I’m not particularly pleased about it, but I prefer that my son smokes weed rather than drink alcohol any day.
My son, Alex, graduated high school last year and opted to pursue a career in the trades instead of attending college. He wakes up early for work, sometimes clocking in 10 to 12-hour days. If there’s weekend work available, he takes it. He has big dreams of starting his own company one day, and his motivation is evident in everything he does.
After a long day, he hits the gym. He learned early on that exercising, eating high-protein meals, and getting sufficient sleep keep him feeling good. He has a tight-knit group of friends with whom he enjoys dining out and tinkering with their trucks, dirt bikes, and four-wheelers. He has a passion for learning how to fix things and dives into all his interests wholeheartedly.
Unlike some of his peers, whether in college or not, he isn’t into drinking or partying late into the night. He prefers the comfort of his own bed after a long day.
However, he does enjoy smoking weed. He doesn’t indulge in it first thing in the morning or while driving — he treats it like some might enjoy a glass of wine to unwind. That’s part of why I’m not overly concerned.
Reflecting on My Own Past
At 19, I was consuming too much wine and smoking a pack of cigarettes daily. My parents were oblivious to my habits because I was away at college. If they had tried to intervene, I likely wouldn’t have listened. Recreational cannabis is legal in our state, though he’s not of legal age yet. I remind him of this often, which is about all I can do. It’s a reality that teenagers often engage in activities they know they shouldn’t, and as parents, we can only do so much.
A Safer Choice
In my opinion, alcohol poses greater risks compared to cannabis. I drank heavily at his age, and it’s a wonder I made it through. Alex dislikes the taste of alcohol, its effects on his body, and the way it can disrupt his early morning routine. If he can’t wake up early to work and hit the gym, he’s not content. I’d much rather my children smoke weed than drink.
Open Communication
No parent enjoys seeing their child smoke. However, if I were to constantly interrogate him, demand details about his sources, or ground him, he would likely hide it from me. We’ve come to an understanding: he can smoke outside, but not in the house. This arrangement allows him to be responsible, avoiding sneaky behaviors or risky situations.
A Responsible Young Adult
Alex is dedicated to his job and only misses work when he’s unwell. He helps around the house and is very independent. He smokes weed about once a week to unwind, and it doesn’t interfere with his daily responsibilities. He’s not lounging around all day with the munchies.
As parents, we must choose our battles wisely. I was shocked when I first discovered he was smoking, but I have faith in him. He is nearly 19 and will soon be moving out, so I must give him the space and freedom to make his own choices. For many, cannabis provides relief from anxiety, and I know he won’t stop simply because I say so. Instead, I choose to enjoy the remaining time he has at home and allow him to indulge in his preferences.
For more insights into navigating modern parenting issues, check out this related post.
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