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Marijuana has been legal for recreational use in New Jersey for several years now, making it more visible in communities, media, and even conversations among teens. As accessibility increases, many parents worry about how to guide their children in making responsible choices.
Talking to teens about marijuana in New Jersey requires open communication, factual discussions, and clear expectations. Whether your child is hearing mixed messages from peers, encountering marijuana products in social settings, or simply curious about its effects, a well-informed conversation can help them navigate this landscape safely.
Here are five essential tips to help parents have productive and meaningful discussions about marijuana with their kids.
What Should Parents Know About Marijuana Legalization in New Jersey in 2025?
Since the legalization of recreational marijuana in New Jersey in 2021, the state’s cannabis landscape has continued to evolve. As of 2025, it’s crucial for parents to stay informed about current laws and their implications to guide their children effectively. Here’s what you need to know:
Legal Possession and Use
- Adults Aged 21 and Over: Individuals 21 and older can legally purchase and possess up to six ounces of cannabis or 17 grams of hashish. Consumption is permitted in private residences or designated consumption areas; public use remains prohibited. (ACLU of New Jersey)
- Home Cultivation: While there have been legislative discussions regarding home cultivation, as of now, growing cannabis plants at home remains illegal in New Jersey. (New Jersey Legislature)
Implications for Minors
- Underage Possession: For individuals under 21, possession of up to six ounces of cannabis is decriminalized but not legal. Instead of facing criminal charges, minors receive written warnings, with parents or guardians notified upon the first offense. (ACLU of New Jersey)
- Health Considerations: Cannabis use can adversely affect brain development in adolescents, potentially impacting memory, attention, and cognitive functions. Regular use is also linked to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. (New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission)
Parental Guidance and Responsibilities
- Open Dialogue: Engage in honest conversations with your children about the risks associated with underage cannabis use. Emphasize that while it’s legal for adults, it poses health risks for developing brains.
- Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate your family’s stance on cannabis use, ensuring your children understand the legal and health implications.
- Model Responsible Behavior: If you choose to use cannabis, do so responsibly and away from children. Ensure all cannabis products are stored securely to prevent accidental ingestion.
Legal Considerations for Parents
- Child Custody and Cannabis Use: Legal cannabis use by parents does not automatically impact custody agreements. However, misuse or behavior that endangers a child’s welfare can influence custody decisions. (New Jersey Family Law)
Staying informed about New Jersey’s cannabis laws and maintaining open communication with your children are vital steps in promoting their well-being in this evolving landscape.
1. Establish an open conversation, not a lecture.
Your children likely have questions about marijuana use, so creating a conversational space or a dialogue will help them feel comfortable asking questions.
To avoid lecturing, let your children know that you’re interested in their feedback, perceptions, and questions about marijuana use at the beginning of the conversation.
Employ active listening techniques to ensure your children understand you’re hearing their concerns. Don’t interrupt them, and make sure you restate what they say, asking if you’ve got it right. Making sure your kids feel heard can go a long way in strengthening their trust in you regarding this sensitive topic.
2. Offer facts, not opinions.
When discussing marijuana use with your children, providing up-to-date and accurate information is essential. Recent studies indicate that approximately 30.7% of 12th graders reported using cannabis in the past year, with 6.3% reporting daily use in the past 30 days. Additionally, about 51% of 12th graders perceive cannabis as easy to obtain.
It’s also important to note that adolescents who use cannabis are at a higher risk of developing cannabis use disorder (CUD). Research has shown that early-onset cannabis exposure is associated with a greater likelihood of developing addictive disorders in adulthood.
Providing these facts can emphasize the serious nature of the conversation and equip your children with the information they need to make informed decisions. Moreover, it’s crucial to clarify that, despite legalization, driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal, and employers may still conduct drug tests, with potential employment consequences for cannabis use.
3. Discuss why some people use medical marijuana.
Medical marijuana has been recognized for its therapeutic benefits in managing various health conditions. In New Jersey, the Medicinal Cannabis Program permits patients with specific qualifying conditions to use cannabis as part of their treatment plan. Understanding the legitimate medical applications of cannabis can provide context when discussing the topic with your children.​
Qualifying Medical Conditions in New Jersey
As of 2025, New Jersey’s Medicinal Cannabis Program includes a comprehensive list of qualifying medical conditions, such as:​
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Anxiety
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Dysmenorrhea
- Glaucoma
- Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease
- Intractable skeletal muscular spasticity
- Migraine
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Opioid Use Disorder
- Positive status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Seizure disorder, including epilepsy
- Terminal illness with prognosis of less than 12 months to live
- Tourette Syndrome
Medical vs. Recreational Use
It’s essential to distinguish between medical and recreational cannabis use:​
- Medical Use: Prescribed by a registered healthcare provider to alleviate symptoms associated with specific medical conditions. Patients undergo a certification process to participate in the state’s Medicinal Cannabis Program.
- Recreational Use: Utilized without medical justification, often for its psychoactive effects. While legal for adults over 21 in New Jersey, recreational use is subject to different regulations and does not require medical oversight.
Potential Risks for Adolescents
While medical marijuana serves therapeutic purposes for qualified patients, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential risks associated with cannabis use, especially among adolescents:​
- Brain Development: Regular cannabis use during adolescence can interfere with normal brain development, potentially leading to issues with learning, memory, coordination, reaction time, and judgment.
- Mental Health: Adolescent cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis. ​
- Academic and Social Consequences: Teens who use marijuana may experience school difficulties, problems with memory and concentration, increased aggression, and a higher likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors.
Guidance for Parents
When discussing medical marijuana with your children:
- Educate: Provide factual information about the differences between medical and recreational use, emphasizing that medical use is intended for specific health conditions under professional supervision.​
- Set Clear Boundaries: Clarify your expectations regarding cannabis use, reinforcing that while it may be beneficial for certain medical conditions, it is not appropriate or safe for underage or non-medical use.​
- Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a safe space for your children to ask questions and express their thoughts, fostering trust and understanding.​
By addressing the topic comprehensively and compassionately, you can help your children navigate the complexities surrounding medical marijuana and make informed decisions.
4. Clarify your expectations regarding drug use.
Every parent has their own expectations regarding marijuana use. Before you talk to your kids, decide upon your expectations and clearly set them during the conversation.
With clear boundaries, kids can make informed choices when peer pressure happens or when they otherwise encounter marijuana. Answer any questions about why you have these specific boundaries regarding marijuana use.
5. Reassure your children that you support them and value their health and safety.
As a parent, your goal is to protect and guide your children while respecting their independence. Talking to teens about marijuana in states like New Jersey, where marijuana is legalized, can be a sensitive topic, but ensuring they feel supported and heard will help them make informed, responsible choices.
Balance Rules With Open Communication
While it’s important to set clear expectations regarding substance use, rigid rules without explanation can push teens toward secrecy or rebellion. Instead of framing conversations about marijuana as one-sided lectures, approach them as ongoing discussions where your child feels comfortable asking questions.
- Use a Supportive Tone: Let your child know that your rules about marijuana are rooted in love and concern for their well-being, not just discipline.
- Acknowledge Their Perspective: Teens may view marijuana differently than previous generations due to legalization and societal acceptance. Validate their curiosity while reinforcing boundaries.
- Encourage Future Conversations: Emphasize that this is not a one-time discussion—your child can always come to you with questions or concerns.
Emphasize Health and Safety First
With New Jersey marijuana laws and parenting evolving, teens need to understand that legal cannabis does not mean risk-free cannabis. Reinforce that your role as a parent is to help them prioritize their long-term health and safety.
- Discuss the Risks of Underage Use: Explain how marijuana use before age 25 can impact brain development, memory, and decision-making. (CDC)
- Address Peer Pressure: Equip them with strategies to say no in social situations without feeling excluded or embarrassed.
- Talk About Responsible Decision-Making: Even if they encounter marijuana in legal settings when they’re older, remind them to consider its effects on their health, education, and future opportunities.
Create a Judgment-Free Environment
Teens are more likely to listen and share their thoughts when they feel respected. If your child admits to being curious or even experimenting with marijuana, avoid immediate punishment or fear-based reactions. Instead, ask open-ended questions and reinforce your expectations in a nonjudgmental way.
By making how to discuss cannabis use with your child an open, ongoing conversation, you build a foundation of trust. Your child will know they can come to you for guidance rather than seeking unreliable information from peers or the internet.
Ultimately, the goal is to equip your child with the knowledge and confidence to navigate situations involving marijuana safely and responsibly while knowing they always have your support.