Everything is wrong with this picture #CannabisResearch #marijuana It’s not a drug that she has to hold the last drop in a tweezer. Why is she smoking? Is this some cult? Perhaps if it so expensive then is it for her? Too many negative questions! The drugs kids are exposed to today are not the same as the ones that we knew as #parents. Make sure you know the difference between #cannabis and hard drugs like #opiates. @DrugFreeKidsCda If you do not know how can you discuss this with your children. They are very harsh when they find out you do not really know. If you have smoked then use your own knowledge without telling them “I know because I did it”. #Cannabis is often one of the first drugs a teen is offered. If used for religious purposes #rastafari, it’s different where it becomes a part of everyday life early on. There is a difference between smoking cigarettes, vapes and marijuana. The effect on the body is quite different. Cigarettes kill. #Marijuana does not. #cannabis can be laced with other substances e.g. cocaine, pesticides and other harmful chemicals #CannabisResearch The result of smoking this is hospitalization with major negative results. #Whoareyou getting it from is therefore something IMPORTANT. Most sellers do not have the health or well being of your child in mind. Try ‘normalizing ‘ the use of cannabis. Rebellious children @KidsintheHouse will lose interest. It’s better to ‘know’ what happens when you smoke or drink the tea rather than just telling them “NO!’ It might have the opposite effect! Introduce the topic at a meal or when sitting together in the car. You will be surprised at the level of interest. Remember hard drugs NO NO NO. There is no comparison.