Legalized Pot is Making Drug Talk Difficult for Parents

Many years ago during the 1980s, when the message was “just say no,” parents talking to their kids about marijuana use was fairly simple. The old fried egg TV commercial said it best: “This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?” It was easy enough for parents to just tell their kids to not smoke pot because it was illegal and killed brain cells.

With recreational pot use legal in two states and medical use legal in 20, the national attitude and climate about weed seems to have shifted. President Barrack Obama recently told the New Yorker that he doesn’t think using marijuana “is more dangerous than drinking alcohol.” Studies have come out saying that marijuana use is not as harmful as once thought and it appears that the nation has become somewhat desensitized to it.

What do parents tell their kids about pot use now? Should they continue to pound home the “just say no” message, or preach responsible use? The debate is likely to continue for a long time to come.

Momentum is pointing toward more and more states legalizing recreational use of marijuana, especially considering the overwhelming financial success enjoyed in Colorado. Regardless of what lawmakers decide, however, it’s important to stress to your children the benefits of a substance abuse free life.

Minors caught with marijuana or alcohol are subject to various levels of criminal prosecution, despite the recent loosening of laws in New Jersey and throughout the country.

The attorneys at The Wilton Law Firm are experienced criminal defense attorneys serving clients throughout New Jersey. If you’ve been charged with a crime, contact us today to discuss your case and set up a free consultation.