How to Keep Your Medical Cannabis Safe from Your Kids
Introduction
If you're embarking on a medicinal cannabis journey and you've obtained your medical cannabis card online, the task of safeguarding your prescriptions around children can be a daunting one. Within the CannabisMD Telemed community, many patients find themselves in this situation, and various families have devised effective strategies to ensure the safety of their children and prescriptions.
In this guide, we will explore practical tips for secure storage, delve into approaches for discussing cannabis with kids, and offer insights for unique family structures, including co-parenting scenarios.
The Practical: Tips for Safe Storage and Security
You've acquired your medical cannabis products, and now the challenge is keeping them out of the reach of curious little hands. Ensuring the safe storage of medical cannabis is not only crucial for keeping it away from children but also to prevent accidental ingestion and potential marijuana poisoning. Children are naturally curious, and if cannabis products are not stored securely, there is a risk of unintended exposure.
Here are some practical tips for safe storage:
Containers and Convenience
Tight-Fitting Lids: Opt for containers with tight-fitting lids, especially if you have small children or infants at home. Consider placing them out of reach on high shelves or inside locked cabinets to prevent accidents.
Dispensary Bottles: Utilize the dispensary-provided containers, which often come with child-resistant features. This is an excellent choice for parents with young children, as the locking lids can be challenging for them to open.
Lock and Key: If your children are older and more capable, consider using a secure lockbox or safe to further restrict access.
Tip: Gradually upgrade your storage containers to align with your child's developmental stage, ensuring proactive measures rather than reactive ones.
The Philosophical: Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Marijuana
Open and honest communication with your children about cannabis is crucial. Here are some age-appropriate conversation scripts:
Developmentally Appropriate Conversations
Preschool to Elementary School: Emphasize the concept of personal medicine, clarifying that everyone has their own designated items.
Middle School: Discuss the use of plants for health, highlighting its adult nature and emphasizing its legality for their age.
High School: Articulate your choice to use cannabis for health, not recreation, and stress the legal consequences for underage use.
Note: While discussing cannabis may introduce social stigma, attitudes are evolving, and maintaining boundaries is vital.
Setting (And Enforcing) Boundaries
Establishing and enforcing boundaries is key to maintaining a healthy relationship with your children and protecting your confidentiality. Ensure boundaries related to privacy, respecting belongings, and consequences for potential violations are clearly communicated.
Tip: Develop a plan for addressing boundary violations, helping you respond calmly and effectively to unexpected situations.
Cannabis Smoke Indoors and Children
It's essential to consider the potential risks associated with cannabis smoke indoors, especially when children are present. The inhalation of secondhand smoke can have health implications for children, as their respiratory and immune systems are still developing.
Research indicates that exposure to secondhand cannabis smoke can lead to adverse effects on respiratory health, potentially exacerbating conditions such as asthma or respiratory infections. This concern becomes particularly relevant in indoor settings, where ventilation may be limited.
Considerations for Special Circumstances
Co-Parenting
If you share parenting responsibilities, keep your co-parent informed about conversations with your children. Their input may provide valuable insights or address potential concerns.
Chosen Family/Adoptive Children
For families with chosen or adopted children, tailor your approach based on the dynamics:
Communicate with friends or chosen family members living with you about their preferences for discussing cannabis with their children.
If you're an adoptive parent, involve birth parents to an appropriate extent based on your child's age and the relationship.
Children with Special Needs
Adapting the general advice to your child's unique needs is crucial:
Keep communication developmentally appropriate.
Clearly define boundaries, considering your child's understanding.
In some cases, it may be best to focus on secure storage rather than initiating a conversation if it's not developmentally appropriate.
By incorporating these practical and philosophical approaches into your routine, you can navigate the complexities of keeping medical cannabis safe from your kids, fostering understanding and maintaining a secure environment for your healing journey.
FAQs
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Choose containers with tight-fitting lids, such as dispensary bottles or lockable containers, based on your children's ages. Gradually upgrade storage solutions proactively, keeping items out of reach and implementing secure options like high shelves or locked cabinets.
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Tailor your conversation based on your child's developmental stage. Emphasize the medicinal aspect, highlighting that it's a personal choice for health. Acknowledge the evolving attitudes towards cannabis and set clear boundaries to maintain trust and healthy communication.
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Yes, communication is key. Keep co-parents informed about conversations with your children and consider their input. For chosen family or adoptive situations, respect the preferences of others living with you and involve birth parents appropriately. Adjust your approach for children with special needs, focusing on developmentally appropriate communication and secure storage if needed.
