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Start the Conversation

No two conversations are the same. Answer a few questions, and get personalized conversation starters, facts, and resources based on your situation—so you can start the conversation with confidence. Whether you're talking with your child, a friend, a parent, or someone you care about, this interactive tool can help you get started.

This tool is evidence-informed and not AI generated, so it's truly unique just for you.

Who is using this guide?(Required)
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Parent Path

How old is the young person you would like to start a conversation with?(Required)
What is the young person's current relationship with cannabis?
What is the main goal of your conversation?
How might your child have been exposed to cannabis?
What are your main concerns about cannabis and your child?
Select all that apply
What is your own relationship with cannabis?
Which of these sounds most like your style of communication?(Required)

Talking Points for Trusted Adults

You don't have to say this perfectly. It might feel awkward—and that's ok. This resource will support you to open the conversation and keep it open. It will help you to have some facts ready for when questions come up. Multiple little moments to talk about cannabis are better than one big talk.

  • Setting the Tone
  • Goal of the Conversation
  • Social Context
  • Key Facts
  • Risk Reduction Coaching
  • What to Say After an Incident
  • Since You Use Cannabis
  • Closing

Setting the Tone

Can I run something by you?

You can always talk to me about this, even if you think I won't like what you say. My job is to help you stay safe and make informed decisions, not to judge you.

I’ve been thinking about how much young people are hearing about weed now. I’m curious what you’ve heard or what you think about it.

Goal of the Conversation

I want to make sure you have accurate information about weed in case you hear things that are confusing or not true. We do not have to cover everything right now. I want this to be something we can get comfortable talking about.

Thank you for telling me. I know that might not have been easy to say. I want to understand what happened and make sure you are safe, and then we can talk about what comes next.

In our family, we do not use weed at your age. Your brain and body are still growing, and weed can get in the way of that. My job is to help keep you healthy and safe.

I know people your age may be hearing a lot about weed or seeing it around. I want to make sure you have accurate information and know you can talk to me about it without being judged.

I am glad you told me. I want to understand what your experience has been. Then we can talk honestly about the risks and what support or next steps we need.

I know you are getting older and making more of your own decisions. How do you think weed could affect things like school or sports?

Social Context

I heard that some kids your age are starting to hear about or try weed. Have you heard anything from your friends?

Sometimes kids get offered things like weed. Has that ever happened to you or someone you know?

I heard that kids have weed at school or are getting it from places in the community. What have you been hearing?

I wanted to check in. Have you heard anything about weed lately or seen it anywhere?

I know some teens are using weed or talking about it. What's happening around your friends or at school?

If someone offered you weed, how do you think that would go? Or can you share about a time that has already happened?

I've been seeing more about weed in the news and community. Are you noticing that too? What is it like where you are?

I feel like there is a lot out there about weed right now. What are you hearing or what do people your age think?

Key Facts

School

Weed can make it harder to pay attention and remember things. That can make schoolwork feel harder. It can affect learning while your brain is still growing.

Mental Health

Weed can change how you feel and cause anxiety or fear. Some kids feel overwhelmed or panicky. Your brain is still learning how to handle stress.

Driving

Weed slows reaction time and coordination. That makes it unsafe to drive or ride with someone who used. Even small amounts can affect focus.

Legal Trouble

Weed is not legal for people under 21 in New York (unless medical). Having it at school can lead to consequences. School rules are separate from adult laws.

Dependency

Even though it's natural, weed can be addictive. Some people start to feel like they need it. It can be hard to stop once it becomes a habit.

School

Weed can affect memory, focus, and motivation. Regular use can make school and goals harder to keep up with. Effects are stronger with more frequent use.

Mental Health

Weed can increase anxiety, panic, or paranoia. It may worsen mental health over time. Risk is higher with a family history of mental health conditions.

Driving

Weed slows reaction time and decision-making. Driving under the influence is illegal and unsafe. Riding with an impaired driver also increases risk.

Legal Trouble

Weed is legal for adults 21+, not for teens. Possession or use can lead to school or legal consequences. Rules apply even if others around you are using.

Dependency

Some teens find it gets harder to stop than they expected. Risk is higher the earlier and more often someone uses. Stopping can be difficult but symptoms are temporary.

Risk Reduction Coaching

Most teens your age choose not to — that's pretty typical. Have a plan for what you would say if offered weed (blame your parents, sports, school — whatever works). Stick with people who respect your choices. If uncomfortable, call or text me — we can come up with a code word.

I'd like to start with better understanding why you're curious about weed. You do not have to figure this out alone—we can talk about what you are seeing or experiencing.

Try to avoid situations with pressure to use, especially if unsure.

Know your ride plan — don't get in a car with someone who has recently used.

If something doesn't feel right, pause and talk about it.

I'd like to start with understanding what you enjoy about using weed.

Your safety comes first—never drive or ride with someone who has used. Avoid mixing with alcohol. Store supplies safely, out of reach of others. Be aware of potency—stronger products increase risk. Watch for changes in mood, school, sleep, or motivation.

We can talk about ways to cut back or stop, and I can help you find support if you want it.

I'd like to start with understanding what you enjoy about using weed.

Your safety comes first—never drive or ride with someone who has used. Avoid mixing with alcohol. Store supplies safely, out of reach of others. Be aware of potency—stronger products increase risk. Watch for changes in mood, school, sleep, or motivation.

We can talk about ways to cut back or stop, and I can help you find support if you want it.

What to Say After an Incident

I know that didn't involve you, but it's a good moment to talk. What did you think about what happened?

I'm not here to jump to conclusions. I just want to understand what happened and how you're doing.

I'm glad you're safe. Let's take a minute to understand what happened, and then we can figure out what needs to change moving forward.

Since You Use Cannabis

Some adults choose to use cannabis legally. I want you to know that it’s different for young people. Your brain is still developing, and using cannabis now can affect how it grows and works. Just because it’s something I choose as an adult doesn’t mean it’s a good choice for you right now.

If you ever have questions about it—or about my use—you can ask me. I’ll be honest with you.

It’s also my responsibility to use it safely—like not driving after using and keeping it stored away safely.

I use cannabis as medicine with guidance from a healthcare provider. That's different from someone your age using it on their own. If you're looking for ways to deal with something like stress or sleep, we can figure out the best options together.

When I was younger, I tried or used cannabis. Looking back, there are things I wish I understood better. That's part of why I want to talk with you about it now. My goal is to help you make informed choices while your brain is still developing. You can always ask me questions, and I’ll be honest with you.

Closing

I'm really glad we talked about this. We don't have to have everything figured out right now. What matters to me is that we can keep talking and that you feel comfortable coming to me or another adult you trust.

This doesn't have to be a one-time conversation. We can check in again or talk whenever something comes up. I'm on your side and I'm here for you — always. Even if we disagree, I want you to be able to come to me.

You Can Do This!

You're taking the first step toward having a real conversation about cannabis and you'll do great.

Continue to the next page to download your convo starter. Feeling overwhelmed or in a crisis and need help now? Resources are on the next page too!

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Youth Path

What is the goal of your conversation?(Required)
What topics are you most curious about?(Required)
Select all that apply
How would you like to approach this?
Choose what sounds most like you
Which of these sounds most like you?

Conversation Script for Teens

You don't have to say this perfectly. It might feel awkward — and that's ok. This resource will support you in asking questions, checking in on the people you care about, and guide you as you speak up if something doesn't feel right. You don't have to figure everything out on your own. – this is just a way to help you get started.

  • Setting the Tone
  • Key Facts
  • Raise Your Concern
  • Closing

Setting the Tone

Can I ask you something about weed? I’ve been hearing a lot and I don’t know what’s actually true.

This might be random, but can we talk about weed for a minute? I have some questions.

I might be overthinking this, but I had a question about weed and wanted to ask someone about something I’ve noticed.

Hey, I’m not trying to be weird about this, but I’ve been thinking about you. Are you good?

I care about you, so I’m just gonna say it—I’ve noticed some changes and I wanted to check in.

You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to, but if something’s going on, I’m here to listen.

Key Facts

School & Memory

Does weed affect memory or focus, especially for people my age?

Mental Health

Can weed affect anxiety or stress, or is that different for everyone?

Driving

Is it actually dangerous to drive after using weed?

Legal Trouble

What are the rules for weed in New York? Like what's allowed and what's not?

Potency

What does "strong" weed actually mean? Does that make it riskier?

Edibles

Why do people say edibles hit differently than smoking or vaping?

Dependency

Is it possible to get used to it or feel like you need it?

Safety & Contaminants

How do you know if something is actually safe or tested?

Raise Your Concern

I might be overthinking this, but have things been okay lately? I've heard weed can affect mood sometimes.

Fact to lean on: Cannabis can affect mood and stress differently for different people.

Do you feel like it's something you're in control of? I've heard it can be hard to tell sometimes.

Fact to lean on: Using more often can increase the chance of developing dependence.

Hey, are you good? I've heard weed can hit people differently depending on the person.

Fact to lean on: Not everyone reacts the same—some people feel anxious or off.

Do you feel like you could stop if you wanted to?

Fact to lean on: If it feels hard to stop, that can be a sign it’s becoming a problem.

Closing

Thanks for taking the time to talk with me about this. I know I didn't have everything figured out, but it helped to be able to say it out loud. I might still be sorting things through, so I may want to come back to this or check in again later.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with me about this. I know I didn't have everything figured out, but it helped to be able to say it out loud. I might still be sorting things through, so I may want to come back to this or check in again later.

It really helps to know I can come to you, even if I make a choice you might not agree with. I still want to be able to talk about it and get your support.

You Can Do This!

You're taking the first step toward having a real conversation about cannabis and you'll do great.

Continue to the next page to download your convo starter. Feeling overwhelmed or in a crisis and need help now? Resources are on the next page too!

Cannabis Honestly

Parents & Trusted Adults

  • Cannabis 101
  • Medical Cannabis
  • Talking with Kids
  • Cannabis Impacts

Youth

  • Weed 101
  • Your Health
  • Weighing It Out

Resources

  • Cannabis Convo Starter
  • Community Toolkit
  • FAQs
  • State & National Resources

Connect

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