If you had a child and he/she asked you about marijuna what would you do? Lie, and tell them it's a bad and dangerous drug, or would you be honest? I think we should give kids a little more credit, valkrie. Introducing them to it is one thing, but being honest when they ask is quite another.

I don't smoke medically per se, but I do smoke to relax at night when my son is at his mothers. When he's here, I spend my time with him, and we have some really good discussions. The other night when we were talking, he looked at me and said "I love talking to you, dad" I don't know about you, but that made me feel really good, and appreciated.

I have no worries about my son smoking MJ at an early age. Why? Because I sat down with him in a non-judgemental way, and discussed the issue intelligently. I didn't freak out and call it a devil drug, nor did I condone the use of it. I did however talk to him about it being used and prescribed by doctors for medicinal purposes in some places.

I told him I totaly support it being decriminalized, and that he should wait until it's legal before he ever considers trying it (If ever). He actually told me after we talked about the penalties if caught that he'll never use it just because of this, but at the same time, he wants to push for legalization like me.

We also talked about the dangers of smoking at a young age (before 18) and how it could effect his mental state. He knows it's not as danerous as cigs, or alcohol, but he also knows it can have some negative effects on him, which is another reason I'm at ease. He's very health conscious, and he doesn't do things that could harm him. He makes me go outside when I smoke a cig, and he despises alcohol. He knows these things are dangerous, as is MJ when you take into account the legal ramifications of being caught.

I'm in favor of being honest with my child, valkrie. He knows I once smoked MJ, he knows I've been to jail, he knows a lot of things about me, and that's the way it should be. Better he learn these things from me than from someone else. He will ultimately decide for himself, but I can at least be a guide and example for him.

As for being that example.. ..I NEVER smoke when he's at my home, I never drink when he's at my home, and I would never ever encourage him to break the law. I walk in a manner worthy of his admiration, and as far as he's concerned, I am a law abiding citizen just trying to make a difference in the live's of those who would benefit from MJ being legal. To him, I am an activist, and someone he can look up to. My cannabis mags are simple research, and if I didn't whole heartedly believe in the benefits of cannabis, I would have done what you'd do, and keep the facts from him, lie, and allow him to stay ignorant.

MJ is not just a recreational drug to get high on, but a valid, and much needed medication. I use it to relax so I can sleep at night. I've suffered from insomnia for years, and when I don't get my sleep I get quite mental, lol! You don't want to be around me when I haven't slept for a day or two.. ..I'm a beast, arrogant and on a full blown warpath w/o my sleep. Worse than being on a whiskey drunk even.. ..

As for the kids who smoke at an early age. (14 -17) Do you honestly believe that none of them do well in school? Please, that is such an unfair assesment on your part. Many, if not most make excellent marks in school and further their studies at a university of some sort. I'd say there are more highschool 'dropouts' who don't smoke weed than do. I'd like to see some statistics on this just to cast down these kind of assumptions.

As for the dumb remark about those kids who stood for what they believed in, you should be ashamed. At least they had the courage to go against the grain. They may have been dumb.. ..I don't know but who are you to call it like that? You're sitting here suggesting to let our kids live in ignorance, and to let them "discover" drugs on their own. That's complete nonsense!

w/o being properly educated on drugs who knows what they'll get into. Meth? Heroin? Cocain? Let other people teach them then you risk them being fed false information, and they'll see straight through it.

You seem to under estimate the power of peer pressure and lack of parental influence, you got to lay a foundation, and a trust relationship early on as a parent, or you'll lose their respect, and they'll never listen to you. They will give you a big FUCK YOU and do what they want anyway. I say teach them when they ask, an be as honest as you can be. If they don't ask, then maybe you should consider being a little more open minded around them, so they feel thay can at least talk to you about these delicate issues w/o fear of being ridiculed. I'm honest with my kid, and I expect him to be honest with me. Trust is a wonderful thing when appropriately utilized....


Junk~