At Thanksgiving dinner a few years back, I took my first step out of the cannabis closet by telling my parents -- my conservative, religious parents -- that I used cannabis. Though cannabis continues to gain mainstream acceptance, understanding, and approval, individual attitudes toward it vary based on a multitude of regional, historical, and cultural factors, and in some cases it can feel a lot like you're turning yourself in.
Yet there's no better way to change people's minds about cannabis than by being a living, breathing counter-example of Reefer Madness stereotypes. In the same way that public demonstrations of support and pride helped fuel the LGBT rights movement, coming out for cannabis also generates momentum as it normalizes and humanizes the issue. If you're a cannabis consumer thinking about making that public proclamation to those closest to you, here are a few tips to help it go as smoothly as possible.
With sweaty palms, a racing heart, and a beet-red face, I finally unleashed the secret I'd been keeping locked away in an airtight, smell-proof container the last several years. It was a small Thanksgiving dinner with only my parents and siblings, and as full plates of food turned to crumbs, I knew it was now or never.
When you decide to make the move for yourself, consider who will be present and what the general mood will be. For me, that was a holiday dinner with just my immediate family. Spirits were high, bellies were full, and wine glasses were empty. I knew there'd be plenty of time to talk it out, and my siblings were there should I need any their support.
If the spontaneous bomb-drop "we need to talk about something" angle seems unnatural, segue from a relevant conversation. Maybe your state will be voting on a marijuana initiative, or a family member is complaining about a symptom that could be treated with medical cannabis. Whatever your point of entrance may be, just make sure it's done in a comfortable environment with enough time to discuss.
"So I got a job… at a cannabis website." It was out. I waited for their disappointed reaction with tense muscles, expecting some kind of verbal slap. But when I looked up, my parents smiled and gave sincere congratulations. When I told them I also used it and had since I was 21, they were no less supportive and spirited. OK. Well. That was unexpected.
Your family may surprise you by their reaction, especially if you're expecting the worst. If you've never had a conversation with them about cannabis before, try it out to gauge where their opinions are. Had I done that earlier, I'm sure I would have had no problem coming out from the start.
Both of my parents work in medicine but had very little knowledge of why cannabis helped certain conditions or the breadth of therapeutic compounds offered by the plant. When my 90-year-old grandparents later came to visit, this was about the only angle I could use to get them to understand why I was so passionate about a drug they were taught to hate.
Here's your chance to make an impact. Be responsive to their challenges and questions. Tell them about emerging cannabinoid research, smoke-free methods of consumption, and how more and more mainstream medical organizations are coming out in favor of medical marijuana. Balance your knowledge of the benefits with your awareness of the risks, and explain how those risks are often massively overstated by government agencies. If you're not sure of where to begin collecting persuasive ammunition, gather ideas and materials from Leafly's Cannabis 101 articles.
If you're using cannabis illegally, that may concern the parents. They certainly don't want to see you get into any trouble, but if you live in a state without legal recreational or medical marijuana, taking a stand is that much more important. How else are you going to inspire change?
If you aren't comfortable revealing incriminating details, the best thing you can do is to simply state your opinion on the issue. Be educated about the effects legalization has on public health, incarceration rates, underage use, and so on.
Ideological differences are always going to exist between generations and individuals, and while it's important to remain steadfast in your attitude toward cannabis, know that your family may always feel differently. Responding with respect and understanding is the absolute best way for you to close the conversation, and who knows? They may come around once they process what you've told them. After all, there's a reason public opinion toward marijuana is changing so rapidly.
This article was originally published as "How to Come Out of the Cannabis Closet to Your Parents." For this and more articles on cannabis news and culture, visit Leafly News.