Marijuana use eroding family
Q Marijuana’s become part of our extended family, through my sister, her husband and now my cousin.
I never know when they’re high and when they’re coming down from one.
I have to always be on guard, especially if my little boy is with me.
It’s tough to hang out with them. I feel our relationships are being eroded.
They speak openly about marijuana in front of my parents and have pushed for them to try it. My father has high blood pressure and recurring back pain. My mom’s fighting cancer. They just smile and listen.
I’m uncomfortable with these discussions even though there are medical benefits to marijuana use. I believe there are also negative psychological effects after the high.
My parents give my sister and her husband money whenever they visit. I’m afraid, though unsure, whether it’s being used to buy pot.
Marijuana Worries
A As marijuana use generally and publicly increases wherever it’s legalized, non-users will be faced with adjusting or avoiding it within their own environment.
It’s up to you how you handle these encounters. However, protecting your young child is essential.
According to research by
Dr. Karen Wilson, a U.S. pediatrician and lead author of a study showing that children absorb chemicals from second-hand marijuana smoke, “there are detectable marijuana metabolites (small molecules) in the urine of children who’ve been exposed to marijuana.”
The Harvard Health blog notes there’s evidence to suggest that when children, youth and young adults (whose brains are still developing) are exposed to marijuana, it may have permanent effects on mental processes, memory, and even IQ.
You have a right and responsibility to explain to your sister and anyone else, that there cannot be any marijuana use (smoke or pot-laced foods) around your child nor you in your own home.
If you live with your parents, explain the risks and request that visits from your sister and others be marijuana-free.
Your mother may indeed benefit from medical marijuana use related to her cancer, but that should be discussed with the doctor who’s treating her.
As for the money given to your sister, it’s none of your business so long as it doesn’t affect you or your child’s health.
You need co-operation here. Being judgmental won’t help.