Courageous Conversations In Five Easy Steps

Twentysomethings and Cannabis, For Example

Recently, a parent reached out to me about her son’s cannabis use. Whether or not your twentysomething is using marijuana, her question is a great example of the concerns that come up for parents and how to talk to twentysomethings about them. No matter what’s going on, it’s all about braving courageous conversations–and teaching your twentysomething how to brave them too.

Here’s the message I received:

My son is 22 and a recent college graduate. He is having a difficult time launching and increased anxiety. On a recent visit, I found a receipt for cannabis gummies, and in his bank account, I see monthly purchases since graduation in June. This is likely increasing his anxiety as it has in prior years (his usage had previously stopped). Can you talk about how to address this with him when he comes home at Christmas? We don’t want him to shut down, but feel we should address it.

It sounds like this family has a history of talking about this issue, and that the son has a history of quitting. So there’s lots to build on. Even if it’s your first time bringing up something difficult with your twentysomething, use this example for some sample scripts.

Think partnering, not parenting, in five easy steps: