From what age should children know about cannabis?

Children should have the chance to talk about cannabis early, long before they come into contact with it themselves. Education therefore begins early and is adapted to age. What matters is that the information fits the child's stage of development and that the child knows it may ask questions without getting into trouble.

Why early, but age-appropriate

The risks of cannabis are particularly high for young people. The Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG) points out that the young brain is in an important stage of development. Parents need not turn this into a horror scenario. It is enough to explain the facts in an understandable way. According to the BIÖG, some young people try cannabis between the ages of 12 and 17, but only a few use it regularly. Use is more widespread among 18- to 25-year-olds. Conversations therefore make sense before children reach that age.

According to drugcom, there is convincing evidence that an early start to use leads to lasting impairments of cognitive performance. According to the BIÖG, whether cannabis permanently changes the brain is still being researched. This information suits older children who already think about school and the future. Younger children need a simpler explanation, for example that cannabis is a drug that affects the brain and that adults protect children from it.

What fits which phase

Younger children often ask what cannabis is at all and why some people take it. Answer briefly and honestly. Older children want to know what the effect is, what is permitted and how to judge friends. For young people, the legal rules belong to this as well.

The legal situation can be explained clearly. From the age of 18, possession within a limit of 25 grams is permitted (section 3 of the Cannabis Act (KCanG)). For under-18s, according to the BIÖG, possession, acquisition and cultivation of cannabis remain prohibited. Consumption in the immediate presence of under-18s is prohibited (section 5 KCanG).

How the conversation begins

1. Use an occasion, such as a film, a news item or a question from class.
2. Ask open questions that need more than yes or no.
3. Listen before you explain anything.
4. Keep facts short and ask what has been understood.
5. Give an address for counselling in case the child has questions later.

The BIÖG recommends a good time and a pleasant setting for conversations about cannabis, not in passing and not when the atmosphere is already tense. A lecture at the kitchen table, by contrast, quickly feels like a punishment.

What children should know

Some points are especially important. Cannabis can affect the psyche. According to cannabispraevention.de, people who use cannabis develop psychosis more often than people who do not. In addition, roughly one in eight people who use cannabis becomes dependent. These figures help to classify the risk without causing fear.

It is also important to know that use in a circle of friends does not determine the risks. Children should know that they may seek help if something goes wrong. Parents are the first point of contact for this, and they should say so clearly in the conversation.

Prevention is not a one-off conversation

Education works when it is repeated and grows with the child's age. A conversation at primary school age does not replace one in adolescence. Schools, youth work and counselling services can accompany the topic. Parents, however, remain the most important voice in everyday life.

Typical questions from children

Children often ask direct questions, which can be answered with a short, honest reply. “Is cannabis dangerous?” can be answered by saying that cannabis is not harmless and that the young brain is in an important stage of development. An answer that names the risks and avoids fear comes across as more credible.

“Why are adults allowed to possess cannabis?” can be explained factually: from the age of 18, possession within a limit of 25 grams is permitted (section 3 KCanG). This rule is tied to adulthood. Anyone explaining this does not need to justify the permission.

“Do Mum and Dad use cannabis too?” calls for an honest stance. Evasion often seems implausible. What you say should be true, and according to the BIÖG you should not play down your own use. Say what you consider right, and why. The child learns from this that adults take a position.

Using media and surroundings

Films, series or news offer occasions for conversation. Ask the child what it has seen, and listen before you comment. In this way an exchange develops that does not feel like a lecture. The surroundings, such as friends of the family, can also be an occasion.

If the child brings questions from school, it is worth working out together where the information comes from. Good sources are counselling services, prevention offers and official websites.

When the conversation does not work

Some children do not want to talk, and that is no sign of failure. Offer a later conversation and stay approachable. If you are unsure how to approach the topic, the Elterntelefon of Nummer gegen Kummer on 0800 111 0 550 can help.

Where you can turn

For questions about education, the Elterntelefon of Nummer gegen Kummer on 0800 111 0 550 can help. You can reach the Sucht & Drogen Hotline on 01806 313031. Further information is in the article on how to raise the topic properly. A list of materials is provided by the article on brochures for parents.