Parents have the difficult task of raising their children to be humane, well-adjusted and reasonable human beings, among other things. With all the discussions regarding marijuana use and its legality, this topic has become part of the ‘talk’ alongside sex and reproductive health. If you are looking for ways to talk to your children about this plant, here tips you can follow:

Talk About the Facts

As a parent, you want to make sure that your children know about what cannabis is all about. After all, one of the most powerful things in assuring safe usage is knowledge. Here are some marijuana facts you need to talk about:

• It’s Different Names

It is understandable that you want to prevent your kids from consuming this plant until you know that they are of legal age and are responsible enough to guarantee responsible usage. This is why one of the first things your kids should be aware of is the other names attached to marijuana. Aside from being called marijuana, cannabis and hemp, some of the most common names include weed, pot, dope, hash, ganja, kaya and Mary Jane.

• The Plant

Once you introduce the various names for weed, you can proceed to tell them what exactly the plant is. You might want to talk about its two major species namely sativa and indica, as well as the two major chemical compounds found in the plant, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Then, point out that CBD is a highly medicinal component of the plant, whilst THC has the psychoactive and sedative effects.

• Marijuana Laws

Due to the medical properties of this herb, it is now legal in most of the United States, Canada, Uruguay and Thailand, while some countries are still deliberating its legality. If you live in a place where medical and/or recreational marijuana is legal, then make sure to talk about the regulatory laws enforced in your place of residence.

• Hemp Oil and Other Cannabis Products

Children and teenagers are naturally curious and you can bet that they will try unfamiliar products presented to them. Because of this, it is important to inform them that while they might avoid actual dried weed, it is still possible for them to consume the herb   unknowingly. This can be done through cannabis-infused products such as edibles and drinkables.

Expose them to Child-Friendly Materials

Now, once you discuss some of the highlight talking points about cannabis, you want to make sure that they maintain an objective view of this wonderful plant. This is important so as not to create a bias for or against the plant, and to let them decide for themselves whether or not to consume this plant. To encourage independent thinking whilst ensuring that they get safe information regarding this matter, giving them materials that tackle this herb.

For children, why not get “It’s Just a Plant” by Ricardo Cortes and “What’s that Weed” by Ross Hudson? These children’s books help involve children in the marijuana conversation by presenting easily understandable facts. Aside from this, make sure to give them an objective source, such as those informational materials you can get from the educational institutions.

By doing this, you are empowering your children by enriching their knowledge, while also giving them the chance to do some learning and thinking themselves.

Parents’ guidance is some of the most important factors in shaping the lives of children. By objectively discussing cannabis with your kids, you are making sure that they get their information from a source that has their best interest in mind.

Spring has always been a time for hope and all that springs eternal. However, for most individuals such as college students and even working professionals, spring is a time when they can relax and have the time of their lives. After all, with spring break just around the corner, more and more people are looking to experience a much-deserved break, particularly after a stressful period in their lives.

Individuals who are looking forward to this once a year occasion usually have plans in mind. Many times, people have already pencilled in parties left and right. Meanwhile, other people who are new to the allures of spring break tend to chill at home or even prefer to hang out with a select group of friends, especially with a bag of weed in hand.

Since 4/20 and spring break are only a few weeks away, preparing for this momentous occasion is only but important. Apart from preparing your ever reliable stash of ganja, you might also want to stock on some of your favorite CBD oil edibles and your preferred brand of CBD oil.

However, if you are interested in elevating this celebration, why not switch it up and replace all of your old pieces with some new ones? Whether you are looking to try CBD vape juice or looking for some fresh accessories to cop for this season, this article will surely help you get the best weed-themed spring essentials. From fashion to food to home goods, this list will have everything you need and more.

Below are some goods you can get for yourself or for your beloved friends and family. Who knows, these items might just spark their interest in collecting weed spring accessories and essentials.

For the Weed Enthusiast

There is nothing better than giving a weed enthusiast new strains and novel items on the market. To help get their excitement flowing, giving them unrefined rolling papers or even raw ore-rolled tips can greatly help to avoid the dreaded joint rolling process. With this in your (or your friend’s) arsenal, you can enjoy continuous smoking pleasure all throughout the day.

To accompany your rolled joints, get yourself or your best buds some of the finest lighters on the market. Zippo has an iridescent lighter available on their collection, perfect for 4/20 and your spring break happenings. This trippy color will certainly evoke feelings of the best dreamlike state you won’t want to miss out on.

If you find yourself always running out of lighter fluid when you need it, getting a compact, rechargeable lighter might just do the trick. Tetra has a wide range of sleek and affordable lighters you can give everyone you know.

For the Purist

On the other hand, if you want pure unadulterated pleasure, getting yourself one of the best grinders on the market will surely enhance your use. If you plan on going from different houses or venues to celebrate the coming of spring, a nifty yet durable grinder-keeper is your best bet.

The Combie grind and roll accessory allows you to freshly grind your herbs. At the same time, this travel-safe tool helps you keep your essentials in place and organized than ever before. With built-in compartments inside, this weapon of choice can hold your papers, filters, lighters, and many more. The best part? It can fit your pocket, allowing you to bring it everywhere you go.

For the Accessory Fiend

There’s always that one friend who values aesthetics over functionality. More often than not, these individuals are always drawn to cute, unique, quirky, and one-of-a-kind pieces that help them stand out from the crowd.

Some of these pieces include crystal clear pipes and uniquely shaped bongs designed to complement your lifestyle and personality. Coming in different shapes, sizes, and colors, adding one of these to your collection will definitely make your circle of friends green with envy. Some even come in pastel shades that will fit right in your coffee table, making a perfect conversation starter when you have guests over.

Another one of these timeless and elegant pieces is the ruby and diamond encrusted CBD vape pen from the ultra-luxe Beverly Hills Cannabis Club, retailing for about $196,000. If you have money to spare, this might just be the ultimate accessory you can get not only for the season but also for your everyday use.

However, if you find that this purchase is a little out of your budget, you can opt for a more modest, yet eye-catching gold weed leaf grinder from Blunted Objects that also doubles as a necklace. These are particularly made for women who love their weed yet still want casual but elegant pieces that can go with their everyday looks.

For the Fashion Forward

Gone are the days when ganja goddesses are wearing tacky prints that are obviously inspired by weed. Today, more and more individuals are being provided options that are not only subtle but also ones that appear professional. Even better, these items can be used on a daily basis and with numerous clothing pieces that can be taken from day to night.

One of these important and perhaps much-needed pieces on the market is leather clutches and bags to store cannabis essentials. Toronto-based company, Milkweed, has ventured into making these leather goods so that women – and men – can store their goods in a more natural and organic way, one that they can use without feeling ashamed.

Meanwhile, Seattle-based business, Van der Pop, makes an equally sleek and fantastic stash bag. Their secret weapon? The bag is said to conceal odor, allowing you to go on your errands and meetings without fearing like you will reek of this herb anywhere you go.

Speaking of bags, Alexander Wang previously released a blush pink bucket bag that’s peppered with weed leaf prints. Finished with a silver chain, this will surely elevate any outfit you have on. Plus points for this seemingly dainty bag since it can fit your CBD oil vape pen starter kit, smartphone, and many more.

Finish off your look with a vintage-looking cannabis-themed watch and you’re all set. The very face of this watch will remind you that spring is just around the corner and that 4/20 is not just a state of mind.

For the Homebody

Decorating homes have become a big thing over the past couple of years. Websites, television shows, and even YouTube channels are created to cater to audiences who have long been raring to renovate and enhance their own spaces. If you are one of these individuals, spring break is the best time to overhaul your space. You can even replace some of the decors in your house with weed-friendly pieces.

A ceramic tray trio will definitely fit right into your home, especially in your bathroom, bedroom, or living room areas. Complete with an ashtray, rolling tray, and stash jar, you can keep your ganja and your CBD hemp oil all in one place. You can even display your CBD beauty products using this tray from Lux Eros, leaving guests gushing about your gorgeous addition.

To add depth and dimension into your space, putting up frames is a great idea, especially when you are not blessed with a green thumb. A botanical cannabis diagram print from Etsy can easily be hung in your foyer or in your dining area. Such a subtle print will go with spaces that exude Scandinavian and minimalist vibes.

While you may be tempted to invest on some marijuana-themed throw pillows for your couch or for your bed, bear in mind that these accessories can easily mess up the balance of your place. Unless you are going for an eclectic look, opt for neutral-colored pillows that can work with different parts of your house.

For the Food Lover

Whether you are a foodie at heart or just know someone who loves food and weed as much as you, investing in some CBD hemp oil edibles for you and your friends to snack on is important. Betty Khronic has vegan energy bars that contain 50 milligrams of CBD, perfect for snacking at home or while you are on the go.

If you are worried about bad breathtaking a toll on you, worry not. Plus Gum has spearmint-flavored gum that refreshed your breath and even helps you relax, especially with its 25 milligrams of THC.

Fond of making your own version of sweets and edibles? The Magical Butter dark chocolate mix is specially formulated so that you can add herbal butter as well as ingredients and pure cannabidiol oil in. With this in your kitchen pantry, 4/20 and spring break will definitely be a magical experience for each and every one. As a matter of fact, you can just imagine making weed-infused brownies, cakes, cookies, and more.

Cannabis essentials and accessories don’t have to be boring, not ever and especially not during spring break. With these beautiful pieces, you can make your home, fashion, personality, and overall experience one for the books.

While marijuana is legal in selected US states and in Canada, teens aren’t supposed to be puffing clouds of weed because they are after all, minors. Now, with easy access to supply, parents feared that their kids will be dependent on this compound and eventually try stronger classifications of drugs like cocaine or heroin.

The issue whether kids at school need to learn about cannabis is still on the hot seat. While many experts are backing this idea, some parents are hesitant about the idea of teaching their kids about drugs which can increase curiosity.

Meanwhile, there’s Denver’s youth campaign of ‘High Costs’ which started out as traditional signage and a social media component. The campaign gets the attention of teens by including an online quiz show called ‘Weeded Out’ which helps educate these groups of people about marijuana use but in a more engaging manner.

Apparently, scare tactics don’t work for teens as they see it as being lectured on, which is something that they’re used to. Weeded Out and some other online tactics work for Denver, with more teens responding that they aren’t likely to consume marijuana not unless for medication.

“Kids can go look at that data. We want to drive them to the research. Getting them to take that responsibility for their health will have a much longer lasting impact,” said Ashely Kilroy, director of Weeded Out campaign.

Marijuana’s link to addiction

Because teens’ bodies and mind aren’t fully developed yet, consuming a variety of substance can cause unpleasant reactions. For example, a teenager can get all excited at first try because the experience is new and something different. Because smoking specific strains can bring about a variety of effects including slow motions, total relaxation and even hallucinations, a teenager can find this very addicting.

Combined with being irrational and reckless, some teens just couldn’t be controlled. In one research, it is found out that teenagers ages 24 and below uses their amygdala, a part of the brain linked to the emotions when responding to situations. Adults ages 25 and above, on the other hand, uses the prefrontal cortex, which is the rational part of the brain.

In light of this, teenagers are prone to risky situations and are not easily persuaded because a larger part of their brain is linked to the emotions, which controls their judgment.

The role of educators and parents

As said, kids learn from their home and environment. Parents have a huge role in monitoring their child and helping them understand matters that concern them. Educators, on the other hand, also facilitates students and at the same time, present eye-opener lectures that will mold the minds of these groups of people.

Teenagers need to understand that marijuana plant is powerful in the field of science and medicine but if abused, the law can interfere and have them accountable. These people also need to understand that their bodies shouldn’t be exposed to this plant for ‘fun’ or to fit in. Adults are permitted to use this substance for pain management and mental disorders, among other things.

Innovation on Cannabis

Aside from the ‘Weeded Out’ campaign, a small community college in Illinois, Chicago, created two cannabis curriculums that would help students earn certifications for patient care and dispensary specialists.

According to the Academic Affairs Vice President Ileo Lott, the new programs will provide additional training and credentials for students to advance into healthcare careers. Moreover, these programs will help students learn about the plant and be educated on its proper use.

The growing problem with substance addiction starts with tobacco smoking until an individual discovers a stronger substance. Given that teenagers are still vulnerable, they need guidance to get away from the addiction trap that can ruin their future.