Originally published: April 2026
As your child enters their teen years, and throughout junior and senior high school, it’s a good idea to talk with them about cannabis. Studies show that close to one in five students in grades 7-12 in Canada used cannabis in the past year—and of these, the average age of first use was 14-years-old.
By having open and honest talks with your teen about cannabis and other substance use, you’ll set them on a healthy path.
Here are few tips for talking with teens about cannabis and offering them the tools and support they need to make healthy choices.
Start with good information
You don't need to be an expert to have conversations about cannabis, but it helps to get the facts. Go to primarycarealberta.ca/cannabis to learn more about how cannabis affects the body and brain. This can help you feel ready to answer questions as they come up. If your teen asks you something you don’t know, find the answer together. This helps to keep conversations going.
Start talks in real time
Talking about cannabis doesn’t need to a formal, sit-down event. Try starting the conversation in real time—like when you drive by a cannabis store, see someone using cannabis, or smell cannabis. Ask your teen what they already know about cannabis and what they’ve heard from others. Really listen to what they say—the most important part of talking with teens about cannabis is listening!
Stick to the facts
Try not to lecture or scare your teen about the harms of cannabis. Stay calm and be respectful, even if your teen’s opinions are different than your own. Stick to the facts—for example, you can say:
- Cannabis use is only legal for adults over the age of 18.
- Even legal substances (like cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco) can cause harm, so it’s important to understand the risks.
- Using cannabis affects the way people think and act, and how healthy they are.
- Waiting to use cannabis until after age 25 protects the brain while it grows and lowers the risk of harms like addiction.
Focus on family values
Talk with your teen about what matters most to them, and to your family as a whole. Try to focus on the things you all care about—like staying healthy, reaching goals, or being a good role model. By talking about your shared values, you’ll get your teen thinking about what’s expected of them when it comes to using substances.
As your teen gets older, set clear rules around cannabis and other substance use. Then talk about what’s open for your teen’s input. Having clear expectations on substance use shows your teen you care about them and empowers them to make good choices.
Help them handle peer pressure
Talk with your teen about their experiences with peer pressure. Help them plan what they can say or do when someone urges them to use cannabis. Give them practical ideas, like saying ‘no thanks,’ walking away, or making excuses.
Remind your teen that they can call or text you anytime, no questions asked. Assure them that you’ll be there for them if they have a problem or need help.
Have their back
If you think your teen is using cannabis in a harmful way, talk with them. Tell them that you care about them and are concerned. Say what you’ve noticed and give examples. Tell them that help is available.
If your teen is ready to quit or cut back on cannabis, they can:
- Meet with a healthcare provider
- Call Health Link at 811
- Call the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322
- Connect with friends, Elders, and other mentors in your community.
For more information, go to:
