Forum Shares How To Speak To Children About Medical Marijuana

Women’s Cannabis Connection, a New Jersey-based education group with a female focus, is hosting “How to Talk to Our Kids About School Drug Education Programs” Sept. 24, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., at Nunzio’s Kitchen, 521 Raritan St., Sayreville.

The panel will feature three distinguished medical cannabis professionals: Chanda Macias, PhD, chairwoman of the Board of Managers with Women Grow and owner of National Holistic Healing Center medical marijuana dispensary in Washington, D.C.; Jessie Gill, RN, of MarijuanaMommy.com; and Aubrey Conway, medical advisory board member for Breakwater Alternative Treatment Center, Cranbury, N.J.

According to the event organizers, as the number of New Jersey medical marijuana patients grows, so does the knowledge of what cannabis is as a plant and how it works in the body as medicine. Unfortunately, parents are reporting that the knowledge of the medicinal benefits of medical marijuana (also known as medical cannabis) has not yet been translated into the curriculum of drug education programs such as LEAD (Law Enforcement Against Drugs). LEAD, which is acknowledged as an important program for our youth, should reflect the scientifically-proven facts and recognized health benefits of cannabis.

“We don’t want our children to be scared of cannabis if, God forbid, they or a loved one ever needs to use it,” Gill said.

The disparities between what is being taught and what is true about medical marijuana and cannabis and places parents who are legal medical marijuana patients or advocates in a dilemma – how can parents address the inaccuracies about medical marijuana and cannabis in the LEAD curriculum without causing further confusion or undermining other parts of the curriculum, while also clarifying the differences between harmful and beneficial drugs?

“Parents need to feel comfortable talking to their kids about cannabis, and the best way to do that is to make sure they have the proper information,” Conway said.

This Women’s Cannabis Connection ‘Let’s Talk’ event is open to the public, but space is limited. Light refreshments will be available, but the restaurant kitchen is closed at the time of the event. RSVPs are requested at this link. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door, with all proceeds donated to the Coalition for Medical Marijuana, New Jersey.

About Women’s Cannabis Connection – NJ (WCC-NJ)

WCC-NJ connects New Jersey women who are interested in cannabis and the cannabis industry. We promote education, social support, and community for women to interact with like-minded women in a stigma-free professional environment. Our events focus on issues through the lens of the female cannabis advocate whether consumer, entrepreneur, parent, professional, or patient. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/groups/WCCNJ.