How to Talk About Cannabis with Skeptics

We get it, cannabis has been portrayed as something that is smoked by kids who want to get high. This can ring true for some, but many of us have matured out of this phase and have found that actual healing can occur with the use of this plant.

That’s right, not a drug, a plant. That has unfortunately been demonized over the last many decades.

These days, there is good reason why “weed” is the new medicine, and it can be frustrating to have to hide something that has so much healing potential. If you have been a closet marijuana user and have always wanted to have an open conversation with your loved ones about this, we are here to help you let others know there is more to marijuana than they may think. Not only that, even the haters can benefit from it too, if only they can open their minds to that being an option.

Communication is Everything

Not only is communication everything, the way you go into a conversation is everything.

Start with identifying why you want to have this conversation. Are you wanting to be more open and honest about your lifestyle? Are you wanting to share about cannabis as a healing remedy that you think can helped a loved one?

1. Keep an open mind. Let go of expectations for how the conversation will go. Remember, for every opinion you have about something, the other person may have the opposite view. It’s okay to not agree. It’s also okay to feel frustrated if they don’t see it the way you do. Sometimes you have to be the one to recognize that the conversation needs to end. Politely say something like: “It seems we’re not going to agree on this. Let’s just move on”. Be at peace with agreeing to disagree. Then go do something to expend any frustrations/anger if needed.
2. Stay calm. Share because you want to share. If you feel like you’re trying to convince someone to see your point, and you’re constantly being met with resistance, it’s okay to put an end to the conversation. Your job is only to relay your beliefs and how this has helped you, not to convince.
3. Remember we can’t change other people. We can only change ourselves! If something is working for you, amazing. Everyone has their own journey with their health and just because we want to help them and believe what we are doing can help them, doesn’t mean they are ready for it, doesn’t mean they have to use it.
4. Pat yourself on the back. Be proud of yourself for opening the door to this conversation! Let the other person know that you’re there for them whether they agree with you or not. Trust they will find their way and what works for them.

Education is Key

Skeptics need to see the proof in the pudding. This can be annoying to those of us that are believers right off the bat, but fortunately, this work has been done for us!

The Realm of Caring Foundation is an incredible research-based resource for any doubters out there. They serve anyone who needs more information about cannabinoid therapies through revolutionary research, education and life-changing grants. “Realm of Caring (RoC) seeks to facilitate and encourage the mainstream acceptance of transformative, plant-powered therapies to benefit individuals and families and serve healthcare providers as well as the hemp and cannabis industries.”

CBD is a Great Alternative

If you feel cannabis would help your loved ones but they are anti-THC, you could always direct them to CBD via the Happy Trails website. Simply teaching that cannabis is a whole family of plants, not just one that gets you high, can be an eye-opener. Remember, full spectrum products contain trace amounts of THC, while broad spectrum and isolate CBD products will not contain any THC.

Have your loved ones check out our educational blogs starting with “What is CBD?” and The Science Behind CBD to introduce CBD and cannabis as a whole.

If you have any questions or need additional help, please feel free to reach out to any of us here at Happy Trails.